Page 5 of Dead to Me

“Peaceful.”

“That’s good.”

“It was.”

China laughed.

“Okay, this is awkward.”

I looked at her.

“Why?”

She blinked. I turned back to Malcolm.

“We’re adults.”

“Exactly,” China said quickly. “That’s exactly what I told him.”

They had talked about me. Of course they had. I wondered how many times they debated if inviting me was a mistake.

Malcolm shoved his hands into his pockets.

“I’m glad you came.”

I almost laughed, but instead I stepped a little closer.

“So am I.”

Something changed in his face. Maybe it was fear, or maybe guilt. With Malcolm, those two always looked the same.

China clapped her hands together.

“Good. See? This is going to be fine.”

Everything had seemed fine six years ago too. Then police officers kicked in my apartment door at five in the morning. I was twenty-four when the judge sentenced me. Just twenty-four.

China tugged my arm.

“Milan?”

I blinked.

“Hmm?”

“You okay?”

I smiled.

“Perfect.”

Malcolm watched me. He knew I was lying. He’d always been good at reading me. Or maybe he wasn’t anymore.

I turned toward the front desk. A young woman behind it smiled.

“Welcome to The Bellamy.”

“Reservation for Milan Hart.”