Page 54 of Where We Stay

“That’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

“And your name?”

“Blair.”

I pay and move toward the end of the counter to wait for my liquid gold.

The bell above the entrance chimes behind me.

I turn toward the sound and come face-to-face with Dean.

Of course.

Because apparently thinking about him all afternoon wasn’t enough.

“Oh, hey,” I say with a smile.

Real smooth, Blair.

Dean’s eyes meet mine, and a slight smile appears on his face.

“Afternoon,” he replies. His gaze moves over me briefly before returning to my face. “Car still running?”

“That’s your version of hello?”

“I said afternoon.”

“Right. Very warm and personable.”

His smile grows. “Is it?”

“She’s running perfectly,” I assure him. “Thank you for asking.”

“Good.”

Dean looks toward the menu above the counter as though he hasn’t lived in this town his entire life.

“Didn’t expect to see you here,” he says.

“Am I only allowed to exist stranded on the side of the road?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“Haven’t decided yet,” he replies, a glint appearing in his eyes.

Before I can think of a response, my phone starts ringing inside my bag.

I assume it’s G. She’s about the only person who calls me anymore.

When I pull it out, the screen flashes with two words that make my stomach drop.

UNKNOWN NUMBER

Everything inside me freezes.

My body becomes heavy while my heart pounds hard enough that I’m convinced everyone in the café can hear it. The room suddenly feels too warm. Too crowded.

My breaths turn shallow.

Too quick.