Chapter Thirty-five

I had just convinced Tye into agreeing to spend the night, when my phone rang. It was William. I was so flustered and shocked the last time I had seen him and I wasn’t sure what to say to him now. I didn’t remember telling him what Nick had said to me, even though I probably should have, I had been in no shape to discuss it then.

“Hello,” I said into the receiver.

“Hey, E,” he sighed. “Are you alright?”

I hesitated.

“Elsk?” Will persisted. I glanced over at Tye, who was sitting quietly on the couch staring at me, hanging on to my every word.

“No,” I replied. “I’m not sure if I ever could be after everything.” I turned away from Tye’s piercing gaze.

“Do you want to meet me somewhere?” he asked hoarsely.

“I don’t know,” I started. “My brother’s over.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll ask,” I said then covered the receiver with my hand holding the phone about an inch away from my ear. “Can I slip out for a few hours to take care of something, or would you rather I stayed with you?” I asked him, hopeful.

“It’s Will, isn’t it?” Tye asked. I nodded. He sighed. “Alright. You should do whatever you need to right now, I’ll be fine.” I took my hand off the receiver and brought the phone back to my ear.

“I’m here,” I said, then looked back over at Tye, noticing him still staring at me I mouthed silently to him ‘Thank You.’

“So, what’s the verdict? You want to meet me somewhere?” Will inquired again.

“I’d like that,” I told him.

“Store rooftop? Twenty minutes?” he suggested.

“Sure,” I mumbled.

“See you in a bit,” he said.

“Bye.” I hung up.

Walking over to the closet by the front door, I reached in and grabbed my jacket, throwing it on. I turned to Tye as I opened the door.

“Thank you,” I said again. “I really need to do this.” And with that I strutted out, purpose in my step, shutting the door behind me.