76. Rosalyn

SEVENTY-SIX

ROSALYN

"Earth to Rosalyn," Presley singsongs.

I shove my phone into my pocket. "Sorry."

We're standing at the back of my van, between the two open back doors, putting the empty food containers back.

Today's event was a family reunion. And it was in a nice area with plenty of street parking, so we found an empty section of the block, giving us plenty of space for loading and unloading our wagon.

Presley props her hands on her hips. "Instead of apologizing, how about you tell me if the person on the other end of that phone is Nate Waller?"

My cheeks start to heat, giving Presley the answer she wants.

"I knew it!" She fist pumps.

I shake my head. "It's?—"

"Let me stop you right there." Presley lifts a hand and counts off her fingers as she goes. "Complicated. You're busy. You have history."

"How did you know we have history?" I ask, wanting to know what gave it away.

She grins. "I was just guessing, but thanks for confirming." I roll my eyes. "But seriously, the way you two were, pardon my French, eye fucking each other at that picnic, it's obvious there's something there. Not to mention the absurd amount of money he tipped."

When Presley saw the money I sent her, I told her Nathan insisted I split it with her. If she knew it was simply my guilty conscience, she would have rebuffed it.

I grab a container out of the wagon, preparing to turn to put it into the van. But I freeze.

There's a car driving toward us.

The speed limit here is low. They aren't going fast.

But… the car is starting to veer out of its lane.

Toward us.

They'll correct.

The car keeps coming.

They'll slow down.

They don't slow down.

They're getting closer.

They aren't stopping.

Then I see the driver. Slumped against the wheel.

"Presley!" I drop the container.

"Wha—"

With no time to explain, I turn and shove her as hard as I can.

Presley yells something as she stumbles back, falling onto the sidewalk.

I feel a little bad. But she's out of the way.

Safe.

I try to follow her.

Try to get out of the way.

But then the sound of metal meeting metal fills the air, and I know I'm out of time.

I have one moment to feel fear.

Then all I feel is pain.