Across the Vanishing Sky (Starlight Grove, #1)(102)

I cleared my throat. “Testing, one, two, three. Isn’t that what they do in the movies?”

Ridley laughed, and the sound was breezy. Effortless. As if she made it all the time—even though she’d been through hell. She’d lost her twin sister the night before their college graduation. I knew that much just from following the show.

“You’re official now. And perfectly in range,” Ridley said. “You ready?”

She met my gaze through the camera and held it. She didn’t look away, even when I didn’t speak at first. She kept holding that focus as if to tell me she was here with me, no matter what.

“I’m ready,” I croaked.

Dex squeezed my hand, telling me he was there, too.

“All right. Let’s do this.” Ridley moved her mouse again, clicking something on the screen. “Brae, you’ve been friends with Nova almost all your life.”

I nodded, then immediately realized no one would see it. “Yes.” I swallowed. “Since preschool. But our bond was really cemented in the third grade. A boy was picking on both of us, and we teamed up for revenge.”

Ridley grinned. “Sounds like my kind of friend.”

“She’s the best friend you could ask for. Nova is like walking sunshine. But the kind set aflame because she’s so fierce. She’s the friend who always has your back. Your first call when something goes right or wrong. Your biggest cheerleader and always a safe place to land.”

Ridley’s gaze went a little misty. “Sounds more like you’re sisters.”

Warmth spread through me, knowing Ridley got it. “We are.” An image of Vincent popped into my head, his face twisted in anger at what I’d shared about his lack of presence in his son’s life. But I wouldn’t be silenced. He didn’t get to steal Nova’s gifts just because it made him look bad.

I sucked in a breath, knowing I had to tell Dex about the encounter after this, knowing I needed to make plans. But first, I needed to show up for Nova the way she’d shown up for me countless times.

“Our bond is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever been given. When I got pregnant at nineteen and didn’t have anyone to help me, Nova stepped in. She helped me start over. She helped raise my beautiful son. She’s our family, and we’ll do anything to bring her home.”

“She sounds like an amazing woman,” Ridley whispered.

“She is,” I croaked.

Ridley asked more gently guiding questions: about Nova, about the time she’d been gone, the disappearance itself. And then she ended with one final question. “If you could say one thing to Nova right now, what would it be?”

“I love you,” I rasped. “I love you, and I miss you, and I’ve never stopped looking. Not for a single day. You aren’t forgotten.”

“No, she isn’t,” Ridley said firmly. “And the Sounds Like Serial family is going to make sure her name and face are spread wide. We’re going to try to help you find some answers.”

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Ridley nodded, moving to click more things on the screen. “You were great. I know it takes a lot out of you, so make Dex feed you a snack and then try to sleep as much as possible tonight.”

“I’ve got ice cream in the freezer,” Dex assured her.

“That’s perfect.” Ridley smiled and then turned back to me. “Have Dex give you my number. Text or call anytime. I’m always here, even if you just need to talk to someone who’s been there.”

“That’s really kind. Thank you.”

“I wish I could do more. If no progress has been made by the time I wrap up this case, I can head to you guys next. Do a deep dive on Nova’s disappearance.”

God, she was so kind. Because I knew what she really wanted to do was go home after her current case.

I gripped Dex’s hand harder. “That means more than I can say.”

“Happy to help.” Ridley glanced over her shoulder. “I’d better go before Law Man gets hangry. No one wants that.”

A soft chuckle left my lips. “Have a good night.”

“You, too.” Her gaze flicked to Dex. “Take care of yourself, and don’t get arrested.”

Dex laughed. “I’ll do my best.”

With a wave, Dex clicked out of the video chat and closed his screen. Then he turned to face me. “How do you feel?”

“A little wrung out. But good, too. Like I’m actually doing something. She has a different demographic than the other media I’ve gotten coverage from. Maybe it’ll shake something loose.”

“It might,” Dex agreed. His lips fluttered slightly as if he were fighting a grin.

“What?”

His beautiful mouth found a full smile. “You were jealous. When she got on the call. Weren’t you?”

I let out a huff. “She’s gorgeous. And she’s all it’s been way too long. I was a little annoyed. That’s all.”

Dex’s laugh was full-out this time. “Jealous…twice.”

“Whatever,” I grumbled, even though he had a point.

Dex leaned in and brushed his mouth over mine. “You’re cute when you’re jealous.”

I shoved him. “You’re annoying.”