Daydream (Maple Hills, #3)(56)

Oh. That was an unexpected twist. “I guess. I don’t know, I haven’t really thought of it like that. The self-worth thing: they definitely thought I was boring when I look back.”

“Just because they didn’t appreciate how great you are to be around doesn’t mean the rest of us don’t. Also, soda is statistically less roofied than alcoholic drinks, so, a win is a win.” The shock must show on my face because she frowns. “What? How else am I supposed to cope if I can’t make jokes about it?”

“Campbell, do you need a hug?” I ask.

“Oh God, you full-named me.” She’s laughing, but I watch as my words settle, and she nods. “Yeah. I sort of do.”

I move to the space beside her that isn’t covered in healthy snacks and wrap my arms around her shoulders. She hugs me back, and we sit there quietly until she speaks. “Your boobs are really comfy.”

“Thanks.”

“You should go before I fall asleep on you.”

“You sure? I can stay. I’ll just need to text Henry to let him know I’m busy.”

“No, you’re good. Need to get back to my compartmentalizing anyway. Breakfast at ten?”

“Yup. See you there.”



* * *



I’M STILL THINKING ABOUT CAMI and the other people who had their lives impacted in the worst way that night as I pull up outside my house.

Henry is sitting on my porch, and like a bad fucking omen, Will’s name comes up on my caller ID again. Henry stands with his sketch pad and overnight bag, mouthing, “Are you okay?” when I don’t get out of the car.

Reluctantly, I press answer, rationalizing I’d rather get it over with now instead of having him potentially call all night. “Hey. What’s up?”

“Since when does it take calling you six times to get you to answer?”

“Since when do you call me?”

“Your sister is here,” he says flatly.

That gets my attention. “What do you mean your sister is here? Where? Where are you?”

“You sure forgot my schedule quickly, Hallebear,” he says, and if I could reach through the phone and shake him I would.

“What the hell would Gigi be doing in San Diego on a Friday night? Are you trying to stress me out on purpose or are you just that oblivious?”

“I wouldn’t call me oblivious when one of us knows why your sister is in the wrong state and one of us doesn’t.”

I hate him. I hate him so much. “Will, put Gigi on, please.”

“She doesn’t know I’m calling you. She specifically asked me not to call you, actually. She didn’t think you’d be chill about it, and I’m inclined to agree with her. She’s safe, though. I’m looking after her.”

“I feel like you think I won’t drive to San Diego and murder you, but I will. Explain, now.”

He laughs, and the urge to get on the road increases dramatically. “I like you when you’re feisty. Gianna lied to your parents and said she was going on a campus tour with a friend and friend’s parents. Clearly nobody followed up with anyone’s parents because the friend is older than Gi and can drive, and they were actually visiting the friend’s older sister. Gi and her friend had an argument about sneaking into a party and the friend said bye-bye. I got a call after my game—won by the way, thanks for asking—from your sister, asking if you were here, then when I said no, she asked for a place to crash. And because I’m a good guy, I said yes.”

Gianna’s sudden interest in college tours now makes sense.

“Where is she now?” I ask Will.

“She’s downstairs watching TV with the guys.”

“You left my baby sister alone with your roommates? For fuck’s sake, Will. Go get her! My mom is going to flip.”

“I think you should come down. We can work out a plan to return her and probably avoid telling your mom altogether.”

Henry’s looking really concerned by my front door as I look between him and my windshield. “Fine. I’ll leave in a second. Do not let her out of your sight. I mean it, Will. Make sure everyone knows she’s a minor. If I get there and they’re so much as looking in her direction, I will burn down your house.”

“Whoa. Jesus, Hals,” he says, and I’ve shocked myself as much as I’ve shocked him. I think I’m still reeling from finding out my friends had their drinks spiked, and I’ve never liked Will’s roommates. As not funny as this situation is, it’s funny to think that if Gigi had turned up on Henry’s doorstep, I’d have no worries about leaving her in the care of his friends. “I’ll make them all wear blindfolds if it makes you happy. Just get here.”

As soon as I climb out of my car Henry walks toward me. “I need to go to San Diego. It’s a long story, can I call you from the car to explain?”

“Do you need me to come?” Henry asks.

“No, no. It’s just little sister stuff, and you have a game tomorrow. Would you be able to feed Joy for me and hang out with her for a little while? If you can’t, I can ask Mrs. Astor to take her until I’m back.”

“Cat duty. Got it,” he says. His hands cup my neck and I instinctively gravitate toward him, his lips press against the crown of my head. I want him to do it a million more times. “Call me if you need me. I’m pretty sure Aurora can charter a helicopter or a jet.”