My boyfriend’s scent is a balm soothing the sore parts of my body and soul as he cradles me close. My name is a whisper on his lips, making me hold on tighter. “I texted you earlier, and when I didn’t hear back, I was worried. But then the levee broke and the river flooded. My uncle needed every hand he could get to sandbag the farm. We fought it for as long as we could, but the water rose so fast we had to get out of there. It’s such a mess. And I still hadn’t heard from you. I was freaked out, Taryn. I didn’t know if you were still alive, or if the flood had gotten to you. It made me realize how much I need you. We’ll make it work when I leave this fall. I won’t have it any other way.” His hands ripple up and down my spine, as if to verify that each inch of skin is intact. I shiver under the touch.

  Reaching up, I press the pad of my finger to his mouth, quieting his worried words. “Other than a cut finger, I’m okay. I admit, it got a little hairy for a minute, but Justin and Karen got there in time. And I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you before we left. I wish I could have, but there wasn’t time, and I was worried Viv—”

  “I know. Lamb was out front, and he told me what happened to her.” Esau loosens his grip, running his calloused palms from my shoulders down to my hands to tangle his fingers with mine. The warm touch is like the sun’s rays on my skin, making me glow.

  “He did?” My eyes roam over his expression. Giddiness bubbles up at the way his attention slips from feature to feature like he can’t take in enough of me at once. And despite Lamb’s assurance that he doesn’t hate us, I’m still pleasantly surprised the sheriff defended me to Esau. Old man must be going soft.

  “He said you thought you didn’t have a choice.” Esau’s thumb coasts over my lower lip before his eyes dart behind me. “I’m glad you’re okay, too, Audrey.”

  Behind me, my sister laughs. “Thanks.”

  Esau’s eyes find mine again. I tighten my grip on his fingers. “Still, I’m sorry about this. I can’t imagine what this day was like for you. Fighting to protect your farm, and then not being able to get ahold of me. If it makes you feel any better, they caught the bad guy. It’s done.”

  Running his fingertips along my jaw, Esau burrows into my hair. “Glad to hear it. I’m going to kiss you now.”

  I peep along the hallway. Audrey is a few feet away, talking to Deputy Kelley. Several more people dot the space.

  “In front of an audience?”

  “I don’t care.” Pure, unfiltered joy overwhelms my system when Esau’s mouth lands on mine. It’s a short kiss, a promise, and it’s exhilarating, like jumping into the ocean’s waves and trusting them to carry me to shore.

  Chapter 35

  Half an Hour Later

  Audrey

  The cafeteria is bursting with people. Every table is full. My lungs constrict as I realize how many of them won’t have a home to go to tomorrow, when the storm clouds have blown away and the sun has risen. Where will they all go while they’re waiting on aid?

  Justin shuffles toward the food line, but I hang back. Karen waits beside me, patiently studying my face. “So, our house? Did it flood?” Based on what she told me, it should be okay since it’s on the opposite side of town. The dairy is there too, and I’m hoping that since she didn’t mention it, it’s come through the storm mostly unscathed.

  “I haven’t been back in hours, but it’s not in the flood zone, so it should be fine. Wouldn’t be surprised if there was some wind damage, but nothing we can’t fix.”

  I smile, surprised at how glad I am to hear that the old building is likely intact. “That place used to creep me out. It makes a lot of weird noises.”

  Karen laughs. Gestures past my shoulder with her chin. “It sure does, but you get used to it. Looks like you’ve got company.”

  My heart palpates with excitement. “Noah?”

  “Join us when you’re ready.” She moves toward the table Justin has claimed.

  I spin around. The boy standing a few feet away, drinking me in with fierce brown eyes behind black frames, makes my heart flutter. Noah looks like the best thing I’ve ever seen with his wild, looping curls, his Henley hugging his lithe body. “Hi.” I wave shyly, sliding toward him.

  I stand awkwardly at arm’s length, wanting to tackle him, but not knowing for sure if he’d be okay with that. My mouth goes dry, wishing he was mine. That I could step into his arms without hesitating. I should have taken Taryn’s advice and had a define-the-relationship with my favorite boy before this. It would be a lot easier if I knew where we stood.

  Noah’s pupils blow wide behind his glasses, his lips splitting into a bright smile. My name floats between us on an exhale. The look he gives when our eyes meet devastates my insides. “Audrey…” His eyes brush over me in a reverent caress.

  He’s here. Noah is here. Came to see if I was still alive, by the look of concern scrawled across his brow. “I’m okay. We’re all okay.”

  Noah shifts, and his mud-caked shoes bump mine. “Are you sure? Do you mind if—Can I touch you?”

  It’s the only sign I need. The barrier between us is demolished. He laughs when I fling myself into his arms and wrap my own around his waist. My clothes are just as wet and dirty, so a little more mud isn’t going to stop me.

  When we finally part, his palms skim from my wrists up to my shoulders, and rest there, bringing his face closer to my own. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t get here sooner. It was a long night.” He rakes a hand through his hair. “But from what I’ve heard over the radio, your night was pretty wild too. You don’t have to tell me what happened if you’re not ready, but answer me this: Are you really okay?”

  I sigh, swaying closer. For the longest time it bothered me when he’d ask me that, because I was never okay. Because it seemed like I never would be. There were always open questions hanging in my mind like ripe fruit weighing down a tree’s branches. But now, all of those questions have been answered. No more living under those drooping boughs. I’m ready to step out into the sunlight.

  “I’m okay. Really.” Taking his other hand, I inch closer until there’s barely any space between us. Look up into Noah’s sweet face. “Before anything else happens, can I ask you something?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Be my boyfriend?”

  Noah nods, his mouth a happy curve from ear to ear. “I’ve wanted to be yours since almost the day we met. So yes, I’d love to be your boyfriend.”

  The first light of the morning sun shines through the cafeteria windows, making it glow as I lift up on tiptoes to brush my lips over his. Joy is like a warm breeze across my skin as he kisses me back.

  Noah doesn’t let go of my hand for the entire length of the food line, and when I take a seat next to Karen and Justin at our table, he drapes an arm over my chair. If this is how it’s going to be between us from now on, I am unequivocally for Noah as my boyfriend.

  He waits until I’ve gotten some food in me before he scoots closer, elbows propped on the table. “So, will you give me an overview of what happened tonight?”

  I hesitate for a second before I realize I am ready to tell him. Now that everything is done, I want to talk about it. Get it all out in the open so there aren’t any unknowns between us going forward. Taking a deep breath, I start at the beginning. The messages from the unknown number that turned out to be Nate, letting us know he’d kidnapped Viv. The reveal that he was working with Ms. Miller. The bombshell that was Robert Baugh showing up at the newspaper office. All of it. I swallow the tightness in my throat as the memory of the Gemini Killer disappearing under the water floats to the forefront of my mind.

  Noah sighs, tucking his chin over my shoulder. “How’s Viv?”

  “She’s okay, physically, but I imagine she’ll need help coping. Esau might have to cave and let her make those adjustments she wanted to the play costumes.”

  Noah chuffs. “I saw him and Taryn ducking into a closet when I got here, so I’m guessing he’s gonna be in a pretty good mood today. You should ask him about the costumes next time you see him.”

  Grimacing, I stuff a fry into his mouth. “Don’t be gross.”

  He mumbles an amused, “Sorry,” as he chews.

  Chapter 36

  Taryn

  “Is it okay if we stay here for a bit? I promise to meet you in the cafeteria as soon as we’re done catching up.” I bat my eyelashes at Karen, projecting my most innocent expression. She doesn’t need to know I want to pull Esau into one of the empty classrooms and kiss his handsome face senseless.

  One of Karen’s eyebrows arches as if she can read my mind. Pointedly, she looks down the hallway, marking the handful of deputies and first responders who are taking care of other people displaced or hurt by the flood. “Ten minutes,” she says. I agree, and she leaves.

  “I thought she’d never leave,” Esau says. He must have the same idea crowding out the rest of his brain cells, because he pulls me down the hall, away from the emergency personnel. He swings open what appears to be a supply closet and herds me inside. It’s pretty dark in here, even with the illumination from the tiny, bald light bulb hanging from the ceiling. Shelves filled with cleaning supplies and paper goods bracket the space. The door closes behind me, and I blink, eyes adjusting in the dim light. Grinning, Esau crowds me toward the back wall. His broad hands settle on my waist as he draws me in. His mouth hovers over mine.

  I smile against his lips. “What has gotten into you? Didn’t get enough of me in the hallway, huh?”

  “One more kiss. I need it. Then we can go get some food.”

  I can’t resist teasing him a little. My hands twirl in the hair at his nape. “You need it, huh? I don’t know. I’m awfully hungry. And I bet my breath stinks. I haven’t brushed my teeth in a while.”

  Esau’s hands flex on my sides, his voice coming out more like a growl. “Taryn, I swear.”

  “Okay, just one.” Rising up on tiptoes, I skim my lips over his. It’s all the encouragement he needs to slide his broad hands to the small of my back to hold me securely against his chest. His mouth seals over mine, wrapping me in his heady warmth. I sink into the kiss, grateful I’m here with Esau. My pulse kicks up. Earlier tonight, I thought I’d never see him again.

  With a nip at my bottom lip, he lets go.

  I mewl softly in complaint. “Wait, wait. One more? Please?”

  Esau’s mouth turns sly. “You don’t ever have to ask.” He kisses me again, and this time his caress carries me away from the lemony chemical smell, the broom handle digging into my back, and the pile of toilet paper rolls on the shelf next to us. I could stay in this tiny space all night.

  My stomach is the only thing that makes us finally leave the supply closet—my new favorite room in school—and head toward the bustle and promise of food. “We should probably get back. It’s been at least ten minutes.”

  A soft smile curves his mouth up. “You’re probably right.”

  “Say that again.”

  Chuckling, Esau leans in as we walk, putting his soft lips to my ear. “You’re right, Taryn.”

  I try to stifle a smile, needing to know one more thing. “What you said, about when you’re gone. Did you mean it?”

  Esau stops in the middle of the hallway, hand gripping mine. Deep brown eyes fasten on me. “That we’ll make it work next fall? I meant every word, because I love you. So much. We are magic.”

  Nodding, I wrap my arm around his and snuggle in until I can’t get any closer to this boy. “I won’t ever forget. I love you, too.”

  We meander toward the cafeteria, letting the hum of activity around us fade away under the promises we’ve just made. Too soon, we reach the caf, and my boyfriend gently untangles himself from my arms. I don’t protest. Much. It’s okay; I only just decided that I’d stay in his arms all night if he let me. No biggie.

  Esau smirks at my put-out expression before scanning the room, looking for someone. He holds out a hand in offering. “I want to introduce you to someone. Okay?”

  He waits until I put my palm in his.

  Steering me between the crowded tables, he ushers me toward the back of the room where his aunt and uncle—both as muddy as Esau—are sitting with another middle-aged couple. The man has on dirt-crusted denim overalls and a shearling coat. His black hair is short, but the intense eyebrows and sharp jawline are all Esau. The woman’s joggers and matching sweatshirt are solid mud from feet to elbows. Looks like all four of them went into battle when the levee broke and the flooding started. Her black hair is in a messy knot at her nape. Soft, sable brown eyes rise to meet Esau’s before swinging to mine. “Mi hijo? Es esta ella?” she asks.

  Esau smiles, nudging me forward. “Mamá, this is Taryn. Mi novia.”

  She smiles, standing up and circling the table toward us. Holding her hands out until I take them, she grins up at me. “I am so pleased to meet you. We were very curious to meet the girl who drove this one so crazy last semester. He had a lot to say about you, but you’re even lovelier in person. Miguel, come meet Esau’s Taryn.”

  “Wow, thanks!” I smile wide as Esau’s mom beckons his father closer without letting go of my hand. Her palm is warm and soft in mine. I like her already.

  “I’ve heard a lot about you, young lady,” Mr. Chavez says as he gives me a hearty side hug. “I always knew my boy would need someone to keep him on his toes.”

  Laughing, I nod. “I do my best.”

  “Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. He sounds so happy whenever he calls to check in with us. And we’re looking forward to seeing both of you in the play, too.” Mr. Chavez smiles, putting an arm around his wife.

  Mrs. Chavez squeezes my fingers before letting go.

  Esau takes possession of my hand, holding it snuggly in his. “I’m going to get Taryn back to her family, okay?”

  They both nod, rejoining his aunt and uncle at the table. They go back to the cafeteria pizza squares they were eating when we came over. Seeing adults eating it makes me giggle. Esau steers me across the room to where my family is sitting around another table, eating their own early morning breakfast of cafeteria pizza.

  Chapter 37

  Day 345, Wednesday

  Taryn

  Marisa and I are in the middle of running a scene in my living room when the front door opens. Marisa stops in the middle of her line. Fiona leans forward on the couch, craning to see into the foyer. We fall completely silent when Viv steps into the room, clinging to Erin’s hand. The other girl gives her an encouraging smile as she ushers her forward. Dark circles shadow her drooping eyes. There’s a stain on the front of her sweatshirt. She doesn’t look like herself, and I can’t hold that against her. Her mother is still breathing, unlike Audrey’s and my parents, but Viv has lost her as surely as we lost ours last spring. All the crap Anna Miller has done is irrevocable. And she’s not the only one who will have to live with that. Viv will carry the memories for the rest of her life. I make a mental note to slip her the info for Audrey’s therapist.

  Viv toes at the old shag carpet, avoiding our eyes. Erin puts an arm around her, whispering in her ear. Erin’s ginger hair is swept up in a messy bun on top of her head. Her skin looks washed out in the late afternoon sun. She looks like she hasn’t gotten much more sleep than Viv.

  I can’t imagine how difficult it is for Viv to stand in front of us right now, knowing everything her mom did. Deep down in my gut, I know that Viv had no idea the darkness her mother was hiding, but it’s still awkward.

  Marisa, Fiona, Audrey, and I don’t move. Fiona’s arms are locked around the pillow in her lap. Marisa rubs at the front of her sweater, eyes on our injured friend and her lady. A few days ago at school, when Viv was once again absent, the rest of us got to talking about how scarce Viv had been since the night of the flood. We all agreed to let her come to us when she was ready, and to let Viv say what she needs to before we jump in. We agreed to listen, to let her get it all off her chest without us putting words in her mouth or feelings in her heart. Today appears to be the day Viv has chosen to share her pain with us, as much or as little as she wants.

  It takes physical effort for Viv to lift her chin to look at us. Takes several deep, steadying breaths. Her body moves sluggishly, wearily, as if she’s already lost the battle she came here to fight. I shift in my seat, wanting to grab her and hug her tight, but that’s not what I agreed to do.

  With a shudder, Viv speaks. “I just wanted to tell you I’m sorry for everything my mom did. I had no idea she was—but I should have. I should have known, somehow, that she was trying to hurt you. But I didn’t, and I’m sorry.”

  Something snaps, and we’re all on our feet. Rushing Viv and Erin, tangling them in a vortex of limbs and smiles and tears. We’re a writhing, warm ball of friendship, each of us pushing closer to Viv to let her know that we don’t blame her. Not for any of it. Her mom’s decisions are not her fault, and we won’t hold them against her. Under Fiona’s armpit, I catch my sister’s eyes. I blamed her for so long for everything that happened to us, and I am so freaking glad I finally let it go. I hope Viv can let it go.

  Kate Anderson is going to have a difficult time letting go of everything that happened. Audrey and I insisted on going with the Sheriff to let her know that her brother’s body had been found after the flood. That he’d been helping Ms. Miller attempt to murder us. By the time we left, our old friend was a sobbing mess, incapable of looking anyone in the eye. I hope she gets the help she needs to heal from the soul-deep wounds the past months have inflicted on her.

  I’m still tangled in a mass of friendly bodies when gravity starts to pull at us. Marisa squeaks as she falls. Audrey goes, her arm still linked with Marisa’s. Erin trips over Marisa’s legs and goes down. Viv keels over, scrambling. Fiona gives up, flopping down onto the pile of girls in the floor.

  “Aww, what a cute puppy pile,” I tease them, wagging my finger.

 

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