When I asked Jamie, he said he had no idea. Which instantly made me worry and wonder what the problem could be.
Parker doesn't skip school for no reason. Well, most of the time, at least. Any other time I'd think that was the case. But after what happened to Aria, I'm worried that he's dealing with another serious family issue.
I wonder if Michael is bothering her again. Come to think of it, I haven't seen her around either.
Please let it not be the case. I grip the steering wheel tight that my knuckles are already turning white.
Should I go to his house? But what if he's not there? What if—dread coils in my gut—he's in the hospital again? And this time, he's the one in trouble? Maybe Michael did hurt Aria, and Parker went after him, then he—
"No. Stop overthinking. He's fine. He has to be," I murmur, flooring it to my house. "He's probably just taking a break."
But no matter what I tell myself, I still can't get the racing thoughts out of my head. They keep flashing through my mind even as I take Duke out to his afternoon walk. So as he runs around the park with kids and other dogs, I sit on a swing and fish my phone out of my hoodie.
And before I can talk myself out of it, I text Parker. You didn't come to school today. Everything okay?
A minute later, I get a response. Missed me? ;)
I blow out a relieved breath, putting a hand to my chest. He's okay. But now what? Should I ignore his message or reply? But what will I say?
"Ugh. This feels like middle school all over again." I pull my bottom lip between my teeth. Just a little worried.
Well, I missed you.
I swallow around the lump in my throat, my heart fluttering. I miss you, too.Hell,I miss you every day. Sometimes it drives me crazy.
But I don't tell him that. Instead, I put my phone back into my pocket and spend the next several minutes watching Duke goof around with his playmates, chuckling quietly when he and another dog sniff each other's butts.
"Think they like each other?" a deep voice muses from behind me, causing my heart to freeze in my throat.
Parker.
"How did you find me?" I ask, still keeping my back to him.
"I went to your house and talked to your dad. He told me to look for you here." From the corner of my eye, I watch him sit on the swing beside mine.
"Gee, thanks Dad," I mumble.
"Don't be hard on him. He didn't volunteer the information. I had to, uh, prove myself before he agreed to give your location."
I whip my gaze in his direction, ignoring the rush of longing washing over me at the sight of him. He's dressed in plain gray t-shirt, black jeans stretched across his defined thighs.
Ugh. Why does he always look so freaking good? It's not fair.
Meanwhile, I'm conscious about the fact that I didn't even bother combing my hair before leaving the house. And that I'm in my old debate club shirt and black sweatpants.
I doubt I look good right now.
Not wanting to give away my feelings, I glance away. "What did he make you do?"
"Nothing much. Just asked a few questions and sternly warned me not to make you cry again."
My cheeks burn. I can imagine how that went through. I can't believe Dad did that. Still, warmth fills my chest at his protective gesture. I already know I don't intend to confront him about it. He's just doing his job as my father.
"And what did you say?" I can't help asking.
Parker meets my eyes with his dark ones before answering. "That I'd rather cut all of my limbs than put you through that a second time."
My breath hitches at the intensity of his words and the way he said them. "Careful," I murmur. "I might hold you to that promise."
His lips pull up at the corners. "I won't expect anything less from you, Peaches. I'm sorry I wasn't able to walk you to your classes today."
"Yeah." I frown. "Where were you?" I've been worried sick.
His expression turns somber as he stares straight ahead. "We checked Mom into rehab."
My eyes flare wide. "You did?"
He nods. "It was Aria's idea. She believes Mom will stay sober this time."
"How about you? What do you think?"
Hope flickers within his eyes, making him look vulnerable. My heart clenches for him. For the boy who had to watch his dad drive away with his mistress. The boy who had to watch his mom chase that car down. And the boy who was left behind, helpless as he watched his mom destroy her life.
"I think so, too. In the past, Mom had to be forced to go in. She didn't want any help. But last week, when we talked to her about it, she agreed without any hesitation. I think Aria's assault gave her a wake-up call. She was shaken up by it. We all were." He inhales a deep breath, as if remembering that day at the hospital. He's not going to forget it any time soon. Probably never will. I know I won't. "Anyway, when we said goodbye to her earlier, she made a promise that it would be the last time she'd walk through those doors. I know it's too early, but I'm hoping she's right. I don't know what I'll do if…" He trails off, letting out another shaky breath.
Not putting much thought into it, I reach out and place my hand on top of his. "It's going to be fine. She's going to come out of that facility as a new person. You'll see."
He laces his fingers through mine and brings our clasped hands to his mouth, pressing a soft kiss on the back of mine, making my stomach flutter with butterflies.
But instead of pulling my hand from
