Echoes of Time by Read Calia

Author:Read, Calia [Read, Calia]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: 2019-05-24T16:00:00+00:00

Armed with the information I have from the night before, I decide to go back to the antique store.

Étienne and I left empty-handed the first time we went there, but like my research on Old Serene, maybe I’ll get lucky the second time around. The very possibility causes my heart to race and my stomach to churn.

Softly, I close my bedroom door and head down the hallway. I find Étienne sitting in the dining area. His elbows rest on the tabletop as he watches intently as my brother boots up his laptop. Dressed in sweats and a casual T-shirt, he’s never looked more from this time. My focus diverts from the task at hand. Nothing can calm me down and rev me up simultaneously the way Étienne can.

Clearing my throat, I step forward. Étienne abruptly stands to his full height, almost causing the chair to fall back, and his head whips in my direction. I smile broadly at him while my brother barely spares me a look. “Back here again?”

Ian takes a sip of his coffee and shrugs. His eyes are bloodshot, and his dark red hair stands at attention. Unlike Étienne, Ian doesn’t seem to be handling their night of drinking quite as well. That makes me smile wider.

“Your brother is showin’ me how to use his laptop in greater depth.” Étienne takes in my attire. “Are you goin’ somewhere?”

“I’m going shopping,” I lie.

“Oh?” His eyes widen.

I nod. “I’m going back to the mall I took you to.”

The interest instantly dies in Étienne’s eyes. “Oh.”

I knew that would do the trick.

Do I feel guilty for lying? To be honest, I don’t. Before I tell Étienne what I discovered last night, I want to gather more information. I don’t want to worry him any more than he has to. Compared to yesterday afternoon, he looks so … content, and I want him to stay this relaxed.Étienne stares at me for a second before he smiles and leans in. He knows me well enough to see the signs of when I’m lying, but I think he’s distracted by Ian coming over to notice right now.

My heart begins to race. I may not feel guilty for lying, but that doesn’t mean I’m not tempted to tell Étienne. He’s my best friend. I want to tell him everything.

“All right. I have to go. See you later.”

Before Étienne can reply, I snatch my car keys from the counter. I don’t know why I’m so worried about Étienne questioning my whereabouts. As I walk toward the front door, I hear him say to my brother, “Now what buttons do I press to conquer this Oregon Trail?”

Stopping in the middle of the doorway, I strain to hear the rest of their conversation.

“Dude. I can’t believe you’ve never played this game.”

“Yes. Well, I lived a very rudimentary life,” Étienne replies.

At that, I smile and head toward the elevator.

The past few days have been chilly, but today, it’s nice enough outside to wear a long-sleeved shirt and jeans.

I expel a shaky breath as I exit the lobby and head toward my car.

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