Many Sounds of Silence by Alexa Padgett

Author:Alexa Padgett
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781945090127
Publisher: Alexa Padgett

17

Clay

I wasn’t sure Abbi would actually stop by after her lunch with her aunt. She was determined to handle this situation on her own, which made me both proud of her and irritated. I’d offered my help and my public image, not something I gave over lightly. She was supposed to be enthusiastic about pairing her name with mine. Instead, she’d seemed nonplussed. Worried even. That was new. And quite the hit to my ego.

Leaving the restaurant. Still okay for me to swing by?

My response was instantaneous. Yes.

Much to tell you. Be there in half an hour.

Come straight here. I’m serious!

Was going to pick up some ingredients to make you dinner.

Warmth filled me as my smile grew. She was planning to stay and make me dinner. I typed back: We can pick up whatever you need together. See you soon.

K.

Twenty minutes later, I opened the door to Abbi’s knock. Damn, she was a sight. Her eyes were still guarded, but the rest of her face seemed more relaxed.

“Hi,” she said.

I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the apartment. Dane had texted, letting me know he and Nessa wouldn’t be back until later because they’d decided to go on a sunset ride on the Ferris wheel. I had a couple of hours alone with Abbi, and while nerves fluttered in my belly, I looked forward to talking with her.

“How was lunch with your aunt?”

Abbi’s eyes had been roving the room but they came back to me. “Good. That’s what I want to talk to you about. She said to tell you hi. And to make sure you let her know about your gig schedule so she can tell Hayden.”

“Nice of her. Want a drink?” I asked as I pulled her toward the couch.

“I’m good.”

She sat on the edge of the cushion. Fine tremors built in her slender fingers. I sat next to her, our knees bumping.

“What’s wrong?”

After a long moment, she raised her eyes to mine. “I’m going to press charges. Against Steve at least. Maybe Bethany, too.”

“Takes some metaphorical balls, and I’m really proud of you for making the stand. I’ll help with the stuff here.” I sucked in my lip, thinking about my actions yesterday and this morning. “I should tell you, I’ve talked to the campus’s victim advocate on your behalf. I asked Nessa and Jenna to file complaints as well. We added a recording of a conversation between Nes, Jenna, Bethany, and me to the file this morning while you were in your lab. Nes and Jenna wanted to tell you, but you had enough going on.”

She brushed her hair back from her cheek, which was paler than when she came in.

“That’s probably smart,” she said. “It’ll help build the case here. I’d like to hear the conversation.”

“Sure.”

Her eyes flashed up to mine again, held. The darkness there shook me, and I hated seeing her hurt.

“I’m going to take back my life. Part of that is because of you.” She held up her hand when I opened my mouth.

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