The Friendship List(83)

He didn’t know what to say to that, nor could he assess how her words changed things, or even if they did. Yet he felt uneasy about most of what she’d said.

“I’m officially changing the subject,” she said as she spread butter on her croissant. “What are you doing today?”

“Ironically, I’ll be waiting, as well. In my case, it’s for an inspection report on an apartment building I want to buy. If the report is favorable, then I’ll go through with the purchase.”

Her eyes widened. “That’s really what you’re going to do today?”

“Yes.”

“Just like that?”

He smiled. “It’s what I do.”

“That kind of puts my tiny life in perspective.”

“Your life isn’t tiny.”

“I’m not buying apartment buildings.”

“You’ve never cared if I had money or not.”

“That’s true. I thought your car last night was called a Trident.”

He laughed.

They talked for a few more minutes, then Unity said she wanted to get on the road. He rose and carried her small bag down to the valet.

While they waited for her car, she said, “Thank you for everything. I had a really good time.”

“Me, too. You know how to get to the freeway from here?”

“I do.” She pointed north. “I take a right at Northeast Eight, then get on 405 South. In a couple of miles, I merge onto I90 eastbound. Then it’s a straight shot home.”

The valet pulled up in Ellen’s Subaru. Unity kissed Thaddeus once, and handed the valet ten dollars before getting in her car and driving away.

Thaddeus knew she had to get back to her business and her life. He didn’t mind her leaving—that was inevitable. What he didn’t like was the sense that somewhere along the way, he’d been left, as well.

  Something was wrong. Keith had felt it from the moment everyone had climbed on the bus, and throughout the drive to Eugene, the feeling had only increased.

He couldn’t put his finger on what it was. Ellen had been quiet, but that was because she’d mostly been leaning against the window, dozing. The teens were also less talkative than normal. No doubt they were tired, too. It had been a long trip, but a good one. This was the last college and by late tomorrow afternoon, they would all be home.

He found his way to campus and parked. Ellen immediately opened her eyes and smiled at him. When their gazes locked, he felt the familiar jolt of desire that had been his constant companion since the trip had started. The difference was now he knew he could do something about it.

He undid his seat belt and angled toward her. “You’re tired.”

She immediately looked guilty. “I am and you must be even more tired.” She glanced toward the back, where the kids were collecting their things for the day, and lowered her voice. “You have to handle all the driving. I shouldn’t have kept you up so late.”

He stretched. “It’s for a good cause.”

She nodded, then turned and dug in her purse. “I have a text. I’ll bet it’s from Unity. Oh, the hotel.” She looked at her phone. “Huh. That’s, ah, weird.”

“What happened?”

“There’s a change in the reservation.” She tucked her phone back in her bag. “They don’t have enough rooms. It looks like I’m going to have to, ah, room with Lissa tonight. That’s too bad. I’m disappointed.”

The words sounded right, but there was something about her tone. “You okay?”

“I am. Just, you know. Sad.”

The students walked to the front of the bus. He opened the door to let them out. When they were all outside, he got up.

“If you’re with Lissa, then we’re not going to be able to...” He glanced out the open door, then back at her.

“I know. I’m sorry.” She brightened. “But you’ll be able to sleep. That’s good. It’s a long drive home.”

Something was off with her, but he had no idea what. She’d been herself when she’d left his bed, early that morning. What had changed?

“Ellen?”

She moved to the edge of her seat. “Keith, I’m fine. I swear. I’m not happy about the sleeping arrangements, but it’s just one night.”

“You’re sure.”

“I am.” She leaned close and whispered, “I’ll miss you. A lot.”

He smiled. “I’ll miss you, too.”

“Hey, Coach,” Andy called. “I have an appointment. You about ready?”

“Duty calls,” Keith said.

“Tell me about it,” Ellen muttered as she stepped off the bus.



twenty-one


Unity stood in the center of her living room with absolutely no idea what to do next. The evening with Thaddeus had been a kind of revelation. Not only had she been reminded what normal life was like—she’d enjoyed herself. She’d liked his friends and having dinner with them and the kissing and all of it. Even this morning, trying to explain her feelings, had been good if a little awkward. But Thaddeus had been kind and understanding, as always.

She’d spent the drive home trying to be clear about what she’d learned about herself and how she was feeling. She’d been forced to acknowledge that she hadn’t once thought about Stuart. Not in the way she usually did. Even when she’d talked about him, he hadn’t been a part of things. She could feel herself letting go, bit by bit. Part of her wanted to continue on the path and part of her wanted to retreat.