Fallen Crest High(68)

I was barely aware of the sounds of a car pulling out of the garage until it slowed beside me.

"Samantha?"

A black Rolls Royce had stopped beside me and my mom peered over James who was in the driver's seat. She was dressed in a pink dress with a hat perched on top of her head.

I frowned as I sat up. Was I delusional? My mom looked like she was dressed for a role in a Southern movie. "Where are you guys going?"

"It's Sunday, honey. We're going to church." She frowned a little. "Would you like to come? We could go to the later service."

I couldn't hold back my full body grimace. "No. I'm okay."

"Did you go running this morning?"

I heard the strain in her voice, but ignored it when I tried to stand. My legs were still wobbly. "No. I just look like I did."

"Samantha."

I groaned. "What? Of course I did."

"Well. Okay. Go inside and drink lots of water. And please eat something, Samantha. You know how I worry."

James said something to her and my mom called out again, "Oh, honey. The boys went camping. They'll be gone most of the week so if you'd like to have any friends over, go ahead. Maybe Jessica and Lydia? Or even Jeff? Are you two still together?"

James said something else under his breath to her and my mom giggled.

"Okay, honey. We have to go. Love you."

She waved as he pulled out of the driveway. And then it was just me. I had the mansion all to myself. I trudged through the place and into my shower.

After that, I curled under my sheets and rolled over.



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

The guys were gone for an entire week. I had no idea how they could do that, but they did. I shouldn't have been surprised. I avoided my mother during the week and only once spotted James. I'd been sitting in the study room, which looked like my school's library when he walked in.

The door shut behind him. I lifted my head from the book I'd been reading. We stared at each other.

He was dressed in a pinstripe black business suit and he had a black briefcase in hand. When I saw a small brown bag in his other hand, I hid a grin. Mousteff must've gotten to him too.

Then he took a deep breath. "I am aware your relationship with your mother is none of my business, but I would like to get to know you at some point. I love your mother very much and I do not plan on letting her go."

And then he left.

He came in as was silently as he left and when I watched the door slide shut behind him, not a sound came from it.

Chills ran down my body and I pushed back from the table and when to where I'd once seen Mason pull some brandy from a counter. It was still there and I took a swig of it. Maybe daytime alcoholism would be my next venture?

I put the bottle away when my stomach started to churn. Then I heaved a deep breath. Nope, daytime alcoholism wouldn't mix with me and I went back to my room and for my running gear.

When I was running back, it had been dark for an hour and a set of headlights approached from behind. I was two blocks from the house and I veered to the side. Most cars swept past, some slowed for caution, but this one slowed so it followed behind me.

I kept going.

What else could I do?

I put on some more speed and soon I was sprinting. One block left.

The car's headlights engulfed me and my shadow sprang out in front of me. It seemed to be laughing at me, dancing vigorously. My heart was already pounding, but cold sweat formed on my forehead. It spread throughout my body and my teeth were soon chattering.