Read Online Autumn in the City of Lights by Kirby Howell - Free Book Online Page A

I clutched my sides and pushed on. “Honestly, this is my fault. Grey has never stayed the night here, because he respects your rules, and the only reason he was even up here last night was because I asked him. I was upset about what happened to Ben and didn’t want to be alone, and then we must have fallen asleep.”
    The giggles had left me now, and I took Connie’s hand between my own. “I’m sorry we broke your rules. But nothing happened – we just fell asleep. That’s all. And I’m sorry for laughing, it wasn’t at you, I promise. It was just so normal and nothing has been normal for a year and a half.  I’m not sure why it was so funny to me, but–”
    “It’s okay,” Connie said, hugging me to her. “I think I understand what you mean. Though, this,” she said, pointing at Grey and me, “cannot happen right now. I know you two are young and in love, and this is all very natural, but it’s dangerous . And I love you both too much to see you have to endure that kind of heartache.”  She paused. “And you...” She pointed at Grey, “will leave now, as quietly as possible, because Rissi isn’t awake yet, and I will not have you putting ideas into her head as to what is acceptable behavior.”
    I pressed my lips together. It was definitely something my dad would have said. Grey nodded and began rooting through the blankets and pillows on the floor for his shoes and socks. I helped by pulling the sheets back onto the mattress.
    “But come right back because breakfast is almost ready. I made oatmeal pancakes.”  She turned to leave and then came back. “Oh for crying out loud. The whole reason I came up here was to tell you a runner from the Mayor’s Office came by early this morning.”
    I paused in remaking the bed to look at her. “Did they find the guy who set off the bomb?”
    “No, they haven’t found him, but there’s another meeting set for noon back at the Bowl. Daniel’s going, and I think you both should, too. That is, if you’re not needed back at the hospital, Grey.”
    “Is it safe to meet there again so soon after?” Grey asked, hurriedly tying his shoes.
    “Shad rode off to join the rest of the Guard right after the runner left. They all went down to the Bowl to clean it up as much as they could and to inspect it for any remaining threats. You’ll probably all be searched before being allowed in.”
    “I promised Shad I’d take next watch on Ben,” I said.
    “Rissi and I are headed there after breakfast.  Everyone can come to look in on him, but Rissi and I can stay and take the next watch. And don’t worry, we’ll send word the second there’s any change.”
    After that, Grey politely slipped out past Connie.  I sighed and pulled open my closet door.  Connie appeared at my side.
    “Wear this,” she said, pulling out a thick, hooded sweater and handing it to me. “It’s not raining this morning, but it’s colder outside.”  It was the same color as the moss green dress I’d borrowed from her to wear to the dance at Hoover the night she and Rissi didn’t come back from Las Vegas. The night everything had started again — Karl wheedling his way back into our lives by texting me with Sarah’s cell phone, making me think she was still alive, my relationship with Grey being thrust back into the forefront of my mind, Connie and Rissi in danger after the sandstorm and accident at the Egyptian Casino in Vegas. I turned to look at her, but before I could say anything, she did.
    “Please be careful with Grey.  I know you’re young, and this is fresh and new, and things seem safe here, but please, please be careful.”
    I was surprised to see her eyes glassy with tears.
    “Things that happen in a rush usually have the ability to change your life forever.” She patted my arm, then turned and left, shutting the door behind her.
    *     *     *
    Jen was still sitting next to Ben when we arrived back at the hospital later that morning.  She’d found