Read Online Sweet Nothing by Mia Henry - Free Book Online Page B

back in the library, sitting across from my father.
     
    —What do you mean, ‘it’s over’, dad?
I’d asked, fear pulsing through me. He’d always been strong; in charge. Seeing him like this had made me feel exposed. Unprotected.
    —All of it. And it won’t be long before people figure everything out.
    —My blood had turned to ice.
    —What do you—I don’t understand. What did you have to do with that couple’s death?
I couldn’t catch my breath. My heart pounded in my ears. Was my father telling me that he was a killer? Suddenly, the room around me felt distorted and unreal. This had to be a nightmare.
    —Does Mom know?
    —You know, it’s funny…
Dad’s eyes were glassy.
In a way, I’ll be relieved when it’s over. There’s nothing more exhausting than living a lie.
     
    I feel a weight next to me on the couch, drawing me back.
    “Freshen your drink?” Luke dumps the contents of his solo cup into mine. I’m suddenly aware that our bodies are touching: his strong arm pressed against my shoulder, his hip nudging my side. His body is comforting. Weighty, when the memory makes me feel like I’m going to float away.
    “Thanks.” I force a smile. I wish I could tell Luke about my day, about my defunct bank account and Aria and everything else I worry about with my insane, broken family. Holding everything inside like this makes me feel like I’m going to explode.
    “Wait.” I glance around the chapel. It’s empty. “Where is everybody?”
    Luke’s laugh is warm. “Uh, they left. Like twenty minutes ago. You’ve just been sitting here daydreaming, so I thought I’d better not interrupt you.”
    “Twenty minutes? Oh, God.” He thinks I’m a freak. Correction: I
am
a freak. A freak who has flashbacks in the middle of a perfectly good reception.
    “No, not twenty minutes, weirdo.” He elbows me in the side. “The kids left a few minutes ago. Last I heard, Vi was telling everybody about a, and I quote,
kick ass party in South Beach
. So the place cleared out pretty quickly.”
    “Oh.” I slap his leg, feeling relieved and idiotic at the same time. “So, basically, you got ditched for a better party.” He’s so close, his scent envelops me. He smells clean and salty. Warm. Safe. I let myself breathe him in.
    “Nah.” The smile lines around his eyes crease slightly. “Kick ass SoBe parties be damned. I’d rather be here than anywhere else.” He reaches for my cup and tugs it gently from my grip, resting it on the coffee table. “And to tell you the truth, I’m glad everybody cleared out early.”
    “Oh. Yeah. Me, too.” My mouth goes dry, and I search his face for meaning. Does he mean that he’s glad we’re alone? It’s what I want him to mean, the kind of wanting that reaches down deep and holds me captive next to him. And at the same time, I know the truth: Luke would never want a liar like me.
    “So, it went well, don’t you think? I mean, the kids had a good time, and I loved seeing your place and everything.” I’m chattering, a nervous habit I’ve had since I was a kid.
    “Yeah, it was a good time.” I can feel him watching me. When silence falls between us, he doesn’t fill it. Wanting tugs at my core. A warning sign.
    “Okay. I should go.” I don’t move.
    “Big plans tonight?”
    “I think Gwen and Waverly are baking cookies.” My voice is high; lilts up at the end like I’m asking a question. I regret the childish words the instant they leave my mouth. And even more once Luke bursts out laughing.
    “You know, you’re tough to read sometimes.”
    “Yup, that’s me. Complicated. Many layers.” I stand to leave, but Luke reaches for my wrist, pulling me to seated again.
    “Wait. I didn’t—I meant that in a good way.” He leans close, brushing my bangs away from my forehead. “It’s like, you’re this incredibly strong woman and this sweet little girl at the same time.”
    Woman.
I don’t usually like it when guys use that word, but when it