Page 164 - My FlipBook

L IS A J. L A W R E N C E

W

Greta had sent Ash up first. She’d meant to follow behind
him, after a few minutes to compose herself, but couldn’t
move from the sofa until hours after the sun had set. When
did it start taking this much energy just to exist? She let
herself in the door to Elgin’s suite, the heat a relief as she
stepped through. Not a single light on the upper floor.

Just the streetlights through the uncovered windows.
Before starting down the hall to her bedroom, Greta
glanced into the living room. She almost missed him this
time, slumped lower than normal in his chair. The moonlight
outlining his hair like a handful of feathers.
“Elgin?” she whispered. Had he fallen asleep?
“I’m here.” ADVANCE READING COPY

She settled into the chair beside him. Their spots now.
“Ash and I had some things to sort out. We thought it was
better not to do it in your space.”
“About his expulsion?”
“He told you?” What else did he say?
“Yes. The school called. Your brother gave them my
number. I guess I’m the closest thing to a guardian.”
Greta sank lower in her chair. Elgin, who put a roof over
their heads and served them home-cooked meals, now had

to field angry phone calls from their principal. What more
would they ask of him? “Did Ash tell you what happened?”
“A little. The principal told me he got in a fight. I guess
Ash didn’t care much for that boy.”

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