Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
“I had that same thought,” I admit, letting out a sigh. “We’ll see what happens when I talk to Levi again.”
Jordan sets down his knife and gets up from the stool.
“Hey, where are you going? We’re still peeling potatoes,” I say.
“Nope. You’re peeling potatoes.” He shoots me a playful grin. “I’m going to lie down on the couch and watch an episode of Storage Hunters.”
The corner of my mouth lifts, but as I continue to get everything ready for dinner, the worry that’s been my constant companion the past three weeks slithers through my mind.
What if this is something Levi and I can’t come back from, and things are really over between us?
When the cab I took from the bus station pulls up to my place, I immediately look toward Levi’s house. Seeing a realtor’s sign with the word Sold in big, bold red letters across it, shock shudders through me.
No. Levi sold his house?
I’ve only been gone three weeks! How did he sell so fast?
After settling my cab fare, I hurry to climb out of the car and haul my luggage out of the back seat. Leaving the bag in my driveway, I quickly jog to Levi’s front door.
I had hoped to take a shower so I could wash off the grimy feel of sitting on a bus for five and a half hours before going over to talk to Levi.
The Sold sign has me feeling completely rattled as I ring the doorbell. I listen closely for Lick’s bark, but when I don’t hear anything and Levi doesn’t open, I try knocking.
“Kelcie.” Hearing Jill call me, I glance in her direction. “You’re back.” She rushes toward me and hugs me hard. “My God, I heard about what happened. Are you okay?”
“Yeah. I just took some time away from Verona to process everything.”
Jill looks at Levi’s front door, then says, “Levi left the same day as you, and no one has seen him since. A few days later, the For Sale sign went up, and it sold for next to nothing last week. Even I was tempted to buy it, but I’m not ready for that kind of commitment. Yesterday, a moving truck came, and they emptied out the house.” She pauses to take a breath before adding, “I think a newly married couple bought the place.”
“No one’s seen Levi in town?” I ask to make sure I heard right.
“No. He probably moved to a new place where no one knows who he is.” She glares at the Adamses’ house, and we see the drapes move.
“Mrs. Adams is probably being nosy and watching us,” Jill mutters. “Let’s go inside.”
As we walk to where my luggage is standing, I’m still a little in shock. I shouldn’t be surprised Levi decided to move, but the fact that he didn’t even mention it to me during our call two weeks ago makes me worry even more.
“Ahh . . .” I take hold of my bag’s handle and give Jill a rueful smile. “I’ve just spent the past five and a half hours on the road. Can we catch up another day?”
“Oh yeah. Of course.”
I dig my house keys out of my bag, and while I walk to the front door and unlock it, I wonder if Levi went back to Grand Rapids.
God, Levi probably couldn’t get away from Verona quickly enough. I don’t blame him. This town hasn’t been kind to him.
After I shut the door behind me, I glance over the living room and kitchen. The place feels empty.
Letting out a sigh, I search for my phone in my handbag, and when I find it, I drop the bag on the kitchen counter before preparing a cup of tea for myself. While the tea bag soaks a little, I send Jordan a quick text to let him know I’m back home so that he won’t worry.
After taking a much-needed sip of my tea, I open the chat I share with Levi.
Kelcie: Hi. I know it’s been a while, but I just got back to Verona and see you’ve sold your house. It was a bit of a shock. Anyway, I hope you’re doing okay. If you’ve got a minute, shoot me a text. I’d love to talk.
I read the message a few times before I press send. I watch as one tick appears, and when a minute passes and there’s no second tick to show it’s been delivered, I scowl at the device in my hand.
Be patient, Kelcie.
I walk to the living room and put my phone on charge before grabbing my luggage and dragging it up the stairs.
The empty bedrooms on the second floor make me feel lonely, and for the first time since the attack, I think about moving back to my parents’ house. At some point, I’ll have to gather the courage.