Chapter 19: An Unexpected Ally

I bolt down the stairs as fast as my heels allow, not bothering to see if he follows. When I reach the foot of the stairs, I find Ashlyn waiting, trying to look casual as she lingers by the railing. She takes one look at me and concern fills her face.

"Edie," she says. "What - "

"I'm leaving," I tell her, pushing past. I don't like being rude to her, but the faster I get away from Rafe and his family, the better. I dash toward the front door, but Ashlyn catches up with me quickly.

"What happened?" she asks.

"Nothing," I tell her. "Nothing at all. Which is my cue to leave. I shouldn't have come here."

Ashlyn keeps pace with me as I hurry down the steps to the driveway. It's only when I reach the bottom that I remember I have nowhere to go, no way to leave immediately. I'll need to call a taxi.

"Edie," Ashlyn says, "please tell me what's going on."

There's nowhere to run. I stop and force myself to take a breath. My eyes are aching, but they're mysteriously free of tears.