* * *
Hours later, we go home to help Ash and Aidan unpack, but I find it difficult to pay attention to the conversations going on around me. Which seems to be my normal reaction after hearing Hunter’s on his way over. I’m sure it’ll wear off in a few weeks, and then I can get back to business as usual, by focusing on everything else in my life. That day can’t come soon enough.
We head back downstairs, but not before Dru cons the boys into playing Guitar Hero later. Apparently, he’s quite the video game buff. I should have known.
Instead of hiding out upstairs all night, I’m hoping I can convince the boys to play a few of their songs after dinner. Dru and Dhelia would go nuts!
The ringing doorbell makes me jump.
I run to welcome the visitor I’ve been desperate to see all day. As I open the door, he glances behind me, seeing that everyone now stands where they can easily spy on us. But instead of embarrassing me, he pulls me out on the porch where he can properly—and thoroughly—greet me with his hungry lips.
Time always has a way of standing still when his mouth touches mine. No one else exists—and nothing else matters. If it’s possible to be paralyzed and impassioned at the same time, that’s exactly what happens.
The second he tears his tender kiss away, reality comes crashing down around me. This time, however, it’s more subtle. My excitement for the evening overshadows any—and all—negativities in my world.
We step inside the house at the exact moment everyone disperses to the kitchen. Gram places us at the table, but she’s kind enough to put Hunter close to Ash and Aidan, while Dru remains as far away as possible.
Thanks, Gram!
Hunter talks to the boys about their plans for law school in the fall, and they ask him questions about being a fireman. But his look of pride for his job vanishes the second he mentions how difficult it is when men on his crew are injured—or killed. Like his best friend, Trevor, who still might not make it.
I wish he talked about his family. I’d love to know how they feel about him putting his life on the line every day. I’ve been waiting for him to bring them up, but maybe I can find a clever way to mix it in with conversation. Like maybe on our date this weekend.
I don’t say much as we devour Gram’s scrumptious lasagna and garlic bread. I’m too enthralled with watching my favorite people interact with one another.
As I take everything in, a vision pops into my thoughts and startles me—penetrating my mind in an instant—but then is gone as fast as it arrived.
I shiver as my eyes open.
It’s about Michael Russo. Again.
His face is flushed, sweaty, and pulsating at the temples. And he’s on his way to our house now!
This isn’t just a vision. It’s a warning!
My chest tightens as I try to figure out what to do. I turn to my Gram and Aunt Morgan to get their attention, but they’re watching the boys talk with Hunter.
Dru stands, clearing his throat. When I catch his blank stare, he motions for me to go in the living room with him.
I get up—follow him out of the room—and hope Hunter doesn’t see the nervous look I feel spreading across my face.
Dru squeezes my forearms and says, “What happened? What did you see?”
I shake my head. “It’s Michael. He’s livid and on his way here this second. I’m not sure how much time we have. We’ve gotta get Hunter out of here, but how?”
“Is this the vision you saw the other day?”
“No, this is different. In the other vision, he was sad. Now he looks pissed.” And then some.
“Are you sure this is happening right now?”
“Definitely. What I felt in the vision is what he’s feeling at this very moment, of that I’m certain. So we don’t have much time.”
“Okay. Think.” He lifts his hands to his face. “Um . . . how can we get him out of here without raising suspicion?”
I pause for a moment. “I got it! I can send him to the store. Let’s hurry!”
We dash back to the kitchen where they’re still laughing at old stories. There’s no time to waste, so I whisper in Hunter’s ear, “Can you come to the living room with me for a minute? I need your help with something.”
He doesn’t say a word. He just gets up from the table and follows my lead.
“Is there any chance you would do me a huge favor?” Oh, god. Please don’t let me look as nervous as I feel.
“Sure, what is it?” He doesn’t even hesitate.
“I was supposed to take care of a little surprise tonight, but I lost track of time and forgot. The plan was for me to go to the store without the boys knowing, to get a cake to celebrate their graduation. I’m such an idiot. If I leave now, they’ll know something’s up. So would you mind running to town for me? You could say you got called to work or something.” I place my hand on his cheek, batting my eyes so he can’t resist. ”I will owe you big time.”
“Anything for you, Miss Chloe.” He smiles. “Is there a particular cake you want?”
“How about a half marble sheet cake with buttercream icing.” Is that particular enough?
“Done. I’ll be back before you know it.” He leans down, kissing me on the cheek before he sneaks out the door.
I feel bad for lying, but I didn’t know what else to do on such short notice.
As soon as I’m certain he’s in his car and pulling out, I dart across the floor to the kitchen.
“Okay everyone, we don’t have much time.” I sound frantic, but I can’t help it.
With questioning eyes, they turn to look at me.
“Chloe had a vision. And it’s one that’s going to happen any minute,” Dru explains.
I look at the boys then move my attention to Aunt Morgan. “The moment you’ve been dreading for all these years is upon us. Michael knows something and he’s pissed! He’s on his way here this very second to confront you. I sent Hunter to the store, but I doubt he’ll be gone long.”
No one says anything. We just watch Aunt Morgan, waiting for some word of what she wants to do.
“Aunt Morgan?” I try to get her attention.
She lifts her head, opening her mouth to speak, but the ringing doorbell stops her.
She jumps to her feet.
Her limbs shake as she turns toward the door.
“Shit!” She exhales. “Okay, boys. We knew this was coming. We can do this.” She sends them a wary smile.
She pivots, hesitation etched through her deep lines of worry, then walks towards the front door. But I know it’s the last thing she wants to do.
The doorbell rings again, followed by persistent pounding.
Aunt Morgan looks back and winces, but moves forward.
As she reaches the door, her hand lifts to the knob—and she freezes.
She turns back to look at Gram—me—then at the boys. After another deep breath, she pulls the door open.
Chapter 12
THE GREATEST LIE EVER TOLD