Chapter 16

Despite Lucy’s best efforts, Carter eluded her all weekend. When she knocked on his door Friday night, he wasn’t in. She texted him, but he only replied to say that he was busy and he’d call her.

He didn’t call her.

She tried again on Sunday morning, but if he was in his room, he didn’t feel like opening the door. She called him one last time, knowing that he was ghosting her already before he took off for Seattle. When he didn’t pick up, she didn’t leave a voicemail. He probably wouldn’t listen to it anyway.

If Carter wanted to end things, he could say it to her face. She sat in her room all Sunday and listened for the sound of his footsteps coming up the stairs. She’d recognize them anywhere.

It was close to midnight when she heard the stairs creaking. Her eyes flew open; she’d fallen into a doze. Her heart in her throat, she heard whoever it was take a half dozen steps down the hallway before they stopped to unlock their door.

She threw open her door just in time to see Carter