Chapter 43

WAYLON

Driving back home, I can feel my heart twist in regret. I wish Ms Fischer wouldn't have picked out that photograph from that cluttered mess.

How did it even get there?

The memories threaten to spill back into my life, but I put a tight lid on them and shove them to the back of my mind. I won't let what has happened in the past mingle with my reality, and I won't let any of that damned time become a part of my present again.

Fenella and her reminders can kiss my ass.

Pulling my ear pods out of the glove box and putting them in my ear, I start a call from my car's dashboard to Finn, thinking I can use the distraction.

After a few long rings, my best friend picks up.

"Hey, are you in a meeting or something?"

After a long beat, he speaks.

"No, I'm not in a meeting, but I was going through some approval requests. Why are you calling me right now, Way?"

"Would you like to go get some beers?"

He sighs.

"What has made you change your mind? I mean, why now? Of all the times I have asked