Lib Novel Page 73
“Where you off to?” She steps forward.
I shuffle to the side, not wanting her too close to me. “The library.”
Her features twist into a sort of frown. “I heard about your friend. Sorry about that.”
My brows furrow. “Uh, what friend?”
“That Utley girl.”
That Utley girl.
Panic floods my system. “What happened to her?”
Essie lifts her shoulder. “Nothing happened to her. I just meant about her dropping out.”
Her words don’t make sense. “I don’t understand.”
Essie takes another step closer. “Me either.” She gives me a sympathetic look. “I just overheard her talking to some people about how she had to move out today. Did she not tell you?”
My fingers clench around my phone, and I have to force myself to loosen them.
Did she not tell you?
Someone lied to me. And I don’t think it’s Hannah.
My phone vibrates as Essie, the married woman and mother of two, replies with her phone number.
I dial it.
One ring later, the call is picked up.
“Hey, Maddox. It’s been a while.” Her voice is quiet. Like she’s trying not to be overheard.
I was going to be friendly. Ask nicely. But I can’t do that.
“First week of senior year, you told me you overheard Hannah talking about transferring home,” I snap. “You lied to me. Why?”
She lets out a nervous laugh that sets my fucking teeth on edge. “Who’s Hannah?”
“Hannah. Utley.” I enunciate each name, remembering how she called her that Utley girl.
Did she not know Hannah’s full name?
“What is this about?” Essie sounds hesitant.
“Answer the question,” I demand.
“Is this seriously why you’re calling me? After all this time?” She has the audacity to sound affronted.
“I have no other reason to call.” I make sure to make my point clear. “Now tell me what really happened.”
She scoffs. “You expect me to remember—”
“What did you do?” My voice raises just a little, but it’s enough.
“I saved you from yourself,” Essie hisses into the phone.
“What do you mean?” Red hazes around my vision.