“Dane,” I gasped, sitting up in shock. He sat opposite me, frowning, and his expression unreadable, “What is it? Are you okay?” I asked, my head thumping with pain.
Then I saw it.
My IPad, sitting on his lap, the screen open to the last page I’d left it on before falling asleep.
His sister’s killer. Or apparent killer. Oh god. How was I supposed to explain this?
“It flicked on when I lifted it off you,” He explained softly. His face creased in confusion, “What is this, Lily? Morbid curiosity? Is that why you’re with me? Fishing for information on my sister’s killer?”
“Dane, no. Of course not,” I protested, angry that he would even think that, much less say it.
“Then what is this, Lily?” He spoke harshly, anger and confusion passing through his eyes, “What can you possibly say that would explain this?” Hurt filled his eyes as he blinked away tears.
“I don’t think she’s dead, Dane,” I blurted out. I threw myself back on the couch. Well, that was probably the worst way to tell him. My plan to gradually work that into the conversation was now out the door.
Yay team Lily.
“What?” He yelled, “What the fuck is this? You better start talking, Lily, and fast,” He added darkly. He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting impatiently for me to speak.
I put my hands to my face, trying to block out the light, and not wanting to look at him when I spoke.
“When my sister died, I would still see her,” I began. Wow this was hard. He was going to think I was insane, just like everyone else.
“Well that’s normal, I used to think I saw Steffy-.”
“No, I saw her. Really saw her. We would have conversations, laugh, and cry. It was almost like she hadn’t left me. I spent three months in a psychiatric facility, because my mom was convinced I was having some kind of breakdown,” I took a deep breath. This wasn’t going well. I couldn’t bring myself to look at Dane, because I was sure the look in his eyes would be disappointment.
“The doctors said it was common in twins, to still feel them after death. With lots of therapy, I stopped seeing her everywhere. It became only in my dreams.”
“Sorry Lily, what does any of this have to do with Steffy?” He cut in, his tone still sharp. He felt sorry for me, but there was still anger and confusion as to how Steffy tied in to all this.
“I’m getting to that,” I promised. I clutched my hands together in my lap, trying to hide their shaking. “Abby told me two nights ago that Steffy needed your help. She is alive, but in trouble. Somewhere in the country, though I’m not exactly sure where,” I watched helplessly as Dane dropped his head to his knees, his arms resting on top of his head. He cursed softly into his lap.
“It’s insane, right? How was I supposed to work that into a conversation?” I said helplessly, watching as Dane stood, and began pacing the length of the living room. I willed for him to say something.
Anything. Call me a crazy bitch, or kick me out. The silence was killing me.
“Has she told you things before? You know, that turned out to be true?” He stared at me impatiently, looking overwhelmed.
“Only once,” I coughed, trying to clear the strain in my voice, “Once. My dad was having an affair. Abby told me where to find him and his…thing,” I finished, “And she was right.”
Dane laughed, shaking his head again. He grabbed the phone and began to dial.
“Can I order a cab please? Uh-huh,” He gave the address and hung up, “I can’t think…I need some time to process this,” He said, his voice cold.
Right. The cab was for me.
Nodding, I left the room before he could see my tears. I quickly dressed in his bedroom. This was so messed up. I had truly gone and fucked things up, and I had no idea how to make things right, or even if I could.
As soon as I heard the cab pull up outside, I walked into the living room to grab my bag.
“Here,” Dane murmured, waving a few notes at me. “For the cab,” He added. I shook my head. Way to make me feel like a whore, Dane.
/> “I’m not taking your money,” I mumbled, wiping the tears from under my eyes. As I walked to the door, I kept hoping that he would stop me. Call out for me to stop, or say something.
He didn’t.
Chapter Fourteen