Same Time Next Week (Ch 64)

The years before Lucas were a dark corner, one that was about to be lit up with a fluorescent bulb, all shadows chased away.

Whoever was calling at dawn had to know her very well.

They had to know that she didn’t sleep well, especially the past few nights and would likely be awake; otherwise a sunrise phone call was rude as hell.

But this person did know her well. She was awake. Bleary eyed and exhausted, but wide awake. She hadn’t slept a wink and was lying in her bed reading when her phone alerted, chirping the cheery tune she’d picked out to identify Jackson.

She reached for the phone to send the call the voicemail, but couldn't make herself do it. Her heart beat wildly, erratic as she slid her finger across the screen.

“Hello.”

“…hi.”

Oh, God. Shelby felt like rolling over and crying for days at the mere sound of his voice, the way he said hi, how the tone of that word made her feel. Instead she tried to breathe and concentrate on talking.

Say something.