DON’T STOP (Lila and Darrell) novel Chapter 31

3:56 am P P P

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

Evder

Casting red

I pushed open the bar door and stepped out into the cool night air The neon sign abour flickered behind toe and blue shadows on the gravel parking lot. I’d only had a few drinks enough to dull the Adges but not enough to blur everything Delaney’s text had come in just as was finishing my second beer

Coming home tonight instead of Thursday. The flight got moved up. See you soon.

I stared at the screen for a long time before I paid the tab and left. I’d planned to stay out until Thursday Cave myself Give Lila space. Give the whole damn mess time to cool down. But Delaney was coming back early Tonight And now I heard 10 choice but to go home.

climbed into the truck. The engine rumbled to life. I pulled out of the lot and onto the dark road. The ranch was twenty minutes away. Plenty of time to think. Too much time.

My mind wouldn’t shut up.

Lila’s voice kept playing on repeat.

I am in love with you.”

I don’t know how or when it happened, but I am in love with you.”

What the fuck is wrong with her?

sighed heavily and ran my hand through my hair. My fingers gripped the steering wheel tighter. I stared straight ahead at he empty road, headlights cutting through the dark. The words didn’t make sense. They couldn’t. She was young. Confused Caught up in the heat of everything we’d done. It was lust. It was the rush of something forbidden. It wasn’t love. It couldn’t ›e love.

My phone rang.

glanced at the screen on the dash. Lila’s mom. My sister. Not blood, but family all the same.

chewed the inside of my cheek for a second before I answered. The call connected through the truck speakers

Hey?” she said. Her voice was warm but worried.

‘I’m good,” I replied. My own voice sounded flat.

‘Are you at home right now?”

“No.”

“Okay. Then… is Lila with you?”

I sighed softly. “No.”

There was a pause. I could hear her breathing on the other end.

“Anyway,” she continued, “I called concerning her. Is everything alright with her?”

My eyes blinked twice. I looked down at the phone screen even though I was driving. “Why?”

HY

* lifters woring the ward And she was crying he said she doeson like that place anyarches and wavele Bottre. I wonder what is happening

I swallowed My throat felt tight Did she say something specific

“She was upset. Really upset She just kept sa, mg she couldn’t do it anymore She mild us Missed her theuk Lund anything happened, but she wouldn’t tell me Just cried

I stared at the road the headlights lit up a stretch of empty asphalt. My grip on fee wheel tightened

“I don’t think so.” I said slowly. “Maybe she’s homesick. That’s probably the reason

She sighed on the other end. “I hope so. I plan on picking her up on Friday. It’s sad she doesn’t want to stay any lotiges

I bit my bottom lip, not saying anything.

“So where are you right now?” she asked. Her voice came through the truck speakers, clear but edged with worry

I stared at the dark road ahead. The headlights cut a narrow path through the night. “Oh, I’m on the road Going home brow

“I see.” A pause. “Anyway, can you check up on her? Help me see how she’s doing. I’m so worried about her. It seems bey phone is dead because I called a few minutes ago, and it was switched off.”

I didn’t say anything. Just swallowed hard. The words stuck in my throat like gravel.

“Ryder?” she said. “Ryder? Ryder?!”

I snapped back. “Yes, yes, I’m here.”

She sighed softly. “Did you hear what I said?”

I rubbed my forehead with the heel of my hand. “Sorry. What did you say? Suddenly forgot.”

She sighed again. “Are you alright? You sound stressed and out of it.”

“I’m fine,” I answered. My voice came out flat.

“You sure?” she pressed. “You know you can always tell me anything.”

“I’m fine, Martha. I promise.” I grunted softly, trying to sound convincing.

“Well, if you say so,” she replied. “Anyway, I asked you to help me check on Lila when you get bome

I swallowed again. “Okay. I will.”

“Yeah,” she said. “Give me a call when you do so. And take care of my baby.”

“I will,” I said.

We said goodbye. She ended the call.

I drove on. The road stretched ahead, empty and dark. My mind wouldn’t quiet. Lila’s face kept flashing in front of me her tears, her confession, the way she looked when I walked out. I felt sick. Guilty Confused Angry at myself Angry at her for saying it. Angry at the world for letting this happen.

Then I saw the house lights up ahead. The porch was on. And there, near the steps, stood Lila.

8:56 am P P P ppp

Chaptreat

soffrunte che

I squinted Slowed the truck. The headlights caught them clearly

Jerry?

Lila was standing close to him. Too close My stomach dropped

I pulled up slowly, killed the engine, opened the door, and stepped out.

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