“Lance?” I groan as I turn toward my sister’s voice. “What’s wrong? Where’s Riley?” London starts to look around the hallway and entryway. London looks over to the elevators and sees something on the floor. We walk over to it, and I see a white mask lying there. “You’re an idiot,” London says to me as she pushes past me to head back into the ballroom. I pick up the mask and notice that around the eyes are wet with black streaks.
I made Riley cry. I start pushing the button faster so I can get to her to apologize. “Hurry up, you damn thing.”
My phone starts to vibrate, and I don’t look at it and answer, “Riley?”
“Sorry, Lance, but it’s me.”
“Sandy, you okay?” I ask, tapping my foot with impatience.
“Devin’s fever spiked again, and he is calling out for you.” I slam my hand into the wall next to the elevator.
“Thank you for calling me, I’ll be right there.” We end the call as I enter the elevator. When the doors shut, I rest my head on the wall. I’m in here by myself with my silence and my thoughts. “Son-of-a—bitch,” I yell. Riley won’t answer my text messages or calls. “Riley, call me. Let me explain.” The elevator stops on the 6th floor, and I step out, not paying attention to run right into London. “What are you doing here? I thought you went back to the ballroom.”
“She’s gone. I lost one of my best friends because you’re an asshole,” London yells at me. She pushes me back into the elevator, and I press the button to the 8th floor. “What did you say to her?”
“I kissed her, and when we broke apart—” I hang my head so I don’t look at my sister’s eyes “—I said I didn’t mean to do it. She took off before I could explain what I meant.”
“You’re an idiot. You are the first guy that she has any feelings for and you fuck up. She’s gone and I don’t know where and if she is coming back. You better fix it.”
“Wait, what do you mean she is gone?” London pushes the paper into my chest, and I read it over and over again. London is on her phone calling Riley but nothing. I’ll hire a private investigator to find her. “London, she will be back, see.” I point to the part about Devin. “It’s me she will never see.” I sigh as we get off the elevator together. “Devin’s fever spiked again and we are heading home. I want him in his bed where he is comfortable. Can you give my regards to everyone and let Mom know that I will call her tomorrow?”
“Sure. Hey, buddy.” London goes and cuddles up with Devin. “Not feeling good?” He shakes his head and reaches out for me. I carry him out of the room and let Sandy know that Jackson and she can have the room for the night.
“I’ll talk to Brittany and see if she can find anything out. I’m not going to make any promises, but I hope you get this fixed. Riley is special and doesn’t deserve to be treated like this,” London says as we walk to the elevator together.
“Don’t you think I know this?” I say through my clenched teeth. “I had just punched Howard, needing to check on Devin, and then we kiss. Someone yells get a room to us and I realize in my head that she deserves better than a teenage make out session in the entryway to a hotel.”
“I hope you get a chance to tell her that.” London kisses Devin on the cheek then heads to the ballroom. I walk out of the hotel with my son in my arms, feeling more alone than ever. I finally found someone who was willing to give Devin a chance, learn about him, and be there for us. I hope Brittany can find out the info that I need.
I decide to let Devin sleep with me. I want to be close to him in case he needs me and he is one of the few people who love me without conditions. We ring in the New Year watching the ball drop as he falls asleep.
“Happy New Year, buddy,” I whisper into his ear. Once I know he is asleep, I pull out my phone and look at the picture of Riley and myself. I keep calling and text her.
“Riley, call me. Let me explain.”
“Call me.”
“I’m sorry for what I said, but you deserved better than a make out session in a room full of people. Call me.”
4 AM, and I am struggling to keep my eyes open, sixty-eight calls and almost one hundred text messages but not one reply or call back. I finally put my phone on the night stand and go to check on Devin as my phone chimes letting me know I have a text message.
London: Any word?
Me: No she’s ignored me
London: I’m sorry. Brittany and Jacob went off together so I didn’t get a chance to talk to her but I’ll find out.
Me: Thanks. Good night. Happy New Year.
I set my phone down and hear it go off again, but I don’t answer. I lie down and Devin cuddles into me. I play with his hair and can’t help but be thankful for this little man. Sleep finally takes over, and I am plagued with nightmares of Riley’s tears on the mask. I wake up to Devin laughing downstairs and see it’s 11 AM. Who is he talking to? I start to get out of the bed when I hear London tell Devin, “Let’s go wake Daddy up.” I pretend to be asleep when I hear him laughing the whole time.