Chapter 6

I was in my seat on the plane when I declined Vanessa's seventh call.

Messages followed.

VANESSA:

“The road flooded. Water got into Ethan's engine, and we can't get a cab outside the office. We can't get to you yet.”

“I'm so sorry about the locket. I didn't mean to drop it.”

“Please forgive me. Please say something. You're my only best friend.”

I turned the screen off and leaned back.

She was mine, too.

We'd been best friends since middle school. When Mom died while I was in college, Vanessa had helped me through every part of the funeral. Mom and I had only had each other. I hadn't known what I was supposed to do without her.

Vanessa had held me and said, “You still have me. Whatever happens, come to me. I'll take care of you.”

I turned toward the window so the other passengers wouldn't see my face.

Except for my mother, no one had been in my life longer than Vanessa.

Losing Ethan hurt. But Vanessa was the person I would have called to help me survive it.

I cried against the window, with no one left to call.