I’m still not feeling myself by the time comes to meet with Alonso, but I have to pretend. I wish I knew what was wrong with me, why I feel so drained all the time lately. But I must press on.
“Ready?” Eric asks, his face full of concern and worry. I know he’s not scared of the Vampries, he’s just afraid for me.
“Yeah,” I answer with a weak, forced smile, “Let’s go.”
As we walk down the dimly lit street, Eric keeps a soothing hand on my lower back, supporting me physically and mentally. “You’re going to be great,” he says, “We can do this.”
I look at him out of the corner of my eye. He’s been so wonderful, and I know he would be a devoted and caring partner. Why am I holding back so much? Am I leading him on?
Oh well. That’s not what’s important right now. “I hope you’re right,” I a
