“Jaylen?” she whispered as she dried the tears on her cheeks.
“I’m sorry it took this long to call you,” he said in a low tone “I didn’t think it was safe to call since.”
Briella sat up, her heart pounding. One hand gripped the edge of the bed, and the other clenched the phone like it might vanish.
“Where are you? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine for now.” He hesitated, “I missed you.”
Briella took a deep breath.
“But you’re always running, Jaylen,” she said, more exhausted than angry. “Always pulling me in, then disappearing.”
“I have to be discreet, Briella. Idon’t want to involve you.” He stammered.
“Involve me in what?” she asked.
He was silent for a while.
“I’ll tell you when the time is right.”
Of course, always later.
She closed her eyes, then sighed. “Can we meet up again? I
