London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 56. Alex

Anton opens the front door, and I let out a sigh. The apartment looks completely different from the last time I was here.

- When did you have time to redecorate? - I ask.

Anton shrugs his shoulders:

- It's all thanks to you, - he says, lowering his eyes, - You tried so hard to save me that I couldn't give up. And started to get out on my own. A light renovation was the final point to banish the memory of Olivia from this house.

- Hmm, - I am sincerely happy for him, - so a new chapter in life?

- Definitely, - Anton winks and hugs me. I feel safe in this familiar embrace. - You want something?

- Yeah, I need to call Max and make sure he's okay, - I say. The memories of that day, which disappeared for only a moment, come back and threaten to drown me.

- Okay, I'll make you some mint tea, just the way you like it, - Anton steps into the kitchen. How well he knows me. Always notices such little things.

I dial my son's number:

- How are you? Everything all right? Where are you? - I gibber as soon as Max picks up the phone.

- Mom, I'm fine. I'm with friends, I'll be back home tomorrow. How are you? - He asks guiltily, - I'm sorry I ran away.

- No, no, you have nothing to apologize for, - I answer, - and by the way, I'm not at home. I'm staying at Anton's tonight; it's not safe at home.

Max sighs deeply:

- Is it all so terrible? - He asks. - What are we going to do?

- I don't know, son, I don't know. We'll figure something out. I'll do everything I can to keep you safe... We'll think of something... I'll call you tomorrow when I get home.

I hang up the phone as Anton brings a mug of hot tea and plops down next to me on the couch in the living room.

- How is he? - Anton asks.

- He seems to be better than me. I have no idea what to do next. You know, I can be desperate and brave and all that, but if something happens to Max ... - I'm scared to even think about it.

Anton squeezes my hand and looks into my eyes:

- I won't let that happen, do you hear me? No one's going to hurt you or Max. I'll do anything to protect you, whether Pierce is with you or not. I'll still be there for you.

He believes what he's saying so much that I'm beginning to calm down.

- Thank you, - I say. - Thank you for taking me here. I can't imagine what I would have done if I had stayed home.

The phone blinks, announcing a new message. My hands are shaking. What if it's a new message from her? Out of the corner of my eye I glance at the phone and slowly pull my hand to it. Anton is watching my every move.

- It's Daniel, - I sigh in relief, - I'm sorry, I need to answer him. He's nervous.

Daniel's just flooding me with questions. Of course, Liam had already told him that I am spending the night at Anton's. The news didn't make my boyfriend happy, although his reaction is much calmer than I expected. I wonder why?

- Is everything all right? - Anton asks, when I put the phone aside.

- Yes, - I answer.

- Daniel didn't even give you the jealousy scene? It's weird. The drama queen's off today? - He makes a disgusting joke.