Falling For The Mob

51 Cold

~AN multiple updates, make sure you are reading the right chapter.

Zoë

Everything was just perfect, and for a second, I was starting to believe things would finally be different. I wanted things to work between us so badly, but here I am, stuck between trying to help and understand her, while not tricking myself into thinking any of that meant more to her than it actually did.

She can be confusing and insensitive, but she's never been this cold. Not towards me since we started. There has to be more at play, right? She wouldn't play with me like this. It would just be cruel.

I stare at my phone, hoping she will call. Maybe she's just busy. She can get caught up in her work and she'll end up calling me around midnight when she finally comes up for air. Or she shows up unannounced at my doorstep with a vague explanation and a forced apology. She'll convince me that I don't need more information, and I will pretend that I'm not bothered by it all. I sigh.

Midnight rolls around, and I am staring at the ceiling, playing the last few months over in my mind. Somehow, I have created an environment where I keep her to such low standards that I am beginning to question my own self-respect. How can the bar be so low?

As I am on the brink of falling asleep, a knock on my front door shakes me to my core at two in the morning. I open the door, already annoyed by her timing, and ready to give her a piece of my mind. Surprise hits as I find Addy on the other side. She is still dressed from the flight. "We need to talk."

She pushes past me in a nervous rush before the door is even fully opened. "Is everything okay with Sam?" Her stress levels are contagious as she walks back and forth, contemplating an answer that should be simple.

"Addy, sit down. Let me get you water."

The grip on her purse tightens as she comes to a halt. "I'm not staying long, Zoë. I just need you to hear me out." Her eyes burn, silently pleading with me not to make this harder than it needs to be. Slowly, I take a seat on the couch and signal her to speak.

"Sam will be going through a really rough time these next few weeks, and it will strain your relationship. She may do or say things that are completely out of character, but you need to be patient with her."

"What happened while we were gone?"

She shakes her head. "Please, Zoë. One day you'll get answers, but right now I need you to not ask any questions. I know what I'm asking from you is beyond wrong. It might be bordering on manipulation, but it's my truth. For Sam's sake, I need you to stay with her no matter how bad she gets."

All the secrets are not helping. I feel like an outsider looking in on my own relationship, and now my best friend is literally asking me an impossible question. The worst part is that I would probably do anything for Sam. I've known that for a while now.

With my slight confirmation, she begins heading out my door, leaving me with more questions than before. What could possibly be so bad that it has Sam this twisted? It has to do with her mother. It's the only explanation. It caused her to disappear a few months ago without an explanation. Not only that, but I think it's the only thing that can have Addy this broken. Even Uncle Jack was off when I saw him. No matter how well he tried hiding it.

Half an hour later, I find myself swiping that same key card I have had since Christmas at the main entrance of the Claymore building, only this time the light blinks red. I don't know what I'm going to find when I get up there, but seeing her and being with her is the only thing I can think of that will help.

The red light stops flashing. I try swiping it several times again, getting more frustrated with every negative buzz.

"Can we help you, miss?" Though the question is stated calmly, the guard already has his hand on the weapon clipped to his belt. It's one of Sam's guards, but not one I've seen before.