I climbed the short steps to Sarah's building, dragging my feet like they were made of lead. My phone buzzed again in my pocket, but I ignored it. I couldn't stomach another call. Not from him. Not from anyone.
I knocked once.
Then again.
Then again—harder this time.
The door creaked open and there she was—Sarah, in plaid pajama pants, a fluffy yellow hoodie, and a mint green facial mask spread across her cheeks like war paint. She blinked at me.
"Aria…?"
I didn't even get to say anything.
From somewhere behind her, a man's voice called, "Who is it, babe?"
Sarah's eyes widened in full cartoon shock.
Shit.
"I—I didn't mean to—" I started to step back.
But her hand reached out and yanked me inside by the wrist. "No! Don't even try it. You're staying."