We reminisced like this for a while longer, until the bill came. No matter how much I insisted on paying, Adrian took care of it. We sat there chatting until around four o’clock when Adrian’s cell phone rang. “Hello. Yep. Okay. Tell her I’ll be there soon.” He hung up as quickly as he had answered. “Sorry, Montgomery. I’ve got to go. It’s the doctor—he’s arrived at the suite. I better go see what’s up.” He stood up and slid his phone into his front pocket.

“Of course. I hope everything turns out okay.” I put my coat on in preparation once again for the chill of the Alaskan winter air.

“Thanks, Montgomery.” We crossed the diner and he held the door open for me before following me outside, the bell on the door ringing as we left. “Listen, I’m sorry I can’t walk you back to the Hyped.”

“I’m pretty sure I can manage on my own, thanks. I don’t even need a map anymore. Besides, you bought me lunch so you’re forgiven. I guess next time it’s my turn to pay.”

“You’re promising a next time, huh?”

“Get over yourself already. Go see your sister, she needs you.” As I said this, a wave of sadness flooded over me. I wished I knew what it felt like to have a family member who cared about me. Someone who checked up on me when I was unwell. Adrian might’ve regularly referred to his sister as the brat, but when it really mattered, he was there for her.

He must have seen my thoughts on my face because his expression softened and he placed his hand on my shoulder. “Hey, try to relax, okay?”

“The only thing that’ll make me relax is finding a way to break free of all this.”

“Yeah,” he whispered as he pulled me into a hug. “That’s all I want too.” He kissed the top of my head.

Adrian held me for a little while longer before finally letting me go. “Catch you later, Montgomery.” He bid his farewell and then walked away while I headed in the direction of the Hyped. I could still feel the spot on the top of my head where he had kissed me. It was like his touch had released all of the tension I had been feeling.

How did he know just what to do to make me feel lighter? I stuffed my hand inside my pocket to grab the paper I had tucked inside earlier, making sure that it was still there. This piece of paper could be the key.

I suddenly felt a tinge of excitement. I couldn’t wait to get to my room and find a way to translate this. One of the beauties of the internet was that it provided a free translator.

Chapter Nineteen