“I get it. Tanner’s great. I would have done the same thing if I were in your position.”

“Yeah, I see that. Next time, we should remember to take an umbrella.” Her laugh is brittle.

I glance down at my wet T-shirt and shorts. And that’s the difference between us. I don’t need an umbrella. Probably would have tossed one if I’d had it because it would have slowed me down. Some people are worth running through the rain for.

“I should get changed.” I offer her a small smile.

The master bedroom is darker than the living room with its big windows and sliding door. I strip out of my clothes and towel off. After I’m dressed, I sit on the bed to avoid going back out there.

I text Emily to let her know the power is out and the roads are dicey to which she replies that she’s going to head back home. I was really looking forward to seeing her and a distraction would be good about now.

Holding my phone in hand, I stare at the dark screen and will Tanner to get here. I didn’t ask how far away he was, so I don’t know if soon is five minutes or twenty.

At the thirty mark, also known as the brink of insanity, I wander back out. Amelia’s moved to the window and looks out. Tara and Corinne lie on the floor with their phones and half a dozen nail polish bottles.

“You should save your battery in case the power stays out,” I say.

“Eh, I’m sure it’ll be back soon. It went out last summer for like an hour.” Tara doesn’t look up as she blows off my suggestion.

Ignoring her, I move to stand by the counter in the kitchen. I’m too anxious to sit. I feel uneasy and I’m not sure if it’s only because I’m in a room with my boyfriend’s ex and his psycho sister. My fingers curl around my phone. I want to call him and see where he is, make sure he’s safe, but I don’t want him to answer or run his battery down if he’s on his way. I just need to know he’s all right.

After an hour, Tara finally looks concerned. “Maybe he pulled off to wait out the worst of it.” Her brow furrows as she glances out. The rain has slowed, but the wind still blows hard and the thunder continues. “I’m going to call him.”

An unsettled feeling spreads through me and I pace and bring my thumbnail to my mouth while Tara holds the phone to her ear for long enough that I know Tanner isn’t answering.

“Straight to voicemail,” she says, ends the call, and tries again.

“His phone probably died.”