“Hey, it’s Willow.”

“Oh, hey.” There’s a hint of surprise in her voice. “I didn’t recognize the number.”

“It’s a friend’s phone.” I bite my lip then ask. “Did you get home okay last night?”

“Yeah, is everything okay?”

“I don’t remember much, it’s like I blacked out.”

“You had a lot to drink.” She laughs.

“Did I?” I frown. “I don’t remember taking more than a few sips of my second drink.”

“Matthew kept buying us drinks all night.” She giggles and I hear what sounds like a smack then a grunt. “He probably bought us like ten each.”

“Oh.” I rub my forehead. “Do you know how I left, like who was taking me home?”

“I ordered you an Uber because your cell phone died.”

“You did? Did you walk me out to meet it?”

“No, you said you were okay and that I should stay with Matthew.” The phone goes quiet for a second. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m just trying to piece things together.” I close my eyes wishing I could remember what happened. “And one of his friends didn’t walk me out?”

“No, they had already taken off by that point.”

“Right.” I mumble. “Sorry for interrupting your morning.”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, is Matthew there with you now?”

“He is,” she whispers sounding happy.

“Okay, enjoy your time with him and I’ll see you tomorrow at work.”

“See you then.” She hangs up and I stare at the phone not sure what it is I’m feeling.

Chapter 5

Clay

SLIDING MY CELL out of Willow’s hand I tuck it into my pocket then place my fingers under her chin. My gut clenches when I see the look on her face, and I bite back the urge to let her know what I think of her friend. It’s obvious that the woman she was with last night couldn’t give a flying fuck about what happened to her and that she only cared about herself. But right now is not the time to bring any of that up.

“I swear I don’t remember drinking that much.”

“You might not have; how well do you know that girl?”

“Carly?” Her brows drag together.

I clench my fists to avoid reaching out and touching her.

“Like I told you, we work together and have hung out a few times.”

“So, she could be lying.”

“Why would she lie? She said I called an Uber and she sounded worried.” She slides off her stool and walks around into the kitchen, opening the fridge. “Do you want some?” She holds up a refillable jug of water.

“I’m good.” I pull out my phone when it starts to ring then slide my finger across the screen and put it to my ear. “What’s up?” I ask Miles.

“Cameras at the bar were conveniently down last night, but the closing bartender did leave a bag behind the counter after closing up and it’s Willow’s.”

“Was there a phone with it?”