Chapter 62

Marie’s POV

I check my phone. It's been six minutes since I last checked. Feels like it should be an hour by now.

Luke's outside. Through the glass, pacing, phone to his ear, one hand pressed to his forehead. I can't hear him. I watch his shoulders, waiting for some sign, and when they finally drop a little I let myself breathe out, just slightly, just enough. June's okay. One thing. One single thing tonight that isn't actively coming apart.

He comes back in.

"She's asleep. Roxie finally got her down. She wants to come here, but I told her to wait."

I nod. I don't think I say anything. I'm not sure I could right now even if I tried.

Mom's still in her dress. I keep noticing it and then losing the thought again — the hem gray with dirt, her hair falling out of its pins, black tracks down both cheeks she hasn't wiped away. Frank's collar's undone like it was choking him. Lu