Her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. Jeff. Angie sank onto the bed and let it go to voice mail. Shayla’s most recent exploit had arrived at Angie’s door a day after Shayla had failed to show up at the restaurant where they both waited tables. Angie’s exact words had been, “I wouldn’t call the police.”
“But no one’s seen her. She’s always returned my calls before. It isn’t like her…”
“Look, Jeff, you’re a sweet guy, but you guys have been going out, what, maybe two months?”
“What are you saying?” Big, brown, loyal dog eyes looked at her. He had a dimple in his chin.
“This isn’t the first time Shayla’s taken a vacation without telling anyone.”
Jeff had blinked.
“In high school she wanted to go on this ski trip over winter break. When our parents said she couldn’t, she went anyway. Not with her classmates. She hitched a ride.” Angie shrugged. “When the mood hits, she just goes.” She spared him the details of Shayla’s all-expense paid trip to Hawaii with her married boss two years ago.
Jeff shook his head. “No. Something’s wrong. She wouldn’t just take off without telling me.”
Angie had folded her arms across her chest. “She’ll turn up.”
Jeff had trusted her. They all had in the beginning until, one by one, doubts surfaced – Jeff first. Then Aaron. Mom.
Angie’s cell phone buzzed in her hand, a reminder of the missed call.
“She’ll turn up,” Angie said aloud in the empty apartment. She glanced around the apartment one last time before leaving.