Chapter 6: A Forest Full of Telephone Booths
“I can’t believe they have you working a holiday weekend. That’s crazy. You guys always have all the holidays off.” Rubbing her arm, Bre leaned against the doorway while I triple checked my packing list in the too-bright, artificial light of the bedroom.
“Yeah,” I said, checking off item by item.
“And you only need a day bag?” Bre tilted her head; her brow furrowed. “Usually, you take a couple suitcases on these types of trips.”
I sighed, pushing down the guilt that tried to crawl up my throat. “Yeah, they’re providing everything except clothes and whatever creature comforts we want or need to survive the weekend.”
She gave a small noise of affirmation. “You’re—you’re going to be back, right? Like, this won’t be dangerous, will it?”
I bit my lip and looked at her. “Okay. ‘Survive’ might not have been the best word choice. Yeah, it’s fine. It’s just, like, a conference. It’s going to be exactly like the other trips I’ve taken, but this time, they’re providing us with basic necessities for the weekend. Don’t worry. I’ll be back late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.”
She nodded, looking away. “Okay, okay.”
Finishing with my final bag check, I zipped up my bag and hauled it over my shoulder, heading to the doorway where she stood. “I’m sorry. I wish I could talk to you about it. It’s killing me to keep something from you.”
She smiled and squeezed my arm. “It’s okay. I get it. I’m curious, but I get it.”
She gave me a quick kiss before leading the way from the bedroom to the living room, where orange, late afternoon sunshine was trickling into the darkness. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket but ignored it.
I set my bag down by the front door before plopping down on the couch; I still had a little time before I had to leave. I closed my eyes, trying not to feel horrible. There was a dip on the couch cushions, and I opened my eyes to see Bre sitting next to me. She grabbed my hand and squeezed gently.
I shifted, angling toward her. “And you’re still okay to check in on video calls with Asher’s grandma while we’re gone?”
She nodded. “Yep! I’ve got her in my phone. We did that test call last night with them. Don’t worry about her. I’ll make sure she’s okay. Just focus on coming home, okay?”
I smiled. “It’s gonna be okay.”
She stared at me for a minute, holding my gaze. “Am I still your emergency contact?”
“Yeah. I never changed it after everything happened.” I fidgeted with her fingers. “I hope that’s okay.”
“Yeah, of course. I kept you as mine, too.” She smiled, her eyes a little watery.
“Bre, I promise everything’s gonna be fine. It’s just a few days. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“Okay. Just call me as soon as you’re back.”
Leaning in, I kissed her. “I will.”
She kissed me like it was the last time we’d ever see each other, and I got lost in the feeling until my phone buzzed again.
I sighed and pulled away, pulling out my phone. I saw the time and put it away. I pouted.
“Time to go?” She frowned.
“Yeah. Time to go.” I hauled myself off the couch, filled my water bottle, and grabbed my bag.
After one last hug and kiss goodbye, we headed to our cars. She went home, and I went to find parking near this non-existent phone booth.
I called Asher through my car’s system, feeling jittery about what we were about to do.
“Hey, are you heading out now?” His voice cracked on the last word.
“Yeah. Are you? You sound as nervous as I feel.” I laughed and kept my focus on the traffic.
“Man, I don’t know about this. There was absolutely not a red telephone booth at the corner where you’re supposed to be going, and I couldn’t find one where I’m supposed to be going. I’m leaning towards this being some kind of fucked up feds thing.” He blew out a long breath, creating a static sound over the speaker.
“I don’t know. Maybe it’ll magically be there today. Maybe it’s like…only going to show up when we need to use it?” I tried to stay calm, to even be optimistic, because I needed this to be real. I needed it to be my turn to get swept away for some weird adventure. I also needed this to be worth having lied to Bre.
“And Bre still hasn’t acted like she knows anything about magic? Like at all?” His voice brought me back to conversation.
“Right. Nothing. I haven’t exactly mentioned it either, so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. But she would not keep this from me. Or at least—” I paused, a little unsure. “I don’t think she would.”
I swallowed and failed to keep the nerves out of my voice. “Okay. Moment of truth. I’m turning on to Fulton now.”
“I’m almost to the book shop.” His voice reflected mine.
We were both quiet for a few moments.
My eyes landed on the corner of Fulton and First. A red telephone booth stood, waiting.