When I saw her walking toward the entrance, I hurried over.
“Rachel.”
She stopped.
For a moment, she simply looked at me.
She appeared exhausted. There were shadows beneath her eyes, and her expression was so serious that I barely recognized my usually confident friend.
I stepped closer.
“What happened? What did my father do?”
She shook her head.
“Please don’t assume the worst.”
“Then tell me what I’m supposed to think. You went on one date with him, told me everything was wonderful, and then disappeared. You told me not to contact you. You wouldn’t answer your door. And now you’re acting as though you’re afraid to speak.”
Rachel glanced toward the office entrance.
“I know,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you safe?”
She nodded.
“Yes. I’m safe.”
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
“Then what’s going on?”
Rachel looked at me for a long moment before answering.
