Falter by Haven Cage Read Free Book Online

 
    Do people who hallucinate know they’re seeing things?
    There was a light tap on the door frame, jarring me from my thoughts. Probably better that way for now. Any more confusion might put a damper on my ability to function normally for the day.
      The door eased open.
    “Ah, she’s awake,” Gavyn mused, stepping into the room. He placed a steaming cup of coffee on the table next to me. “The crew meets here for breakfast before we open in the mornings. Fortunately for my employees, I don’t like to eat alone. Guess you could call it a perk.”
    “Thanks. I’ll get straightened up and be right out.” I fiddled with the blankets to avoid eye contact.
    “Layla left the clothes for ya. She said ya’ll are about the same size.”  
    The space between us filled with a long, awkward silence. I smacked the throw pillows with my hand, pretending to be preoccupied with tidying the room.  
    “George has already helped himself to two plates of pancakes, so you better hurry.” Gavyn smiled nervously, shoving his hands into his pockets. “See you in a minute then,” he said, waiting for a response.
    I smiled and nodded. I didn’t know what else to say.
    He turned and left the uncomfortable room.
    Huffing out a breath of relief, I scooped up the donated clothing off the end table. I crossed the hallway to the bathroom and pulled the door shut behind me.  
    When I unfolded the outfit Layla left, a pair of pink panties fell from the pile and dropped to the floor. I chuckled and picked them up, examining a set of red kissy lips printed on the back. It was more about Layla than I really wanted to know, but I was grateful for them.
    I pulled on the black slacks and a plum-purple, button-down shirt. My Mary Jane’s barely peeked out from under the pant legs that were almost too long. The confiscated blue ribbon from the day before matched, so I put it to good use. Watching my reflection to make sure I didn’t miss any stray hairs, I tied back the giant curls that formed from laying on wet hair most of the night.
    Determination to prove I wasn’t crazy got the best of me. I leaned over the sink and pursed my mouth to blow on the mirror. Warm air crossed my lips, heating the glassy surface. The feeling of victory settled in my heart as faint, finger-drawn words appeared under my breath. The evidence was clear. I didn’t imagine what happened. But who would believe that some phantom made me write it? I was all alone in this.

    The café was full of laughter as employees traded sarcastic comments. I lurked in the background, unnoticed for a moment, and admired what a family looked like. It was thrilling to consider I might be a part of it, too.  
    I strolled farther into the room and searched for a familiar face. Layla waved at me in a beckoning motion.
    “Hon, you fill those pants out better than I ever did. Since they fit, I’ll bring more of my old outfits for ya. My closet’s too full anyway,” she admitted as I closed the distance between us. She hooked her arm around mine and proudly escorted me across the café like a shiny new toy.
    “Thanks for all of this,” I added, picking up my pace to keep up with her.  
    Layla nodded and continued into the kitchen. “We have eggs and pancakes on the stove. Help yourself. You’ve got about a half hour, and then we’ll open. Plates are up there and silverware’s in the drawer.” She pointed to the wall opposite of us, then gracefully retreated back out into the hall.
    “Good morning,” George greeted somberly from the doorway.
    “Morning,” I returned, feeling guilty. “Hey, I’m sorry about last night. I shouldn’t have yelled at you like that. Guess I’m a little overwhelmed. Can you forgive me?” I put on a sweet expression, offering my best puppy-dog eyes.  
    “Nev, you’re like my own daughter. I could never be mad at you for long. I know you’re a little hormonal and all, bein’ a woman.” He let out a throaty chuckle and tugged me in for a