SHE READ IT A dozen times thinking through the different ways he might’ve meant the words, or how she should best respond in light of the fact that she had a boyfriend. A boyfriend she loved very much. Finally she allowed herself to settle on the explanation that made the most sense. She had offered her help, offered to be there however he might need her. And he had taken her up on her offer. They had known each other since she was a freshman in high school. If he wanted to see her now, to grieve with her and draw strength from her, then she was ready to be there for him. On her way down to help her mom with the meal, she answered his text. First there was the obvious: Cheyenne was gone. And in the painful time after saying a final goodbye, Cody had finally checked his messages. There was no need asking how she was. Bailey was sure about that. She poised her fingers over her phone’s keyboard and thought for a long minute. Dear God, please give me the words. It’s always so complicated with Cody.
