He grins.
"Okay, so I imagine Trent wouldn't drive for miles before stopping, so let's assume you're within a 15 mile radius of Matt's house." He leans closer to the screen and inspects the different routes leading away from Matt's house. "There are vista points scattered all the way through the National Park. We could start there this afternoon, see if any of the settings stir some memories."
I clear my throat and dredge up the memory again. "It wasn't a vista anything. It was dark and kinda creepy. I think it was off the road. Hidden."
His grin disappears and that hard look returns. Before I thought he was pissed at me, but now I'm wondering if this quiet rage is solely for Trent. For some weird reason I find it touching that he's annoyed about someone treating me like that.
I frown and clear my throat. "I must have started walking, right? I mean I wouldn't have just stood there in the dark. Logic says I would've tried to find a main road or something."
"If you were in a quiet spot, the chances of you slipping and falling are high. You could have tumbled down the bank pretty easily." His features are etched with worry. "You don't remember anything else?"
"No." I swallow down the lump in my throat and look back at the screen. San Bernardino National Park is huge. The road from Matt's house cuts through a portion of it. With little to go by this hunt could take months... and I don't have that long. "What if he drove south?"
Dale runs his fingers through his curls and flicks them out of his face.
"A human can survive for around four days without water and from what you've said, you're not pouring blood, so we have a little time."
Grabbing the mouse, he opens up a new screen and does a search on the weather. "Sunny and fine all this week. You've got a chance."
"Not a very big one," I scoff.
"It's better than nothing."
My phone chirps. Dale reaches for it and reads the screen with a frown. "According to the Where's Nicole Poll, 88% of voters think you've run away." He shakes his head and slides the phone away.
"I guess people think they have me all figured out."
He looks in my direction, his eyes searching for my sad expression. I'm intensely grateful he can't see me right now.
"I'm sorry if I crossed a line before. I shouldn't have been so rude about your boyfriend."
I look down at my nails and run my thumb over the smooth blue polish.
"He's not my boyfriend anymore. If I make it out of this I will be dumping him, very publicly."
Dale chuckles.
"I saw him trying to make out with Julie Peters this morning. I guess it's a good thing. If this hadn't happened I never would have known, just kept dating him like a clueless wonder."
"Even after what he did to you last night?" Dale's brow creases with a frown.
"I don't know." I shrug.
Dale leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. Looking up with sincere eyes that are just an inch from my face, he whispers, "You deserve better."
I feel the sting of tears. If he knew the truth he wouldn't be saying stuff like this.
"You don't know what I deserve."
"I-"
The door clicks and Dale bolts upright, turning back to the screen and studying it. I glance towards the door and notice a round faced Asian girl with wide eyes and an innocent expression weaving through the tables towards us. Her smile is glowing.
"Hey Dale."
I watch him with a grin as he pulls his eyes away from the screen and gives the girl a polite nod. "Hey Sophie, how's it going?"
"Good." Her face is beaming as she skips over and sits down next to him.
"Hey, hey, watch it." Her butt is about to land on me so I jump out of the way, but not before her shoe goes straight through my boot leather. "Okay, she just totally stood on my foot."
Dale snickers.
"Are you okay?" Sophie asks, her wide eyes looking worried.
"Yeah," Dale clears his throat. "Just a funny text."
He taps my phone and looks awkwardly at the screen.
Her adoring eyes study him in silence then she dips her head and tucks a strand of black hair behind her ear. Clearing her throat, she glances over at Dale and smiles again.
"So, are you going to youth group on Friday night?"
"Check out that face." I grin. "Is this your girlfriend or something?"
"No!" Dale snaps.
"Oh. Okay." Sophie's smile drops away and she begins fidgeting with the silver ring on her middle finger.
"Dude, she is so crushing on you."
Dale ignores my taunts and sends the girl an apologetic smile.
"I mean, maybe, I'm not sure yet."
The room lights with her sunshine smile and I can't help laughing.
"What is your problem, Dale? Look at those big brown eyes. She wants you. Go for it."
"Would you shut up," he mumbles.
"I'm sorry?" Sophie looks crushed. "Is it not okay that I'm here?"
"Yeah, of course. It's totally fine." Dale pats her hand and stands up. "I just have to go and I was wondering if you wanted to use my computer then shut it up for me."
"Smooth," I whisper.
Dale closes his eyes and clears his throat, forcing a smile. Sophie smiles back and nods, obviously disappointed by his departure.
"Okay. Thanks, Dale." She slides into his chair and he reaches over her to hide the screen.
"I'll just log out."
She studies his face as he quickly shuts down his account. Giggles rumble in my belly, but I swallow them down. Dale looks so awkward right now. Bolting upright, he pats Sophie on the shoulder and says a quick goodbye.
"Bye." She gives him a little wave as he turns to walk out the door.
The corridor is empty as we make our way back towards the quad.
"What is wrong with you? That girl is on your doorstep, man. Let her in!"
"Maybe I don't want to let her in."
"What, you think you're gonna do better?"
Dale stops in his tracks and gives me a dark look.
I cover my mouth with my hand and wince.
"I didn't mean to say it like that. What I mean is... she seems sweet."
He tips his head to the side, his right eyebrow jumping north, adding extra power to his droll expression.
I stupidly keep talking.
"Come on, she totally looks like your type."
"How would you know what my type is? You don't even know me." Dale turns and starts walking again.
I run to catch up with him.
"Is it because of the scar? Because there are some awesome plastic surgeons in L.A.. They could fix that up for you."
"No, it's not because of the scar and I don't need it fixed. I like it this way."
"Really? Why?"
He closes his eyes and sighs.
"It's a good reminder."
"Of what?" I look up at his pinched lips.
"Nothing."
He shakes his head.
I fidget with my watch strap, unsure how to respond. My curiosity is definitely peaked. "I was just wondering if the scar made you feel-"
"Would you shut up about it? Jeez, Nicole! You've got the sensitivity of a shark."
My mouth drops open and I shoot him a scowl that I totally forget he can't see.
"I was just trying to be helpful."
"How?!" He spins to face me. "How is your constant chirping in my ear helpful?"
"I... she's a girl who likes you!" I point back down the corridor.
"You don't have to play cupid, okay. I can look after my own love life."
"What love life? You barely have any friends, let alone a girlfriend."