The Runaway's Secret

~VALERIE'S POV~

(One hour earlier: At the hospital, before the motel confrontation)

Toby's hand was warm against mine as he reached across the diner table, and I froze completely. The salt and pepper shakers I had been fidgeting with suddenly felt like anchors in my sweaty palms.

"I understand," he said softly, his green eyes filled with something that looked dangerously close to genuine concern.