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“In Morgantown? Not likely.” Lizzie grimaced. “And Roman loves going there.” She rose to her feet. “Thanks for listening, Nate, and for taking it seriously. I appreciate it.”
He stood, too. “That’s what I’m here for.” He put on his hat. “I’ll go right now. I’ll give you an update this evening.”
Lizzie followed Adam out into the sunshine and headed back to Yvonne’s. She was so deep in thought that she didn’t notice he was following her until they reached the front door.
He held it open for her. “Are you okay?”
“Just peachy.” She couldn’t even muster a smile. “I’m sorry you ended up involved in all this.”
“It’s all good.”
“No, it is not, Adam. It’s not good. If Coretta contacts Ray . . .”
“He won’t do anything. You know that.”
“I hope you’re right.” She eased past him, aware that being close to him right now was still too hard for her. “Have a great day.”
Chapter Five
Adam parked his truck and stayed in the driver’s seat staring out at Gabby’s house. He’d spent the rest of the weekend worrying about Lizzie. Even his family had noticed, and asked why he was so distracted. He hadn’t told them anything. It wasn’t his story to tell.
He knew Lizzie was due to pick Roman up from Gabby’s right about now. It was the first time she was likely to encounter Coretta since Nate had called on her. Adam wanted to make sure everything went okay. It was none of his business, but he couldn’t seem to stay away.
A tap on his side window made him jump. He turned to see Lizzie staring at him. Her reddish brown hair was drawn back from her face in a high ponytail and she wore a soft floaty dress that made her eyes look even bluer.
He reluctantly lowered the window and met her inquiring gaze.
“What exactly are you doing here, Adam?”
“Yeah, I know it’s weird.” He winced. “You’re going to think I’m stalking you.”
She pointed at the passenger side and walked around as he unlocked the door for her. She stepped up into the truck, bringing the beguiling scent of coffee and sugar in with her.
The moment she settled herself, he started talking. “I was worried about Coretta. I thought I should be here in case she came at you.”
“Why?” She crossed her arms over her chest and regarded him steadily. “I’m quite capable of taking care of myself.”
“I know that,” he struggled to explain. “I just feel . . . responsible somehow.”
“Because Ray Smith walked out on me?”
He allowed himself to get distracted, which was easy when he had no real answer for her question. “How did you ever get involved with him anyway?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but he was always a charmer, and I was stupid enough to let him charm the pants off me. Which still doesn’t have anything to do with why I am currently sitting in your truck with you.”
“I suppose I felt I’d like to help you out with this,” Adam said slowly, feeling his way through his complicated emotions, which were somewhat rusty with lack of use. “I’ve let you down so many times that maybe this time I can make amends.”
“By doing what exactly? Threatening an old lady?”
“By just being here.” He grimaced. “I don’t want your son to have to deal with all that hostility. If she wants to go off at you maybe I can help keep him out of it.”
“That’s . . . very thoughtful of you.”
He nodded awkwardly, tried to remember the last time he’d reached out to someone outside his immediate family, and came up with nothing.
“Roman’s a good kid and you’re a great mother,” Adam said firmly.
She cupped his chin, tears glinting in her eyes. “Thank you for that.”
Her emotions made him uncomfortable again, and he turned away to contemplate the street. “You’re welcome. Do you want me to leave?”
He wasn’t sure whether he wanted her to say yes or no, which surprised him. He usually bolted when anyone got upset around him because he had nothing left to give them.
