“Yeah, I just wanted to give you a heads up that I’m heading your way. I have some paperwork for you to sign.”
“Can’t that wait? You don’t need to catch a flight to Tennessee just for me.”
“No, it can’t wait. I also wanted to talk to you about a private matter.”
I didn’t have the bandwidth to take on much. Between Chap, the pending tour, the implosion of my entire life, and Edison, I was at capacity. “Are you quitting? Because I’d be lost without you. Just name your price.”
“I’m not quitting. We can circle back on the salary a little later. But we need to talk.”
“About?”
“I’d rather talk in person.”
That was fine, I guess. The last time Moniece came to Hume she was overwhelmed by the country of it all. Asking where the coffeehouse and Target were. And pretending to be okay with the smells. “Have you spoken to Darla?”
“Briefly. She’s back in LA. Has she not called you?”
“Uhm … no … but I’m sure she’s probably just trying to give me some space.”
“Maybe. Anyway, I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Sounds good.”
I stuffed the phone into my purse before turning back onto the road. Normally, Darla and I talked via text or in person like twelve times a day. I hadn’t heard from her since rushing off the tour bus. Last I saw she was reading Chap the riot act. But not calling to check on me was unusual. Maybe she stayed away to avoid delivering a big fat I told you so. She never liked me getting together with Chap. She warned me about mixing business with pleasure and I was too lovestruck to listen.
When I pulled up to my parents’ house, I shot off a message to Darla.
Fancy: Are we okay?
In the morning,I reluctantly called Dial, convincing her to drive me to Palmer’s Ranch so I could pick up my car. Enlisting her help came at a price because as she drove, she peppered me with questions.
“What’s your car doing at Palmer’s Ranch?”
“I let Fancy drive it home?” I took a drink of coffee from my insulated tumbler.
“And why couldn’t she drive herself home?”
“Because I was drunk.”
“What does you being drunk have to do with her having your car?”
“She drove it home.”
Dial smooshed me in the head. “If you don’t stop talking in riddles and rhymes I’m going to molly whop you.”
“I’m sorry it’s early. I didn’t get much sleep and I’m slightly hungover.” If I was keeping it one hundred I didn’t want to answer her questions because that would open me up to her judgement. I should’ve just hopped on my bicycle and rode to the Palmer Ranch myself. Sure, I’d be sweaty and tired after, but at least I’d avoid the interrogation from Detective Dial.
“Alright I need you to back up. What exactly were you doing keeping company with Francesca anyway?”
“She showed up with Oz at The Tipsy Owl.”
Dial’s hands tightened over the steering wheel. “Oz was there?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Did you talk to him?”
“We exchanged pleasantries. He briefly mentioned you.”
