Page 126 of Reeves

The tow yard comes into view faster than I expect. My hands tighten on the steering wheel.

"Will they let me see the inside of your truck?" Benjy asks Reeves as we pull into the gravel lot.

"I don't see why not. But you have to stay with me."

"Can I ride back with you? Please?" Benjy leans forward against his seatbelt, his excitement palpable.

"Reeves probably needs to get on the road," I say automatically.

Reeves shrugs. "Your house is only ten minutes back. He could totally ride with me there, if that works for you."

The reasonable suggestion makes my shoulders tense. Of course he would offer that.

"I can put my booster in his truck," Benjy adds helpfully.

I park next to the office, my carefully ordered morning slipping through my fingers with each second.

"That's fine," I say, the word coming out curtly, so I add a weak smile.

Ten minutes later, I watch them pull away in Reeves's massive black Hummer, Benjy waving excitedly from the back seat. I follow behind in my practical SUV, alone with thoughts I'd prefer to avoid.

My phone rings through the car speakers, startling me. God, I'm jumpy today

Reeves's name lights up the display, but when I answer, it's Benjy's voice that bursts through the speakers.

"Mom! Can we stop at Skyview Park? Reeves said there might be time before the aquarium but I should ask you first."

I check the clock. The park is directly on our route, and Brenda and Paolo aren't picking him up for another hour. Still, this wasn't part of the plan. Another deviation. Another crack in the routine.

"Please?" The hope in his voice tugs at me.

"Twenty minutes," I say firmly. "That's all we have because I want to get your changed and fill up your water bottle before Paolo gets there. You don't want to be late for him, do you?"

Benjy whoops with such pure joy that I can't help smiling. I'm sure there is a no in there, because he's been excited about theaquarium since Paolo invited him last week. But showing Reeves his favorite things at the playground is taking precedence at the moment.

I hear Reeves's deeper voice in the background, but can't make out his words.

Realizing this is actually a good place to do the hand-off, I'm grateful for the idea. Now, Reeves doesn't have to come all the way back to the house.

About three minutes later, I turn into Skyview's lot, and Reeves's massive black Hummer pulls in right behind me. Benjy is already scrambling down from the back seat by the time I get out. He waits impatiently at the playground entrance, bouncing on his toes.

"Twenty minutes," I remind him, looking at my watch.

He nods and takes off toward the climbing structure, his small body quick and sure.

Reeves falls into step beside me as I follow at a slower pace. Our shoulders nearly touch as we walk. The morning sun catches on his profile, highlighting the sharp angle of his jaw and the dimple in his chin.

"You don't have to stay," I say, nodding toward the playground. "I think he wanted you to see him on the monkey bars, but he's already off to the slide, so you’re safe to go.”

Reeves shakes his head. "I like watching him play. I don't have anything else to do."

His voice is casual, but his eyes stay fixed on Benjy, tracking his movements across the playground.

"Didn't you need to meet Ridge at the docks?"

"I let him know I was stuck here. I told him I would let him know when I'll be back. He's fine. Definitely not rushing back for him."

"Hmm. Okay."