Dad’s asking to see us.
The words sucker punch me, even though I shouldn’t be surprised. Malcolm’s probably seen news about where I am. I wonder if he was surprised to find out I was hiding in plain sight. I hope so. I hope he feels as betrayed by me as I did when he lied to me, then blamed me for his own lies about Rancho Mirage.
Beneath the hard layer of revenge, though, is the sharp rocky soil of fear. I didn’t expect a message from Malcolm to come from my brother. They haven’t spoken in over a year.
Malcolm cut us both off—at least financially—but it’s been years longer for me than for Archie. After I told Malcolm I didn’t want him or his money in my life, I knew my father would find some other way to keep me tied to him. That’s why I’ve been hiding from him. He’s not one to let go of control.
I just hope Archie’s not fallen back in his clutches.
You talked to him?
Sybil left a message.
What does he want?
Dunno. Can I ring you?
Now’s not good. Later?
I expect a thumbs up, but thought bubbles appear instead, then another message:
McVey’s been lurking around. Cornered Dex. Said he has a message he needs to give you.
I read the words twice before, suddenly, I can’t breathe. Literally. Junie’s back and got her arms wrapped around me, choking me while begging for a piggyback ride. I loosen her arms from around my neck, gasp for breath.
“Not now, Junie,” I snap loud enough for all the Holloways to go quiet.
I shrink under the weight of their collective stare. Junie’s lip quivers. I’ve done it now.
“I’m sorry,” I say softly.
“Junie, come over here. Leave Frankie alone,” Cal orders, and Junie hurries to him.
“She scared me,” I offer weakly.
Cal nods and sits about as far away from me as possible, pulling Junie into his lap. And I feel like a right cow.
I go back to my messaging with Archie
What kind of message?
No clue.
Dex didn’t tell him where I am, did he?
‘Course not. But he’s looking. Ring me when you can talk.
I send him a thumbs up, then quickly eat my lunch, trying not to look at Junie or Cal, afraid I’ve already broken my promise not to hurt either one of them. Not just because I snapped, but because, between Malcolm and Brandon there’s no way the Holloways’ paradise won’t be disrupted if either of them finds out I’m here.
A shadow covers me, and I look up to see Hayes standing above me. He squats down.
“We’ve all lost it with her a time or two,” he says quietly. “Even me. She’s a lot. But you’re really good with her. More patient than most of us.”
“Cheers, Cowboy.” I force a smile.
“You’re good with avocados too.”
“Now you’re just putting on the charm.”
