Page 88 of Breathe Me In

“Hey, baby Sis.” She gave me a hug, then looked at Charley like I’d missed something. “I’m going to order a few things for our guests. I’ll give you a few minutes alone.”

“Okay.” I was clearly missing something. I held the hot coffee between my hands for warmth.

“I need to apologize, Bree. I wanted to come home the moment I heard what happened to you, but my moth—”

“Charley, where is this coming from?” His worry came from left field.

“You’re upset. I can see it. I’m upset, too, and your sister needed me.”

I cut in again. “So does your mother. I’m fine, Lainey is fine, even that jerk of a pig is fine . . . for now,” I added for good measure and grinned. “Charley, we’re all okay.”

“Then what’s with that face that I just walked up on? Because that was a serious face you were wearing.”

“Nothing,” I answered too quickly, and he tilted his head like I wasn’t fooling anyone. “I’m just . . .” I stumbled to find the right words. “Okay look, I don’t know where I’ll be after this case, but Robert brought me on, and I feel like it’s taking a lifetime to solve it.”

“Are you doubting your skills?” He made a face like I was being ridiculous.

I leaned back and let out a long, steady breath. “I know how teens think, but this guy’s got us stumped. He’s so smart. Just too good.”

“Which is stirring up old feelings on a case you couldn’t solve. Maybe that’s clouding your mind.”

I gave a light shrug. “Maybe.”

“Bree”—he twisted his paper cup between his hands—“Lainey wasn’t the only reason Robert brought you on board. He knows you. You’re a smart cookie, and you’re relentless.”

“Thanks, Charley, but—”

“Look, maybe you just need to get out of your head, step back, do something fun so you can unclog your thoughts and see what’s right in front of you. All the clues are there. You just have to look past the noise.”

“Yeah, fun. That does sound like something I should do. Maybe you’re right.”

“Of course I am.” He grinned as we stood. “Can I ask you for one more favor?”

“I’m listening.” I tilted my head at him.

“Ask Lainey out for a night. She’s been working overtime, and frankly you both could use it.”

He was right, and I needed to focus on the family more. “Yeah, I’d like that.” I looked up at him. “I forgot how much I needed you guys in my life.”

“Lonely out there, isn’t it?”

“Very.” I pushed the pesky tears back as we headed outside.

“Bree?” A male voice came from behind us.

“Go have fun.” Charley waved before he headed toward his car, where Lainey was waiting.

Hayne jogged to catch up. “I was hoping I’d find you in town today. If it’s not too late to ask, I wonder if you want to join me at the fair tomorrow night.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d been to a fair, let alone the one in our town. Charley’s words echoed in my head about having fun, and I found myself nodding.

“You know what? That sounds like fun.”

He handed me a ticket. “Good. I’ll pick you up at seven?”

“Okay.” I held up the ticket. “Thanks.”

Once I was back in the truck, I sipped my coffee and pulled out my phone. I had a text message.