Page 93
“I’ve actually looked into the aftercare extensively and spoken to the school counselor on your behalf.”
Elaine narrowed her gaze, and Imogene quickly explained. “Just so I could have all the information for you. The decision is solely yours. They’re your children. You know what’s best for them.”
That statement seemed to ease the tension. Elaine glanced down at the paper.
“What did the counselor say?”
“That there’s room for all three children. And they can start as soon as next week.”
“And it’s free?”
Imogene smiled, nodding. “Yes.”
“I’m paying some fucking moron with two brain cells right now. Pretty sure she spends the whole time on her phone while I’m paying her.”
“This sounds like the perfect alternative.”
“Yeah,” she muttered, sliding her hand over her mouth.
Imogene explained the rest of the programs. Not all would be a fit for Elaine, but there were plenty to choose from.
“Yoga?” She looked up and twisted her lips. “Flaky granola bullshit.”
“It can be very centering. I used to do it twice a week. And I loved it.”
“I’m sure you did.” She snorted, shaking her head.
That seemed to be an underhanded insult, but Imogene let it go.
Every so often her gaze would drift over Imogene’s shoulder. She was tempted to look behind her but wanted all her attention on Elaine.
“You with Killcreek?”
She blinked, completely caught off guard with the question. With Killcreek? What did that even mean?
“Excuse me?”
She jerked her chin toward the bar. “He’s been watching us for the last twenty minutes. And I know he ain’t here for me.”
Imogene turned in her chair and gasped. Jekyll was seated at the bar, a cigarette between his lips and his hand wrapped around a beer. He was looking up at the television above the bar.
“That your man?”
What? She spun around so quickly her hand hit her soda and spilled some from the top. She frantically grabbed some napkins, cleaning it up.
“I take that as a yes.”
“No,” Imogene blurted. “He’s not my boyfriend. We’re just um…”
“Fuck buddies?”
Jesus, Elaine!
“No,” she swallowed the lump in her throat. “Um, we’re friends.”
Elaine smirked. “My friends don’t watch me like that.” She laughed. “But maybe if they did, I wouldn’t get in trouble.”
Imogene forced a smile but remained silent.
