AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Garrett looks at me. “There’s not going to be a receipt.”
“No.”
“You need to leave.” She glares at me. “I’ve got other customers.” I glance behind me and see one old woman looking at snacks. She’s not even ready to check out yet.
Garrett gives her a hard look. “We’ll be in touch.”
Lily snorts and turns her back on him, on both of us.
Garrett holds his arm out, letting me go first. I take two steps toward the door and stop. Swiveling to face her, I ask, “Did you know Grandma died?”
She shrugs.
“Do you care?”
She shrugs again, and I realize that even though this woman gave birth to me, she’s no relation of mine.
I’ve got one more question. “Where’s my father?”
“That asshole?” Lily snarls. “Long gone. Last I heard he went to Florida with some skank.”
Outside the door, I fight the urge to cry. Tears won’t solve a thing. Garrett places a hand on my shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. “Let’s get you home, Lucy. It’s late. We can get a fresh start on this tomorrow.”
“Why bother?”
“What do you mean?”
“You heard her. She said that Grandpa gave her the necklace. He’s gone. Grandma is gone. There’s no one here to refute her story.”
“His statement that was on the police report is all the proof you need.” Garrett holds the passenger door open to his giant sedan. “Let me drive you home.”
“Um, I live right there.” I point to a spot down the block. “I’ll walk.”
“Let me accompany you.”
“That’s not—”
“Don’t argue. I’m walking you to your door.”
“Fine.”
We’re quiet as we make our way slowly down the street. When we reach the front stoop of my building, I turn to face him. “Thank you.”
He chuckles. “For arresting you?”
“No.” I smile. “For believing me.”
“Oh…”
“I’m feeling a bit defeated about the whole thing right now, but I’m glad you’re helping me even if I don’t ever get the locket back.”
“Don’t give up. You’ve got options.”
I glance at the old door to the front of my building. “I’d invite you up for a drink or something, but I haven’t had time to get to the grocery store lately.”
“No worries. Probably best if I don’t anyway.”
“Sure.” I nod. “Right.” I grasp the doorknob, turn it, and open the door.
