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The three older kids came racing out. Duke went straight to Charlie’s side of the car.
“Where are you going?” Danisha asked.
“Santa Barbara.”
“I never been out ‘dere,” little Jada said.
“We might go out there this summer to visit. How would you like that, kids?” Latisha said.
“That would be awesome!” Duke and Charlie exclaimed together.
I hugged the kids in turn. “Stay tuned, folks. We’ll be in touch.”
“We’ll miss you.” Sweet Danisha kissed my cheek. Then her little sister copied her.
My heart swelled. No matter how bad my life had been sometimes, it was this family next door who had kept me sane. They were such beautiful souls.
I shut Charlie’s door, then walked around the car and lowered myself into the driver’s seat. Mixed emotions rolled through me as we left the place we’d called home for the last five years.
I squeezed Charlie’s hand. “We’ve got one stop to make before we head to Emmett’s.”
* * *
I walked intoSunshine City Marketwith Charlie hobbling along behind me on his crutches. We made our way past the fresh produce section, past the milk, where we ran into the ever-cheerful Rea.
“Hey, you guys.”
“Hi,” I said.
“Hi, Charlie. How’s your ankle?”
“Still broken,” Charlie said, rolling his eyes.
Rea ruffled his hair. “These things take time, buddy. You’ll be better in no time, and then you’ll be playing ball again before you know it.”
“But not around roads, I hope.” I put my hands on my hips. I silently urged Charlie to keep moving. I didn’t want to stick around here for longer than I had to.
“You’re not working today?” Rea asked.
“Nope!”
We walked past the deli and I waved at Dale, then we headed down the back hallway to my boss’ office.
“That guy had the biggest beard ever!” Charlie jabbed his thumb back toward Dale.
“It is pretty impressive,” I said as I knocked on Mr. Beazley’s door.
“Olivia! I was wondering if you were going to turn up today. You’re late.” Mr. Beazley’s voice faltered when he saw Charlie. “What’s your kid doing here? We don’t have childcare facilities.”
“No, you wouldn’t,” I mumbled.
“What was that?” Mr. Beazley challenged.
I glared at my boss. “I’m not staying.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m not staying because my son needs me more than you do.”
