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Gunnar’s heart broke in two thinking about how many times he’d seen Twyla alone: in the cafeteria, walking in the halls, on the bleachers. He knew Jim was desperate but was he really going to make the poor girl say she didn’t have any friends?
“We discussed that already and there’s no one Twyla is close enough to that she would feel comfortable asking them to take her in.”
Twyla looked down at her hands, shame coloring her cheeks. Gunnar was going to love her so hard she’d forget what it was like to feel as though she had no one. He would give her everything. He’d like to get Jim out of here so he could start as soon as possible.
“Look, if you’re concerned, please feel free to come by and check on us this week. We’re happy to meet with the guidance counselor at school when we return. You can give Twyla your cell number in case she ever feels uncomfortable here but I’m telling you this is the best option we’ve got for the time being.”
Jim sucked his teeth, looking unhappy but seriously, what was he going to do? Twyla was nineteen, she couldn’t go into foster care. And would the optics of Twyla being homeless be better than her staying here? God help Jim York if he suggested so.
“Could I have a few minutes alone with Miss Smith, please?”
“Of course,” Gunnar said, even though it made him grit his teeth. It wasn’t that he thought Twyla would say anything she shouldn’t, and to be honest he feared more for Jim’s physical safety than Twyla’s even if she was in rough shape—she was scrappy and angry and had very little regard for her own safety. He did worry however about the emotional toll Jim’s questions could take on her. But it would be far more suspicious to refuse. “I’ll see you out when you’re done.”
He paced by the front door for the ten or so minutes he could hear the low voices coming from his living room. Raked his fingers through his hair because he hated being away from her, hated leaving her vulnerable. Wanted to snarl and swipe at Jim if he made any hurtful comments, even if they were unintentional.
Finally Jim came into the little entryway and shook his head. Gunnar opened his mouth to protest, but Jim wasn’t there to argue.
“I don’t like it, but I think you’re right. This is her best option right now whether anyone likes it or not. I’ll be in touch. You let me know if there’s any trouble with her parents or if you need anything. And Gunnar?”
“Yeah?”
He took in a breath, girding himself for a threat about what would happen if Jim got even a whiff of anything untoward happening in this house between Gunnar and Twyla. That would be fair, and he was positive if Jim was aware of what had already happened he’d think the lines had already been not just crossed but ripped apart and stomped on. But that’s not what Jim said.
He leaned in and said in a low, conspiratorial voice, “You watch out for that one. She may be on her best behavior now and I don’t even know how you got her to wear something that doesn’t have her tits or her ass hanging out, but look out. That girl will do anything to get what she wants, even throw you under the bus. I’d get her out of here as soon as you can. Mark my words, she’s going to take advantage of you and make you regret this.”
