AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey.”
Trish’s face lit when I made it to the front of her line at the food truck.
I hid my confusion behind a fake smile. I’d wanted something good to eat. Maybe to see a familiar face, but I hadn’t expected her to be happy when I showed up. Especially considering the current press about me.
“Anything good to eat around here?” I shoved my hands in my pockets and leaned against the counter.
“I might be able to come up with something.”
She filled a cup with ice and lemonade, passing it to me before even offering. I craned my neck to see past her.
“No news,” I said, my voice low as I pointed my chin toward Cricket.
She gave a swift nod. “What would you like?”
“You pick.” I inspected a container of the lip gloss Baker made. “This stuff just for women?”
Trish tilted her head. “Hmm. I’m not sure pale peach is your color.”
“Ask her if she can make some for guys.”
“Why don’t you ask her?”
“The Dixons aren’t exactly speaking to me at the moment.” I fiddled with the display, straightening the gloss.
“From what I hear, you aren’t accepting some of their calls.” She gave me a pointed look.
“Lots going on.” The excuse was weak, but the best I had.
“Then you don’t know what their mother did.”
“I thought Mr. Dixon took care of her.”
Trish held up a paper bag. “To go? Or are you eating close by?”
“To go.”
“She sent child protective services to Marlow’s.”
No. No. No.
“When?”
“They haven’t come yet. I think it’s this afternoon—”
“Does Andrew know what time?” I asked, panicked. Trish answered all my questions as well as she could, but it didn’t settle my impatience.
“Yeah. He’s going to be there.”
“Where?”
“Her house.”
I threw a wad of cash in the window. “I’ll come back tomorrow. Give my food to someone.”
“Are you sure it’s a good idea to go over there?” I stopped. Her expression was apologetic. “No doubt Marlow and Blake need you, but”—her cheeks turned pink—“given your situation . . .”
I dropped my chin to my chest. “They might take him because of me.”
