AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How’s “Nightingale’s” treating you?” Dad asks.
“Pretty good. Made a lot last night.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Evan was there.”
“Oh, yes, he told me! He popped up at the bowling alley last night. So he was at “Nightingale’s” yesterday?”
“Yes. He gave me a pretty big tip.”
“Hey, you make sure you keep an eye on that guy. He can be a little too frisky. I don’t want to test my shotgun on him.”
“Dad!”
“What?”
“How old am I?”
“Twenty-five. Why are you asking me that crazy question? You’re my daughter and will always be. As a father, I’m always protective, and I don’t need some frisky man bothering you.”
“Respectfully, Dad, I am so capable of defending myself. I’m only five years away from thirty.”
“Hey! You still live here with me. It automatically keeps you at age twenty-one in my eyes.”
“Dad, I think it’s time to remember that Savannah’s the baby. She’s the one who needs protection. Not me!”
“Sadie, don’t get me involved!” Savannah teases from her nook.
I wash my hands while Dad shrugs. He then resumes flexing in the mirror above the console table. This is my cue to go to my room and soak my pillow with tears.
But before I open the interior door to my room, I spot a slow-moving black SUV creep down our road through the living room window. Dust clouds rise up, adding an undesirable sheet of dirt to their vehicle.
My heart halts, then speeds up. I want to rip my hair off my head in frustration. Who the hell is that? What the fuck do they want? Am I hallucinating?
“Hey, Dad…do you see that black truck outside?”
He spins around in a state of alarm, probably by hearing the tone of my voice.
“It’s just a stupid-ass out-of-towner!” Savannah shouts out.
“Watch your language, Savannah!” Dad hollers.
I know she has no real clue, but Savannah’s thought alone softens my mood. Because why would anyone want to follow me?
Dad heads to the screen door and steps onto the porch.
“It’s moving. I think you may be right, Savannah. A lot of them city people don’t know how to move around our dirt roads without standing out. I’m sure if they need help, they’ll bring themselves back to us.”
I like to believe in my father, but I’m not thoroughly convinced. I wish I had Flora’s number. She probably doesn’t even own a phone. And who knows if she’ll be able to help me out? I still have to decipher whatever “forest” she’s referring to. Maybe if I’m lucky enough, I can find the answer in a somber midday dream.
Chapter 14
Freddy
Ihadtodrownmy feelings in a hot shower before I picked up Angela.
She sits prim and proper with mauve lipstick and a dainty lacy pocketbook on her lap. She loves the color purple and is a devoted reader of women’s spirituality magazines.
