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“No one. We got back from the Y a few hours ago.”
Claudia and I set up a schedule where we take turns picking them up from school or the after-school program.
I start the car and reverse out of my driveway. “How did you get home?”
“We walked.”
I’m going to kick Claudia’s ass.She could’ve at least asked me to pick them up.
“Why didn’t you ask me for a ride?”
“I don’t want to call you all the time, and I’m mad at you at the moment.”
“I’m coming to get you. Your mom has to go out of town for a few days, so you get to stay with me.”
He sighs and lowers his voice. “I already know she was arrested.” His voice is filled with disappointment, and I have a feeling it’s more for me lying to himagainthan Claudia’s arrest.
“Yes, she was arrested. How did you find out?”
“It was here in the trailer park.”
“You were home?”
“No, but everyone told me when we got home. Roger said we’re supposed to stay with him and not to call you. He left for a beer run about ten minutes ago.”
“I’m on my way. Get yourself and Gloria ready.”
When I pull up, they’re waiting for me outside with bags in their hands. I wish I could say this was the first time we’d done this, but it isn’t. Call it a routine for us Fieldgains.
“Mommy’s boyfriend told us not to leave!” Gloria says when I get out of my car.
“Yeah, well, Mommy’s boyfriend can get over it,” I tell her, scooping her up in my arms.
I turn around and notice the squad car pull up across the street. I see Gage on the driver’s side.
I strap Gloria into her car seat while Trey gets in.
“Give me a sec,” I tell them before heading over to the squad car.
Gage rolls down his window. “He’s not here, if that’s what you’re wondering.”
I shake my head and lie. “I wanted to say thank you.”
His face turns neutral, but his words are harsh. “You should’ve told him, you know.”
I sigh. “It’s complicated.”
He nods. “I understand complicated. I’ve told him to talk to you, but he’s stubborn. Don’t give up though.”
“Aunt Chloe!” Trey yells.
I turn around to look at him.
“We’d better get going before Roger gets back!”
I nod and then glance back at Gage. “Thank you—again.”
* * *
