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Nothing.
She must be in the house.
Dread fills me as I get back in the truck and drive to her house. If I feel this way after what she told me, how much worse is this for her, seeing the house on the daily and having to occasionally go inside?
I’m still in the truck when Hilary opens the door and walks out. Great, she’ll think I’m a creeper sitting out here.
I get out of the truck and try to keep Fred from escaping, but it’s too late. He’s off and running to say hello to Hilary.
She laughs and pets him, yelping when he sneaks in a lick on her cheek.
“Sorry, he’s too fast for his own good,” I say. “Fred, sit. Use your manners, for crying out loud.”
“Fred, you are the cutest,” Hilary says. She looks up at me, laughing. “It’s so nice to see you. I was just heading out to pick up some food. Will you join us?”
“Yes. But let me go. How does Sunny Side burgers and shakes sound?”
She points at me. “You are hitting the nail on the head.”
I grin and get back in the truck, whistling for Fred to come on. He bolts over to me, his ears flapping behind him, and we head back to Sunny Side. Jo’s surprised I’m back.
“Was something wrong with the food?”
“Not at all. Can I have more of the same? Actually, three orders, and as soon as possible?” I make pleading hands. “Please?”
“It’s a good thing it’s not the busy season,” she says, laughing. “But you know I would never tell you no.”
“You’re the best,” I tell her.
“Mark, Theo says I’m the best,” she yells into the kitchen.
Mark sticks his head out and lifts his hands. “What, it doesn’t count when I tell you that?” he says.
She scowls. “When have you told me that?”
He looks stumped for a minute and then brightens up. “When you surprised me with our large screen…”
“That was four years ago,” she mutters and waves him away. “Hustle. Theo’s in a hurry.” She rattles off the order and tacks on “STAT” at the end of it.
Mark gives me a withering look and I try to appear apologetic so he doesn’t spit in the burgers. I don’t think he would, but you never know.
The drive back feels like it takes forever. I’m anxious to see Sofie and tired and hungry and yet have a pit in my stomach. When we get there, I hurry to the door and knock, and it’s open within seconds.
“Hey,” Sofie says.
Her gaze is tentative, as if she’s unsure of which me she’ll get. I’ve been such a bastard to her since she’s been back.
“I don’t have to stay if you don’t want, but I’ve got food,” I say, lifting the bags.
“Of course, I want you to stay,” she says, opening the door wider. “Aunt Hilary and Abby have been counting down the minutes for you to get back.” She grins finally and it’s like the sun parting storm clouds—everything feels better.
She leans down and pets Fred’s ears and then wraps her arms around his neck in a hug, and my heart thuds against my chest. A lump forms in my throat and I try to swallow it down.
Hilary and Abby call from farther back in the house. “We’re in the sunroom. Come on back.”
Sofie stands up and I touch her arm. “Are you really okay being in here? We can take this over to my house if you’d rather.”
“I didn’t know they were coming today,” she whispers. “So I didn’t have time to overthink it.” She leans in and my stomach does a nosedive. “It also helps that you’re here. And that I slept more than I have since I got here. I’m sorry I fell asleep on you, though.”
