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Soon after the server brought the to-go containers and Brandy had settled the check—she insisted—Lydia and her date stood. They were apparently finished with their meals.
Both Steph and Brandy turned their heads away from the departing couple as they walked toward the front doors.
Once they exited, it was clear they were going to walk together someplace. To their cars? To another shop? Would Lydia get into the man’s car?
“Let’s go,” Brandy said, scooping her meal into the to-go container.
Steph did the same with her meal, and within a handful of moments, they were out the door.
Brandy slowed her step as she looked left, then right. “Where did they go?”
Steph frowned. “Maybe they’re browsing one of the shops? Could they have walked fast enough and be at the parking lot already?”
“Let’s find out.” Brandy headed toward the parking lot behind the restaurant.
“Wait,” Steph said. “She might see you … I should go.”
Brandy hesitated, then nodded. “All right. But get on the phone with me. I’m heading to pick up our car.”
Steph hurried toward the back parking lot. She paused before entering into full view, and saw Lydia and her date embracing. At least the hug was brief, then Lydia climbed into her car. Alone.
“What’s going on?” Brandy said, her voice breathless through the phone.
“She got into her car alone,” Steph said as she moved around the restaurant.
“Good. Find out what kind of car he drives and get the license plate number.”
She froze at this. “Are you serious?”
Lydia’s car drove toward her, and she faced the other way so Lydia wouldn’t be able to see her face. Once the car passed, Steph moved into the parking lot in time to see mystery man get into a silver truck.
“It’s a truck—one of those smaller ones.” She continued walking and talking as if she were minding her own business. “A Tacoma.” Then she read off the license plate number to Brandy. “Got it?”
“Got it.” She sounded triumphant. “I’m pulling up to the sidewalk now.”
Once Steph was inside the car, Brandy took off after the silver truck.
“What are you doing?”
“Making sure Greg isn’t heading to Everly Falls.”
Steph wanted to protest, but she was curious, too. They drove in silence for a few moments until the truck turned down a road that was decidedly not in the direction of their hometown.
“Wow, I can’t believe we pulled that off,” Brandy said as she made a U-turn. “Do you think my mom saw you when she drove past?”
“I doubt it.” Steph pulled off her scarf and folded it. “I was well disguised.”
Brandy’s laughter sounded with relief. “I can’t wait to see who the license plate belongs to.”
“Are you taking it to the cops?” Steph asked, surprised.
“I don’t know yet.” Brandy drummed the steering wheel. “I’ll talk to Ian. See what he thinks.” She paused. “After what happened with Brock … I know I have trust issues.”
“Nobody would blame you,” Steph hurried to say, and no one would. When Brandy called things off with her former fiancé Brock, he went a little crazy. Okay, so a lot crazy. Resulting in him getting arrested … “We’ll get a background check, or whatever they’re called, and then we’ll know.”
Brandy squeezed Steph’s hand, then returned to the steering wheel. “Thanks for being my wingman and not telling me I’m overreacting.”
“Well, I overreacted first, so maybe you’remywingman.”
