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Right now, we are in public. That’s why I feel safe.
The dynamic would shift very quickly if that changed.
There’s also the outside chance he’s trying to get Javi in trouble. I could see Hayden deciding to have the car pulled around while I’m in the bathroom and realizing Javi gave it to someone who didn’t have the ticket.
The realization that his dad could come out here any minute injects a little urgency into the situation. I’ve been gone long enough that I probably should be finished and out of the bathroom by now. If I don’t return soon, Mom might come looking for me. We guessed that Landon probably blew us off and left, but she’s paranoid about him, so if I’m gone for more than an appropriate length of time, her mom senses might start tingling.
I don’t know who else to call.
Wait, yes I do.
Oh, I hate the thought of making that call, but I bet if I called Brittany to come get him, she’d be here before we got off the phone.
Before I can make a decision, a voice from behind causes my heart to stop. “Landon?”
“Shit,” I whisper. Widening my eyes at Landon, I say, “Just be quiet and keep it together.”
Then I turn around and manufacture a smile that—upon reflection—is a bit too much. “Look who I found!”
Hayden is scowling as he approaches.
I don’t know what to do with Landon’s phone, but it occurs to me I should probably hide it. It wouldn’t be an ordinary thing to see me holding Landon’s phone.
This stupid dress is sheath-like so there are no folds to hide it in, but I try to cover the phone with my hand, then press it against my thigh for good measure.
Of course, not seeming to know what to do with my hands only draws Hayden’s attentiontothem.
“Is that Landon’s phone?”
“Yep. He lost it.”
It’s the first thing I can think of.
“But he found it,” I add just as quickly, holding up the phone like evidence. “Obviously.”
Hayden regards me suspiciously.
“Do you want us to wait for the car?” I ask before he can ask any questions. “You can just go get Mom. And my purse,” I add, realizing I left it at the table along with my leftovers. “I’ll take the ticket and get the car?”
“Sure,” Hayden drawls, his gaze drifting to his son.
All I can think is thankGodhe didn’t come out here two minutes ago when Landon had his hands all over me.
The memory triggers a shiver, but I shake it off and flash what I hope is a normal-looking smile to invite Hayden to accept my plan.
He hands over the ticket, and I grab Landon’s wrist so I can haul him with me like an untrustworthy toddler.
My heart races as I run through the car ride home. Outside, I didn’t smell the liquor on his breath until I got close, but in the enclosed space in the car…
“We need gum. Maybe gum will help.”
I have gum in my purse, but it’s back at the table. I can’t give him a piece to start chewing now.
“Why are you trying so hard to help me?”
The question catches me off guard. I look up at Landon, and our eyes lock by accident.
My tummy turns over, so I quickly shift my gaze away. “You’ve done a lot of stupid things that you deserve to get in trouble for, but getting drunk alone at the country club to avoid having dinner with us is very low on that list.”
