Now that everyone was identified, she said in a small voice, “Can you bring me some gas?”
“You ran out?”
She squeezed her eyes shut. Embarrassing, and irresponsible. “Yes. I’m sorry—”
“Be there when I can.”
He hung up before she could thank him. She put the receiver back, then leaned against the counter, her shoulders slumping.
Logan hoisted his backpack over his shoulder. “Can you do me a favor? Would you mind locking up?”
“Sure.”
“Thanks.” He opened the door. “Nice meeting you.”
“Bye.” She gave him a limp wave. When he was gone, she sat down on the big brown couch and looked around the living room. No TV here either. She was tempted to do some snooping— something she often did at her friends’ houses. Amazing what you could find in someone’s medicine cabinet. It would give her something to do until Tyler showed up.
But something stopped her. Mr. Hudson was her boss, and she had to respect his home. He’d hired her for her first job, after all. She owed him that much.
With nothing to do in the house, she grabbed the key and went outside, then locked the door. If she needed to get back in, she could unlock it. Tyler had to be irritated with her, because she was irritated with herself, but a sense of peace filled her as she sat on a large flat boulder near the front of the cabin while waiting for him to show up. She did like being up here in the little mountains. Ozarks, she thought they were called. Birds chirped, a faint breeze rustled the green leaves... It was calming. The boulder was big enough for her to lie down on, and when she did, she looked through the tree branches and watched the puffy clouds as they slowly rolled by...
“Kalista. Hey. Wake up.”
She felt tapping on her shoulder and opened her eyes. Tyler stood over her, his glasses slipping to the front of his nose. She rubbed her left eye. “Did I fall asleep?”
“Yeah.” Tyler straightened. “I put gas in your truck.” He turned and walked to his car.
“Hang on.” She hurried to him.
He hesitated, then turned around.
“I’m sorry, Tyler. I should have checked my gas gauge. I didn’t even think about it.”
Glancing away, he muttered, “It’s okay.” Then he jumped in his car and drove off.
Tears pricked her eyes. He didn’t give her a chance to apologize for the other day. He didn’t even offer to give her a ride back to the truck. It was as if he couldn’t physically stand to be around her. That hurt more deeply than what Ryan and Abbie had done.
She walked back to the truck, trying hard not to sniffle. When she reached it and got inside, she turned on the engine and watched the gas gauge go to the halfway point. She blew out a breath and recentered. Never mind Tyler. He could be vexing all day long if he wanted. She didn’t care anymore.
She had papers to deliver, a job to do. She put the truck in Drive and drove off to finish her route.
It wasn’t long before her bluster weakened. She should still be furious. Sure, she was rude to Tyler on Saturday, but that was only because she was frustrated and hangry. He’d been cruel to her several times over since then, except for buying her funnel cake. Yes, she should beincensedthat he dare treat her this way.
But she wasn’t. She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. She was just sad.
Chapter 17
How do you like your eggs?”
“Any way you want to fix them.” Jade sat on the papasan chair and sipped her coffee. Evelyn Margot didn’t have a dining room table, so they would be eating in the living room. After Sebastian left last night, she’d gone straight to bed and slept soundly, something she hadn’t done since arriving in Clementine. Miles calling her at the crack of dawn had spoiled her peaceful morning, but she let it go to voicemail. She’d call him later and let him know Sebastian was willing to talk. Miles could cool his heels a little longer.
“Scrambled it is,” Evelyn proclaimed.
“Can I help? I don’t usually eat breakfast—”
“Oh, you’re one ofthose.” She chuckled.
Jade knew exactly what she meant. “I do know how to make toast.”
