The doorbell buzzed and Zoey sprinted for the front entrance.
Her heartbeat thundered in her chest. “Zoey! Wait!” Visions of the creep who’d texted her whirled in her mind. What if he’d come to take her daughter?
She threw the cloth she’d used to dry her hands on the table and raced after Zoey.
“Aunt Tina!” Zoey squealed with delight.
Jennie rounded the corner in time to see Zoey jump into her best friend’s arms.
“How’s my girl?” Tina squeezed the young girl, dropped her to her feet, and stepped back, keeping her hands on Zoey’s shoulders. “Let me look at you. You’ve gotten so big. What’s your mother feeding you?”
“Vegetables.” Her daughter screwed up her face. “Yuck.”
Tina laughed. She placed her hand next to her mouth and whispered loud enough for Jennie to hear. “I agree.”
“Stop conspiring with my kid.” Jennie grinned.
Her friend’s gaze connected with hers. Two years had passed since they’d seen each other in person. They video chatted frequently, but Tina had kept her distance for Jennie’s sake. Her fear of being found had dictated their agreement.
So why had Tina come now?
She embraced the woman who’d befriended her during the darkest years of her life. The woman who’d discovered her battered body and had taken care of her little girl while she’dfought for her life in the ICU. A woman whom she loved like a sister.
“I’ve missed you.” Tears welled in Jennie’s eyes.
“Me too.”
After the long hug, Jennie ushered Tina to the living room and motioned for her to have a seat.
Jennie plopped down on the sofa opposite Tina. Zoey had managed to wiggle between them. “Not that I’m not thrilled to see you, but what are you doing here?”
Tina’s gaze connected with Zoey’s.
Hmm. Something was up with those two.
“All right you two sp—”
The kitchen timer rang.
Jennie jumped from the couch. “The cookies. I’ll be right back.” She paused and glared at the pair. “Don’t think you guys are off the hook.” She rushed to the kitchen and removed the baking sheets. Placing them on the counter to cool, she hurried back to her friend.
Stepping into the living room, she stopped. Zoey and Tina talked in hushed tones. Her friend’s deep brown complexion contrasted with Zoey’s lighter features. The two were completely opposite in looks, but exactly the same in personality. And a force to be reckoned with when they were together. Jennie was in trouble if these two were plotting. What were they up to now?
When they noticed her, they stopped.
“I can see there’s a conspiracy going on. Spill it.” Jennie lowered herself onto the couch.
Zoey snuggled beside her. “I love you, Momma.”
She raised a brow. “Uh huh.”
“Forget it, Zoe. We’ve been found out.” Tina turned her attention to Jennie. “Zoey called me yesterday.”
Her friend held up her hand to stave off the comment Jennie had on the tip of her tongue.
“She told me about the text message and the weird stuff going on, including yesterday’s incident. Girl, I’m worried. I had to come. Please let me stay and help.”
Jennie rubbed her forehead with her thumb and forefinger. “I…” What could she say? Worry consumed her that Zoey’s predator would find her. And then there was David. Tina would have plenty to say about that. But as much as she tried to be independent, she needed her friend. “I suppose you two will wear me down, and I’ll end up agreeing anyway.” Jennie gave Tina a genuine smile. Not a forced one she’d become good at over the last couple of days. “You can stay.”
