How did I not know?
“Lola, are you alright?”
I blink at Jarred in a daze. “Yeah. Fine.”
“I’m sorry I can’t help, but I’m sure Roman will hear you out. It sounds like a good deal.” He’s watching me like I’m a live wire. His voice soft.
“Yeah. Of course,” I say, even though pitching my idea to Roman is the last thing on Earth I want to do. I barely spent half the day with the man yesterday and it was enough to have me dreaming about him. About us. There is no way I can work with him. In fact this morning I’d come to the conclusion I need to stay as far away from him as possible.
Mid panic, I notice Jarred’s eyes drop to his watch.
“Oh my god. You have to go. I’m so sorry.” I move down the steps, pushing myself up against the banister to get out of the way.
Jarred eyes his truck, then looks back at me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
I wave a hand in front of my face, like I can brush his words away. Like he hasn’t just turned my entire business plan to dust. “Totally. Like you say. I’m sure Roman will hear me out.” And he would too. If I had any intention of actually pitching to him.
I back up farther down the steps and Jarred follows me down.
“Thanks for your time anyways.” It occurs to me I should probably stop walking backwards because I’ve had enough close calls on roadsides today, so I salute Jarred (because of course, I do) and turn around.
“Hey Lola,” he calls.
I look over my shoulder.
Jarred stops with one hand on the handle to his truck. “Good luck with the coffee shop. I’ll be sure to grab a drink when you open.”
I grin at him, because even though my plan is now swimming in the deep end surrounded by sharks—unfairly attractive, teenage crush eating sharks—Jarred just became my first customer.
The happy feeling lasts right until my phone buzzes. I’m not sure why, but I know before I open the message it’s going to be from the unknown number. What I’m not prepared for is to see a photo of me sprawled on the sand bank on the side of the road.
Unknown Number: Careful, Lola.
The folder slips out of my hand and hits the ground.
I glance around, suddenly feeling like I’m being watched, but Jarred’s driven off and there’s no one else here. I almost call Scott again, but I don’t want him to worry and if I’m going to stay in Pine Rock, I need to figure out how to solve this myself.
My fingers tremble as I go into my contacts and find a number I haven’t messaged in years. I know I shouldn’t be talking to Max, but I can’t go to the police, and I don’t know what else to do.
Lola: I need your help. Can you trace this number for me?
Chapter Ten
Lola
You having fun?
Yeah, I went on the Ferris wheel with Sadie. What d’you win?
Toy whale. I thought you’d like him.
He’s for me?
You know any other eleven-year-olds obsessed with whales?
Well, there’s Sadie and also Max?—
Take the whale, Lola.
