"I'd rather not. I prefer knowing you're safe."
"Am I? It wouldn't be that hard to track me down. Then again, you've got enough men here to mistake me for an international diplomat." Rubbing my temple, I tried not to sigh. "Finn is about to walk, and you'll miss it out of this desperate need for revenge."
There was silence for several seconds. "I really miss you."
Understanding he wouldn't address my statement, I replied, "I miss you too. I told my father you made me a better person." I laughed without humor. "His response was to threaten to plant evidence and arrest us."
"Charming."
"Yes, well. Don't you know you're the devil?"
"I've known it for years."
"You're my devil, no matter what anyone else says."
He chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment."
The sound of his laugh clogged my breath and squeezed my chest. "There's no way you can visit?"
"I'm afraid not. I'll keep you up to date. Kiss Finn for me."
"I will." Once again, I fought back tears as we hung up.
Back downstairs, Brenda and Danny were entertaining the baby on the living room floor.
"I have a strong craving for a slice of lemon meringue pie from the diner," Danny announced when I came into the room.
"That sounds good. You want to have dinner there?" I responded.
"Eh, I'm not in the mood to leave the house."
"I'll send someone to pick some food up, then."
"Why don't you take a few minutes to yourself?" Brenda suggested. "We'll keep an eye on the little guy."
"A few minutes to myself with at least two guards?"
Brenda laughed. "I meant a break from being a mom."
"Yes, okay. Write down what you want."
Ten minutes later, Noah volunteered to take me into town. On the drive, I fiddled with my purse, not sure I was getting a break at all if I was fetching dinner for everyone.
"I'll go in with you," Noah said as he parked.
"That's fine."
All I wanted was to go back to my life. I'd built so much for myself in Boston, and it wasn't the same being away. There were few things I missed about Chester, and some I'd crossed off my list since going back. In Boston, there was Burke, Maddie, Caden, and even kickboxing and target practice. There, I felt strong and a little kick-ass, but in my hometown, I felt disjointed and weak.
We entered the diner, the chime above the door a familiar jingle, and I kept my gaze on Noah's back. Everyone gawked at me if I dared to go anywhere in town, and it made me feel uncomfortable. Nothing had stopped the gossip mill.
"Why don't you have a seat, and I'll wait for the food?" Noah offered when we reached the counter.
With a nod, I turned my head to find an empty booth and felt my heart stop in my chest.
44
Kinsley
