“I’m sure. Sawyer’s coming by soon anyway.”
“Ooh, the knight in shining armor.” She grins.
“We’re just friends.”
“Sure you are.” Madison rolls her eyes. “Ali, the man arrested your psycho ex-boyfriend.”
“In his defense, it’s his job,” I point out. “He saw someone assault me.”
“Honey, there’s a difference between doing your job and caring about someone.”
Sawyer shows up right at noon, carrying a toolbox and a bag from the hardware store.
“I got you a new deadbolt,” he says, holding up the bag. “And a security chain for an extra layer of protection.”
“You didn’t have to do all of this.”
“Yes, I did.” His voice is firm. “Your safety matters, Alicat.”
We work together to install the new locks. Well, Sawyer does most of the work while I hand him tools and definitely don't focus on the way his shirt sleeves are rolled up.
“There,” he says, testing the deadbolt. “Much better.”
“I’ll find a way to repay you somehow.”
“You don’t need to repay me.” He steps closer, and I can smell his cologne. “I’m just glad you’re safe.”
We're standing close, closer than we usually do. His hand is still on the doorframe, and mine is gripping the screwdriver like it's the only thing keeping me upright. I can see the question in his eyes.
Then my phone rings, breaking the moment. I set down the screwdriver and answer.
Mom flashes on the screen.
I consider not answering, but I know she’ll just keep calling until I pick up.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Alice Marie Campbell, what is this I’m hearing about Lance being arrested?”
My good mood evaporates instantly. I adjust my glasses nervously. “How did you hear that?” My hand tightens around the phone.
“Margaret called me this morning. She’s beside herself. Lance spent the night in jail because of you.”
That doesn’t surprise me at all. Lance’s mom always runs to my mother when something happens between us. It’s like high school all over again.
I look at Sawyer, who’s listening but trying to pretend he’s not. “Lance spent the night in jail because he broke into my house and assaulted me.”
“That’s not what I heard. I heard you had him arrested over some misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding?” Heat rises in my chest. “Mom, he had a GPS tracker on my car. He’s been stalking me.”
“Oh, Alice. He was just trying to keep you safe.”
“There is nothing safe about Lance.”
There’s a pause. Then Mom’s voice gets that cold tone I remember from childhood. “Well, I hope you’re happy. You’ve ruined that boy’s life over nothing.”
I glance at Sawyer again. His jaw is tight, and I can tell he’s getting angry on my behalf. I never knew the exact moment my relationship with my mom went sour, but I don’t remember it ever being particularly sweet either.
