Charlie hooted and took off.
Theo stared at me. “Do you need help with the plan?” Bri had talked to him about being the man of the family and watching out for Charlie. Looked like he was taking his responsibilities seriously.
I tousled his hair. “Can you go keep an eye on Charlie? Take her mind off of everything?”
“You got it.” He jogged toward his sister.
I stared at my phone. “Who to text?” I muttered. I really only had one option.
Me: Any idea what to do when your car shifts into gear but when you press the gas pedal nothing happens?
Anna responded immediately.
Anna: Call Triple A.
Me: What is that?
I totally knew, but I didn’t have Triple A. That kind of thing was for graduated people with jobs. Which I was not.
Anna: Where are you? Find My Friends says you’re at Brianna’s. I thought she was moving today.
Me: She just left. I’ve got the kids’ stuff packed up but now we’re kind of stranded.
Anna: She’s already gone?
Me: Yes.
Anna: How are the kiddos holding up?
I glanced up to see Charlie wiping a tear even as she came flying down the slide.
Me: As good as can be expected.
Anna: I don’t understand, Tal. I know she’s your sister, but I don’t like her very much right now.
I stared at her message, my heart aching. Everyone was going to hate Brianna for leaving. But they shouldn’t.
Anna: Sorry, I should keep my mouth shut. The kids will be fine. You know why?
Anna: Because they have the world’s best aunt.
Me: Not feeling like the world’s best anything at the moment.
Anna: Hold on. I gotchu…
I had a hunch what that meant.
Me: DON’T BOTHER ASH. He needs a break from me.
She left me on read.
Me: ANNA.
Ten minutes later, as my niece and nephew were seeing who could go higher, I sat on a swing, staring at my phone. Another text finally came through.
Anna: Help is on the way.
Anna: In the form of a hot professor who looks awfully cute in a cowboy hat.
