“She didn’t run away, honey.”As the words spill from my mouth, I realize it’s the most likely scenario.“Let’s look out back real quick.”
Outside, there’s only the rush of the waterfall spilling into the deep end of the pool and the sound of birds singing.
I rub the back of my neck.“What the hell?”
“She ran away like they do in the movies.”Jasmine sighs.“Girls like to run away.I think we’re supposed to run after her.”
“We’re not running after her.”
“Something bad might have happened to her, or she could be crying.That’s what always happens in the movies.”
My phone rings, and I take it out of my pocket.It’s Cal.
“You’re quite the asshole,” he says.
“And you’re a dickhead,” I reply.
“Dad!”Jasmine stands with her arms loose, eyes bugged, and jaw dropped.“You just cussed like Uncle Declan does all the time!”
“Shit.I meanshoot.Be right back, honey.You keep looking for her, okay?”
I take the phone to my office and close the door.
“Why are you calling?Aren’t you supposed to be on a honeymoon or something?”
“You’re on speaker,” Victoria says.“We just thought you should know that we’re sitting in the car on Main Street, spying on your housekeeper.”
“You’rewhat?”
“You heard us, asshole.”
Victoria sighs.“You really are kind of an asshole, Finn.”
I laugh.“Welcome to the family, Victoria!You’re fitting in just fine.So, is there a reason for this call, or is this just part of your honeymoon sexy times?”
“Just what did you do to that poor girl?”Cal doesn’t sound happy.Maybe he should have slept in this morning.“She asked us for a ride into town.We’re supposed to be on our way to our honeymoon.”
“Which is where, exactly?”That’s Victoria.“I’ve packed a parka and a bikini and everything in between.Women prefer to know at least which hemisphere they’re headed to, just an FYI.”
“I thought you liked surprises, babe.”
“I’m hanging up now.”
“Wait!Sorry,” Victoria says.“Emma asked us for a ride, and now she’s standing in front of Sweetbriar Drug & Dime like she has no idea what to do or where to go.”
“I tried to give her money, but she wouldn’t take it,” Cal says.
“Now we’re spying on her.So we thought we’d call you and ask you what we should do.”
“I will not leave her like this,” Cal snaps.
I look up at the office ceiling.“I’ll handle it.”
“My dude, if this is how you handle shit, I’m afraid to leave StellaR Tech in your hands for twenty-eight days and two hours.What exactly did you do to make Emma run away from home, anyway?”
CHAPTER 19
Finn
