“No. Cop said if I can’t get someone to come get me that they’d take me in.” Holden paused. “I was drinking.”
Oh shit!This was a major predicament. She was sure Holden wouldn’t be arrested, but he’d be taken down to the station and probably get put in a holding cell. If he couldn’t get in touch with his brothers, he might have to spend the night there. Roxanne couldn’t let that happen.
“Let me try getting a hold of Jonah and …”
“I tried! Four times.” His breath was heavy, and his voice shook. “Can you come get me?”
She drove her hand through her hair. “I’m not a family member, Holden. They won’t release you to me.”
There was complete silence except for faint voices in the background.
“I told them you’re my sister-in-law.”
She gasped. “What?”
“Yeah, you’re married to Jonah.”
Oh, my God! This fucking kid.Not only was he being detained by the police, but he lied to them?
“Roxanne? You still there?” His tone was laced with panic. “Fuck, she hung up.”
Without thinking, she blurted. “Mouth, Holden.” It was an odd time to scold him about his language but he was putting her inmom modeand it slipped out. “Give me the address.”
Roxanne took down the information. The residence was only about ten minutes from Kenzie’s house. She wasn’t sure ifpicking him up was the right thing to do but she couldn’t leave him stranded.
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“Gah, thanks, Rox. You’re the best, seriously. I mean, the frickin’ GOAT. I can’t thank you enough, and I …”
“Holden!” she snapped, losing her patience. “The quicker we get off the phone, the sooner I show up, which lessens your chances of spending the night behind bars.”
“Bye.” The phone clicked, and she swiped the screen, tossing her phone in her bag.
“What’s going on?” Kenzie asked.
“I’m finally getting my childhood wish.” Roxanne snorted, hiking her pocketbook over her shoulder. “I get to playbigsister.”
*
She clenched her teeth and tightened her grip on the steering wheel. When she’d arrived, it’d been an absolute shitshow of teenage drunken debauchery. The street was lined with cars as if it were a school pickup line. Instead, it was parents double-parking and walking to and from the backyard of the house on the corner.
Luckily, she found a spot two doors down. She followed the herd of angry parents down the pathway on the side of the house leading into the back. There were officers and teenagers milling around.
“Rox!” Holden shouted and rushed toward her. Without warning, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug. He wobbled slightly, and she could smell the alcohol on his breath.
“You’re the best.”
Oh, not this again.She wiggled out of his hold and grabbed his arms to steady him. His eyes were glassy, and his goofy smile was a telltale sign of intoxication.
“Who do I have to speak with to get you out of here?”
Holden pointed to the officer near the back door.
“Stay right here.” She walked toward the man, and as she got closer, she smiled. They’d gone to high school together and traveled in the same circle years ago. Eddie had always been sweet on her, but nothing ever came of it. Hopefully, this would work in her favor.
“Officer Martinez?”
He glanced over his shoulder, and a bright smile emerged. “Roxanne Barrett, it’s been a while.”
