“Here.” He tosses two shirts with the letter M in a black and white sticker adhered to the plastic wrap. I grab them and tuck them under my arm.
“Thanks, Gage. Are there any other dress code things I need to know about?”
“Nah, just wear the shirt, and anything goes with the bottoms. Shorts, skorts, skirts, jeans, leggings…Whatever.” I stand from my chair.
“Perfect then.” I move to step away. “Thanks so much.”
“Anytime. See you tonight. I’ll still be here.”
I wave and walk off toward my car so I can go home before returning to work later for my first shift. I’m driving home when I realize I should get some caffeine before starting my shift. I’m passing Planet Pancake and pull into a vacant spot up front. Jumping out of the car, I race toward the diner before it closes to see if I can grab a to-go latte. I see Odette at the register and head in her direction.
“Nadia, love. What brings you here today?”
I wave. “Hi, Odette. I was hoping you could make me one of your maple lattes to go.”
She chuckles. “Squeaking in at the last minute, huh? Only for you, my sweet girl. Give me a second.” She goes over to the machine, grinds some beans, and taps them into the filter basket,where she attaches the group head, locking it in place. I pick up my phone to check the time and see a message from Savannah.
Savannah: Just got home. I’m checking in, babe.
Me: Glad you’re home safe. Gage says hi.
Savannah: OMG, is he there?
Me: Nope, but I start working tonight. He seemed sad you left.
Savannah: *sad face emoji*
“Here you are, Nadia.” I pocket the phone and take out my wallet to pay. Odette places her hand over mine.
“Don’t worry about it.” She smiles. “And don’t be a stranger, sweet pea.”
I lift my latte in homage, praising the coffee gods and a little to Odette for making it. “I won’t. I got a job at the Big Lake Tavern, by the way.”
Her mouth forms an O shape. “That’s great, sweet pea. Keeping busy? That’s good.”
“Yeah, that’s what I was wondering. I want to get another job. Do you know if anyone is hiring for a nanny position this summer? I have something at night but am also looking for something during the day.”
She seems to think about it. “Well, have you tried the recreation center in town? While the parents are at work, they have a camp for school-aged children during the day. They might still be hiring staff.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll check it out.”
She waves me off. “Glad to help.”
I leave and drive home so that I can change and get ready for my first shift. The excitement of having a purpose this summer helpsto lift my spirits.
I’m walking through the door when my phone begins to ring. “Ugh, fuck right off.” I pull my bag off my neck and place it on the counter with my latte. “Stupid spam.” I fish the phone out of my bag just in time before it goes to voicemail. “Hello?”
The voice on the other end of the line causes me to pause. “Hello. Is this Nadia Kennedy?” I sit on the couch before I can second-guess anything.
“Yes, speaking,” I answer. I gulp, knowing that whatever Officer Stanley has to say won’t be something I want to hear.
He continues. “Sorry to bother you, Ms. Kennedy. Is this a good time to speak with you? I have some updates on your parents’ case, which I’d like you to know.” I brace my head in my hand, waiting for the news. I blink back, the emotions threatening to leak from my eyes.
“Yeah, you can speak.” He clears his throat.
“Look,” he begins, “I just wanted you to hear it from me before anyone else, and I know you made it perfectly clear at our last meeting that you do not want to hear about the person who hit your parents, but I thought you still might like to know this information.”
“Okay.” I pause. “What is it?”
