“It’s different. Unlucky can be fixed. Cursed suggests some cosmic force hates you.” I pick up the last apple and hand it to her. “And for the record, your ex is an idiot. No judge is going to take Tommy away because you happened to be near some fires.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I know you’re a good mother. I know you left a bad situation to protect your son. I know you’re working your ass off to rebuild.” I meet her eyes. “That’s what matters. Not some viral videos.”
She hesitates before speaking. “Thank you. For pulling me back. For saying that.”
“Don’t thank me. Just pay attention next time.” I head back to my truck. “And Rachel? If Derek escalates, let us know. We’ve got your back.”
“Us?”
“Jake. Cole. Theo. Me.” I pull open the truck door. “You’re not alone in this.”
I don’t wait for her response before I climb into the truck and pull out of the parking lot, watching her in the rearview mirror as she stands there with her grocery bags and her shocked expression.
Cole and Theo are making this complicated. I can see it happening in real time.
But I meant what I said. She’s not alone. Even if that means I’m getting pulled into something I swore I’d avoid.
Chapter nine
Chapter 9
Theo
My shift ends at six.
I’m logging the last equipment check when my phone buzzes on the desk. Rachel’s name lights up the screen.
Hey. Random question – are you any good at fixing things? I have a shelf situation.
I stare at the message for three seconds before Cole walks past and glances over my shoulder.
“Rachel?” His voice is careful. Neutral.
“Yeah. Needs help with something.” I pocket my phone without responding to the text. “You heading out?”
“In a bit.” He doesn’t move. Just stands there like he’s waiting for me to say more.
I don’t.
We’ve been doing this dance for two days now, ever since that breakfast with Marco, where he looked at both of us like we were idiots walking into a trap. The air between us feels different. Heavier. Like we’re both aware of something neither of us wants to name.
“Tell her I said hi,” Cole says finally, and walks away.
I wait until he’s out of the station before I text back.
What kind of situation?
Her response comes immediately:The kind where my bedroom shelf collapsed and I’m pretty sure I’m going to injure myself trying to fix it. Jake took Tommy to his friend’s house for a sleepover, and I’m alone with a drill I don’t know how to use.
I’ll be there in fifteen.
You’re a lifesaver. I’ll feed you. It’s the least I can do.She texts back.
I grab my keys and head out before I can overthink it. Before I can think about how empty houses and Rachel’s bedroom are probably a terrible combination. Before I can remember the festival kiss and wonder if showing up alone is crossing some invisible line.
The Morgan house looks quiet when I pull up. One light on in the living room, porch light glowing yellow against the evening dark. I grab my toolbox from the truck bed and head up the walkway.
