“So anyway. I’m going to start some of my classes tomorrow. And I’m going to do your pre-K class because I know you planned out that Thanksgiving project and I don’t want them to miss out. I put most of my commissions on hold. Oh, and I contacted all your clients too. So don’t worry about that. They’ll wait for you.” I swallowed. “We’re all waiting for you to get better.”
When I ran out of things to talk about, I pulled out my kindle. Cara loved her romance novels, so I downloaded one and started reading aloud. I wasn’t sure if she’d read it yet, but hopefully she wouldn’t mind if she had.
I checked the time after two chapters. I would have to leave soon. Koa had practice after school, so I had pick-up duty across the board. I had to grab the little ones from daycare and then be there on time for the bus from the elementary school. Then it would be time for snacks and homework before I had to pick up Wynter. She had track practice till 4:30. Knox had both band practice and Honor Society today, but thankfully he’d driven himself.
“Bye, Cara. I’ll be back tomorrow. Get some rest and wake up soon.”
I brought my hand to her cheek and waited like I had been, but she still didn’t move.
“I’m hungry!” Rue called out the minute we walked through the door.
“Riot, can I have chicken nuggets?” Bel asked.
“Oooh, with french fries?” Rue added.
I rolled my eyes. “Y’all know it’s not dinner time yet, right? And I’m making those pizza burgers you really liked, too.”
“Yes!” Cruz shouted, and I smiled at his enthusiasm.
“Okay, so how about you eat something smaller? Besides, we don’t have much time before we have to go get Wynter, and I want y’all to get your homework done first. You can have apple slices with peanut butter?”
They all grumbled a little but eventually agreed. I pulled out four apples, one for each of the older ones and half each for the littles, and began cutting them with the expertise of someone who had cut a lot of fucking apples for little kids before. Quickly.
My phone rang as I was getting the kids settled. I frowned when I saw it was Wynter. It was a little early for her to need a ride already.
“Hey, Wyn, is everything okay?”
“Riot.” Her voice broke on a sob.
I froze, the peanut butter still in my hand. Wynter never cried. “Wynter, what’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry!” She was really crying now.
My heart pounded in my chest as I struggled to stay calm.
“Hey, Wyn, it’s okay. What happened? Are you okay?”
“C-can you pick me up?” I was moving before she finished asking. The jar hit the counter, and I unhooked Storm from his high chair with one hand. His jacket had been thrown over the back of the couch, and I grabbed it. He didn’t need shoes; I’d carry him.
“C’mon, guys, we gotta go. Someone get Hawk’s jacket,” I yelled to the kids.
“I’m coming, Wynter. Are you safe? I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“I-I’m not at the school.”
My stomach dropped. Where was she?
I put on shoes. I was pretty sure they were Koa’s. I didn’t give a fuck.
“We gotta go now!” I snapped at the boys. They all startled, never hearing me yell like that, but I couldn’t worry about it now.
“Wyn, sweetie, I need answers. Are you safe? Where are you?”
“I’m safe. I-I’ll put my location on. I-it’s a McDonald’s. I’m sorry, Riot. I messed up.”
I quickly checked the location. She was two towns over. What the fuck was she doing there?
“Don’t worry about that now. Are you hurt?”
