“Hey, kiddo. How’s it going?”
“Great. We got a hotel room and guess what!”
“What?”
“There’s a pool. Mommy said we could go swimming tomorrow, but she has to get us bathing suits first.”
“Awesome.”
“Guess what else!”
“What?”
“I got a space ranger toy with my dinner.”
“Wow, that’s cool. Hey, kiddo, can I talk to your mom for a minute?”
“Sure. Here, Mommy. He wants to talk to you.” Tucker hands me the phone and goes back to his cartoons.
I walk over to the window and talk softly so Tucker doesn’t hear. “Hey, Jared.”
“Mom is distraught, Heather. You should call her.”
“I will. How is everything? You didn’t get any visitors, did you?”
“No. That guy never showed up, but I researched his name. You were right to run. This guy has done time in prison for assault, rape, burglary… you name it, he’s done it. Plus, one of the police reports said he’s a member of a motorcycle gang. Did you know that?”
“Not at first. When I found out, it was too late. I couldn’t get rid of him.”
“Well, thank God you and Tucker got away. I imagine you running out on your lease is going to play havoc with your credit score, so you better find a new place before it shows on your credit history.”
“I plan to look tomorrow. I’ll find something before that happens. Don’t worry.”
“Don’t worry? Easy for you to say. That’s all I’ve done. That’s all Mom and Dad have done.”
I look out the window, pushing the drapes aside. “I’m so sorry to put everyone through so much. Ever since Ryan died, I feel like I’ve been so much trouble to all of you.”
“Don’t say that. It’s not that you’re a burden. We all hate this for you, and now you’ve run clear across the country because of this asshole. It’s not fair, Heather.”
“Life isn’t fair. I’ve had to learn that the hard way, Jared.”
“I know. You’ve been through so much. You’re young and beautiful, and life shouldn’t be so hard. I wish I could make this go away for you.”
“I tried that once. Making it all go away. That day on the bridge.”
“That wasn’t the answer, and that’s not what I meant,” Jared says softly.
“I know.” There’s a catch in my throat and tears form in my eyes.
“I want you and Tucker to be okay, ya know?”
I nod. “Yeah,” I manage around the lump in my throat. “I know.”
“Please don’t disappear on us. Please keep in contact. Promise me.”
“I will. I promise.”
“I’d drive out there and help you get set up, but I don’t think I can get away from work.”
