“What about you? Any special ladies in your life yet?” Trey gulped the last of his coffee then got up and refilled his cup.
“Not exactly.”
Curiosity filled Trey’s eyes and his lips curled to a knowing smile as he returned to the table. “There is, isn’t there?”
“Maybe, but nothing can come from it for now.” His heart grew heavy thinking about it. “She’s one of the residents at the shelter, and that’s against the rules.”
“She won’t live at the shelter forever.” Trey leaned back in his chair and left one hand casually draped on the table. “If she’s snagged your attention, then I have no doubt she’s worth the wait.”
“she definitely is, but that’s only one hurdle.”
“Her past?”
Carl nodded. “I can’t go into details, but she has pretty deep scars. Her first husband was a class A jerk.”
The sad smile on Trey’s face reminded Carl of the compassionate person under his friend’s jocular exterior. “What was that Johnston always told us? ‘Let go and let God.’”
“I know, but the waiting isn’t easy.” Carl’s jaw tensed.
“It rarely is, my friend. It rarely is.”
Chapter Eleven
Luna’s shift was almost over when her phone rang. Her insides froze when she saw the shelter’s number. They never called her cell at work, except that time Skye had fallen and hit her head.
Please let the girls be okay.“Hello?”
“Hi, Luna, it’s Rachel.”
“Are the girls fine?” She sucked in a quick breath and held it.
“They’re perfect. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.
Exhaling, she felt the momentary fear subside. “It’s all right.”
“You received a certified letter today. I signed for you, and I’ll keep it in my office.” Rachel sneezed. “This cold has gotten worse and I’m leaving early, but my door will be unlocked for you.”
“Thanks.” Her forehead crinkled. She had no idea why she’d received the letter. “Does it say who it’s from?”
“Hold on, and I’ll look.” The rustling of paper sounded over the line. “Chabert and Ellis Law Firm.”
“Hmm. I have no idea what it’s for.” She glanced at the clock. As soon as her replacement arrived, she could leave.
Rachel coughed. “It’s too hard to talk with all this gunk, but I’ll put it in my top drawer. Have a good evening.”
“Thanks. I hope you feel better.” She ended the call and willed her mind not to think about the letter.
Unfortunately, her brain didn’t cooperate. Worse yet, it went into overdrive concocting dozens of possibilities. By the time she got home, she’d convinced herself Manny had been in more trouble than she’d realized and had left behind untied ends that she’d now have to deal with. It’s the only answer that made sense. What other business could she possibly have with a law firm?
She rushed inside without stopping to pick up the girls first. If the letter upset her, which it probably would, she didn’t want the girls to see. She’d almost made it to Rachel’s office when she ran into a muscular chest.
Heat ran from her neck to her cheeks. She didn’t need to look up to know it was Carl. “I’m sorry.”
“No problem.” He lowered his gaze to look at her with concern. “Are you okay?”
“I don’t know.”
He tilted his head and furrowed his brows. “Need to talk?”
