“Well, I don’t know if it’s what she’s going for, but it makes me wonder.”
“Especially after her comment on the note about being a single parent impeding her career. It doesn’t reason that in a few short weeks she’s changed her mind about being an actress.”
“Discovering she loves Rue too much to give her up might.”
“True enough.” Sandra opened a browser on her laptop. “I’ll do a little research on her social media accounts. It might give a hint about what she’s up to. It’s surprising how clueless people can be about what they put online. And people in the film and music industry like to play on exposure. Do you think it might motivate her?”
“I wouldn’t know. For obvious reasons, I’ve avoided any references to her in the media. On the rare occasions when she’s mentioned in a magazine or tabloid at the grocery store, I’ve purposely looked away. I never imagined I’d need to for my protection.”
“Sadly, if this goes to court, your name will get dragged into the public spotlight.”
“And Rue. It is so unfair to her.” Eb’s tone had taken on an edge, which made Sandra think of the video of him tackling the shooter.
“How’s your arm, by the way? I should have asked sooner.”
“Mostly it just itches like crazy now. The bruises have faded to just a little yellow.”
“Have people bothered you at work because of it?”
“I wouldn’t saybothered.It’s more the way they look at me. Especially single women.”
As Sandra understood what he was saying, a twinge of jealousy stabbed her. Now her hot, nerdy hero dad had some ladies at work coming on to him.
“How did Rue handle questions at daycare?” she asked when she could speak again.
“She hasn’t had many, for which I’m grateful. The little kids were clueless, and Millie talked to the older ones. With staff nearby, they kept any from asking too many questions. And the few times someone did, Rue just told them her dad caught a bad guy like the police did.” He chuckled, the discomfort in his voice easing. “At first, Rue would come to check on me. She said she wanted to make sure my booboo was okay. We saw a counselor Gretchen provided for everyone at work, and he said we’re fortunate she didn’t transfer the danger to herself. And she still could, but I know what signs to watch for.”
“I’m so glad.”
“She has been talking about you, saying you’ll take her to Storytime at the library. I hate to impose—”
“No, I’d love to take her. We’re lucky this year. Walt’s new film doesn’t come out until February, so we have a lot of downtime in December.” Sandra had to stop running away from seeing Eb. He was her friend, and she loved his daughter.And him. She pushed the useless thought away. “The worst is over for us this year. Rue’s a trooper to have been so patient.”
“I’m not sure I’d call it patient…”
Sandra laughed. “I can imagine, but I will take her. I never break a promise.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there any chance I’ll have to field questions about the shooting? It’s you who people recognize. Not her, right?”
“From what Millie has said, yes. I haven’t really taken her anywhere but the daycare and the Wyndham’s house. Maybe you shouldn’t—”
“Ipromisedher,” Sandra said, adding force to her voice.
“And you don’t break a promise.”
“Exactly, so don’t worry about it.” She compared her schedule with the library’s page online. “They only hold Storytime on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I have commitments tomorrow. I can do it next Tuesday.”
“Thank you. It’ll mean a lot to her.” Eb’s voice held a longing which triggered her own.
“It’ll be fun. Talk to you later.”
Sandra disconnected. She could do this and just be his friend.
She had to.
* * *
