I’m all for touching grass. But not having a phone in today’s society? I guess it’s … whatever. Avery puts her palm on my arm and looks me in the eyes.
When Buckshot places his hand on my mother’s back, Avery silently mouths, “It’s going to be fine.”
“You don’t know that,” I quietly mouth back. “He couldbe a phoneless serial killer. Easier to cover his tracks if there’s no GPS on his person.”
My sister’s lips twist up in an amused grin.
I follow Mom and Buckshot out the front door, shouting, “Have a nice night!”
Mom smiles and waves. “Will do!”
I check out the truck Buckshot’s driving. An old orange GMC with the white stripe down the side. I mentally memorize the license plate. When I glance across the driveway, Jonathan’s standing on his porch, also watching Mom and Buckshot.
Jonathan turns and waves. “Nice night out.”
“It is,” I agree.
I watch Mom and Buckshot drive away. So does Jonathan. Then he gives me a polite nod and turns to go back into his house.
“Let’s play Exploding Kittens!” Mia says as soon as I step through the door.
“Exploding Kittens?” Avery says. “I thought we were going to watch a movie and make chocolate chip cookies.”
“That too!” Mia says. “And stay up past my bedtime!” She looks at me with pleading eyes.
“A half hour past,” I agree.
“Knock yourself out,” Avery says, grinning.
Mia jumps up to grab the board game.
My phone rings and I jolt with a startle. My heart clenches.
“Relax, Hal,” Avery says. “Mom’s fine.”
“I know. I just have to adjust to this whole dating thing.”
She smiles softly and I check the number on my screen.
It’s from an unidentified caller in Maryville.
“Someone in Maryville,” I say to Avery, pushing the button to take the call.
The voice on the other end of the line is simultaneouslyfamiliar and strange—Danny. What is he calling for? I run through the upcoming holidays. It’s a little early for Easter. And he’s never asked to see Mia for anything other than the occasional Christmas and random birthday.
“Hey, Hallie,” Danny says.
“Hello. Hang on for a minute.”
“Okay,” he says.
I put the phone on mute and ask Avery, “Hey, can you help Mia set up the game? I’ll be right back.”
“Everything okay?” she asks just as Mia bounds back into the room carrying the board game.
“Fine,” I say.
“Okay. You sure?”
