Love and Sorrow (Small Town Secrets Book 5), стр. 41
“Sure. I guess that would be fine.”
“I’d be happy to do it—only with your permission, though. I think if you’re working on it on your end and we’re doing our part at the school, Sarah is bound to get better with all the support and caring.”
How much support would she actually get at the school? I had my doubts, but at least Kevin seemed genuine and concerned. Saying nothing, I merely nodded before sipping at my coffee.
Finally, he broke the silence. “Did I make you nervous talking about what could be going on with Sarah?”
“A little.”
“I’m sorry. Honesty is one of my weak points, I’m afraid.”
“No. I appreciate it. Really.”
Then he looked down, making me think he appeared to be feeling a little guilty, like he’d said too much. “Well, guess I’d better get back to work.” Waving his hand, he caught the blue-haired waitress’ attention. “Daisy, can we get our check?”
In a flash, she strode across the room toward our booth, small piece of paper in hand. “Sure, hon.”
I said, “I can pay for mine.”
“No. My treat. You’ve got enough to worry about.”
What else could I do but thank him?
The drive back was quiet once more, as he hummed along to the CD in his car. When we got back to the school, he said, “Please feel free to call anytime. I’m happy to offer advice or even just listen if you need a sympathetic ear.”
“Thanks. It’s been pretty rough, I have to admit.”
“I’m sure it has.”
As we got out of the car, I smiled slightly and waved, getting ready to walk away. “Thanks again.”
“Uh, Randi?”
“Yeah?”
Walking around the car, he approached me again without getting too close. “Um, this is probably inappropriate, but would you be interested in going out to dinner sometime?”
That affirmed that I’d been correct earlier. I’d already been ready to dismiss him, having decided we had little in common—but, for some reason, I instead said, “Sure.”
“Okay. Great. I, uh, I have your number, so I’ll give you a call sometime.”
“Yeah. I guess you do.”
He reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet and handing me a stiff piece of paper. “My card if you’d ever like to call me.”
“Great.” I was pretty sure he’d already given me one last week, but I had no idea where I’d put it. We exchanged awkward goodbyes until I got in the van. Once there, I laid his business card on the passenger seat. Maybe I’d call, but I didn’t know if it was a good idea.
If I thought it would somehow help my daughter, I’d do it in a second, no questions asked.
Chapter Fourteen
Continuing my clusterfuck of a week, Thursday was another WTF day. Sarah’s psychologist appointment made me feel like we were going in circles—until, at the end, Rebecca announced that she and Sarah would begin meeting alone. First, though, she asked Sarah if she would be okay with it. Of course, my daughter replied, “I guess.”
Then, that night in my history class, I found out too late that I’d read the wrong assignment, so I was confused throughout the entire lecture.
And then, of course, Justin. I was actually hoping to avoid him, especially having another guy express interest in me the day before, but I should have known I’d run into him.
It seemed like we were linked somehow.
As I pushed on the bar across the door to open it and go outside, I felt someone’s hands on both sides of my waist, tickling me through my jacket. I assumed it was Justin but, if it wasn’t, I was going to slap whoever the hell it was. Turning around, the door half open, I felt relief at seeing the man I’d fallen for completely.
“Rascal.”
“Justin, what’s up?”
“Just finished class. You, too?”
“Yep.” Hoping he’d take the hint, I started heading toward the parking lot. “Gotta get home.”
“Yeah. Me, too. Busy day tomorrow.”
“Yeah? What’s going on?”
“Replacing an engine. I’ve only done it once before.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine. Don’t psyche yourself out.”
“I’m not. I just know it’s gonna be tough. ‘Time is of the essence,’ according to Fazzio, my boss, so I just gotta work on getting faster every time I do one.” Although I was walking fast, Justin had no problems keeping pace with me. “How’s the kiddo?”
“Sarah? Same old, same old.”
“Shrink doing any good?”
“I have no idea. I hope so. I’ll be out of the room next week, just the psychologist and Sarah in there, so I suppose we’re making some progress.”
“I know it’s only been a few days, Rascal, but I can’t stand not seeing you.”
“Please understand, Justin.”
“I do.” Draping an arm over my shoulders, he pulled me close as we continued walking. “Believe me. But I had a thought. You and me, we’re both here on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so why can’t we visit for a little while every night before you go?”
“I guess that’s okay. I just can’t be too long.”
“I know. So I’ll have one cigarette with you and off you go.” As I unlocked the door to the van, he asked, “Are you okay with that?”
“Sure.” I pressed the button on the inside of the door to unlock the remaining ones, and Justin opened the one on the passenger side.
“So what else is bugging you?”
Getting in, I tossed my backpack to the floor behind my seat. “What do you mean?”
“You act like you’re upset with me. Have I been the cause of Sarah’s problems, and you’re just not telling me?”
“No.” That didn’t mean I wasn’t trying to distance myself, wasn’t trying to cushion my heart. And, of course, Justin, being a good friend even if a shitty love interest, would sense my coldness—but I was going to downplay it, nonetheless. “I’ve just had a