Page 37 of Sycamore Circle

When her mother stopped at a stoplight, she said, “Did you finish your homework?”

“Yep. I finished it at the diner.” Thinking about Finn again, she said, “Hey Mom? I met this Amish boy there. He’s been working at Lane’s.”

“An Amish boy is working there? That’s unusual.”

“His aunt and uncle run the diner.”

“Oh, that makes sense, then.” Her mother glanced at her. “Have you two been chatting?”

“Yeah. He’s really nice. Shy, though.”

Her mother smiled softly. “Maybe he’s just not used to being in the English workplace. Even if it’s his aunt’s and uncle’s, talking to English people all day long could be strange.”

“Maybe, but he kind of seems to like it.”

“Well, that’s good. It’s nice you’re being nice to him.”

“It’s not hard to do. But, ah, Mom... I think I offended him when I asked him about school.”

“You’re a smart girl, dear. Maybe he’s seen some of your assignments and is intimidated. Or not.”

“I think I overheard a conversation with some men. I could’ve been wrong but I think he’s thinking about leaving his house because his dad isn’t nice to him.”

Her mother frowned. “I hope that’s not the case, but you’re old enough to know that not everyone has a great relationship with their parents.”

“I hope he’s going to be okay.”

Pulling into their garage, she smiled. “It sounds like you two are becoming friends. That’s nice.”

“So... you don’t think it’s strange that I’ve become friends with Finn?”

“No, Chloe. I’d rather you be friends with all sorts of people than not. If he’s nice and you like him, that’s all that matters.” Her mother shrugged. “That’s just my opinion.” Her mother smiled. “Now, go take a hot bath and let me see your feet when you get out. I’ll help you bandage them.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“That’s what I’m here for. We’ve got each other, right?”

“Right.”

It was just her and her mom. And she and her dad too. It wasn’t bad anymore. They’d finally all settled in, and it was almost normal, especially since her dad had broken things off with the woman he’d been dating, Sandy.

Grabbing her backpack, she slowly followed her mother into the house. Thinking about Finn. Thinking about how she’d told him that she’d thought they were becoming friends.

And how he hadn’t told her if he felt the same way.

CHAPTER 13

Bo was babysitting Chance again.

The previous afternoon, Lincoln had planted himself in Bo’s office, gone through a couple of other items of business, and then looked Bo directly in the eye and asked that Bo give a little more attention to the kid.

Bo told Lincoln that he would. It wasn’t like he’d had much of a choice, but he probably would’ve done it even if Lincoln hadn’t asked. Chance was kind of a lost soul and needed someone to keep an eye on him.

But that didn’t mean Bo was all that thrilled about having a new shadow. Especially when Chance was asking about things that were none of his business.

“What’s going on between you and Joy?” Chance asked the next evening. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

They’d spent most of the afternoon over at one of the houses they were remodeling. Seth and his crew were putting up sheetrock, and he and Chance had helped them out for far longer than he’d planned on.

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