Page 47 of Sycamore Circle

“Well, then... does she know that you’re worried about her? And that your advice and such comes from that concern?”

“I couldn’t say.”

Her expression softened again. “What did you say when she told you about the messages?”

“I told her to call the police. At least then they’d have a record of her complaints.” Feeling like he might as well admit everything, he added, “Actually, I told her that I’d be happy to take her to the station. Which, by the way, isn’t exactly my favorite place to visit.”

“Did she like that idea?”

“She did not. Not even a little bit.”

Lincoln frowned. “I’m not sure what Jennifer thinks, but I think you’re going to have to learn to back off. Just as you said, Joy isn’t going to be pleased with you telling her what to do. Even if you’re sure you’re in the right.”

“So I’m stuck.”

Jennifer smiled at her husband before turning back to him. “Your problems remind me a lot of some of the things Lincoln and I went through. Giving up independence is hard. So is leaning on other people. I used to worry that if I leaned too hard on someone I might fall.”

“I wouldn’t let her fall.”

“Oh, Bo. You know that and I know that.” Looking a little sad, she added, “Joy might even want to think that. But to lean on you, she has to trust you, and trust is something you have to earn over time.” She folded her arms across her middle. “Bo, why do you like her? No, better yet, how did you first know that you liked her?”

He answered immediately. “Her voice. The way she was tutoring this guy and making him feel like he was worth something.”

“I could be wrong, but I think if you’d seen her in a fancier spot, surrounded by people making sure she was safe and not tutoring... you might not have given her a second glance. Right?”

“You might be.”

“Well, if I am... and the very things that make her vulnerable are the things you admire—don’t you think it’s time you gave that some credence? It sounds to me that she’s been doing all right on her own. Maybe she doesn’t need you being her watchdog.”

“So... step back.” It wasn’t what he wanted to do, but maybe he could equate it to taking cough medicine or something. It wasn’t exactly pleasant, but the end result made it worthwhile.

Jennifer reached for Lincoln’s hand. “Maybe it’s more like step out of her way but linger close by. I have a feeling she’s going to like having you near.”

“Be close but not too close. Got it.” He didn’t, really, though. As much as he wanted to walk that tightrope like a pro, he figured it was more likely that he’d fall flat on his face. After all, hadn’t he already messed things up too much in his life for that? Jenny had dropped him, his brother had written him off, and he certainly caused his sisters and momma their fair share of tears.

Lincoln chuckled. “If you’re able to do all that, this woman is gonna lead you on a merry dance, buddy.”

“I can’t wait to meet Joy,” Jennifer said. “If you’re willing to work so hard to make things work then she must be special.”

“She is. You’d like her. You both would.” He picked up his glass of water and drained it. He hoped he and Joy would one day get to that point.

One day soon.

CHAPTER 16

After delivering two paintings, giving one tutoring session, and taking a trip to the grocery store, Joy couldn’t wait to get home and relax before she had to run Chloe to her dance class. She’d splurged at the bookstore recently and had a growing TBR pile.

She pulled onto her street already mentally sorting through her stack of books... then was brought up short by the Buick in the driveway.

Her mom had come for a visit.

Pulling in behind the car, she wondered where her mother was, then realized that she’d let herself in.

Joy really hated when she did that.

After maneuvering around the vehicle, she pulled into the garage then finally gathered her things.

The sound of the vacuum running greeted her when she walked into the house. “Mom? Mom, are you in here?”

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