Page 80 of Sycamore Circle

“I wouldn’t miss it. You did great today. I really am so proud of you.”

His gaze warmed like she’d given him the biggest compliment. “You always say that.”

“It’s the truth.”

Anthony laughed as he walked out. Watching him walk with confidence, she whispered a small prayer of thanks. She was so proud of him.

“Morning, Joy.”

Somehow Bo had walked to her side. She got to her feet. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were here. I didn’t even realize you and your friends were in the shop.”

“I gathered that.”

“Anthony and I... well, today was kind of a tough lesson. He had all my attention.”

“Nothing to apologize for. Besides, getting to see that guy finally get those words down right?” He whistled low. “At first, I thought he was getting mad, but then he found success. It was a sight to see.”

She wasn’t sure what he meant by that but figured it didn’t matter anyway. “Is everything okay?” Maybe the detective had given him some news?

“Everything’s fine. We just happened to be nearby. They didn’t complain when I suggested we stop in here for a few. Want to meet my friends?”

“Sure.”

“Come on then.”

Their table was just a couple of steps away. Since the coffee shop was half-empty, she didn’t mind leaving her things on the table.

“Joy, this is Mason and Seth. Y’all this is Joy.”

Both of the men stood up. Mason was the taller of the two. He had an easy smile and really white teeth. Seth looked to be the cleaner-cut of the pair. He was blond, blue-eyed, and seemed to take in everything about her within a couple of seconds.

“Hi,” she said simply.

“Ma’am,” Mason said.

Seth stuffed his hands in his pockets. “Joy, what you’re doing is really great. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I swear when that guy read that sentence, I just about went over and hugged him.”

She chuckled. “Me too. He’s trying so hard and is so used to failing. His parents used to tell him he was stupid all the time. I hope I never meet them.”

“Sorry, but I kind of hope you do,” Mason teased.

“Why?”

“You’d give them what for, coming and going.”

She laughed. “I’m hardly that. But I’ll take the compliment. Thank you.”

“You have a good day now,” Mason said as he sat back down.

“I’ll be right there,” Bo told the guys as he walked her to her seat. “So, how are you doing? You good?” he murmured. “Did you get any sleep last night?”

“Not really. Every time I close my eyes, I keep thinking about every bad thing that could possibly happen.”

“I know it’s tempting, but that won’t help you much. Now that you’ve got Kevin involved, things will start moving. Try and stay positive.”

“I’ll try, but it feels like all we’re doing is waiting for another letter to arrive. Or something worse.”

His lips formed a thin line. “What’s going on the rest of your day?”

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