Page 127 of Finish Line

Shelby: I forgot to tell Uncle Brett about my mom, Nick. Can you please take care of that for me?

Nick: Dad already did it.

Since climbing into the car, I’ve been fighting back tears, and now I’m close to losing the battle. Buildings and houses turn into blurry figures. This is worse than the last time I was hauled off to a group home. Now I know what it’s like to have a loving family.

Unable to stop the tears that pour out, my hands come up and cover my face. I was just getting to know my mom, and now she’s gone. My shoulders shake as I let loose.

“Oh, here, honey,” Mrs. Abney says.

I peek out of my hands and see Mrs. Abney holding a tissue box.

I take a few, wipe my tears, and blow my nose.

Five minutes later, Cin texts me.

Cin: I’m so sorry about your mom, Shelby. I can’t believe you’re going to a group home again.

Shelby: Neither can I, but at least this will be the last time. How’s your dad?

Cin: Upset. He thought things were going well for her. How are you?

Shelby: Angry. Sad. I knew her dying was a strong possibility, but I thought things would be different because of how much she loved Peter. And, before the shit with Roger, we were working on reconnecting. But that was a lie.

Cin: I’m so sorry. Nick told me about what happened last night. I can’t believe the things she said to you.

Me: That type of thing seems more real to me than how she was when I first moved into the Tate’s house.

I need to tell her the rest.

Shelby: I’m scared. Mrs. Abney is taking me to a home called Milestones. It’s in another state, which shouldn’t be legal. But when I brought that up, she said her hands were tied because nowhere in-state can take me.

Shelby: She also received a call from the hospital hours before Mom was brought in.

Shelby: Roger showed up at the hospital. He wanted me to know he’s behind all of this.

Cin: Nick said the guys are working every angle to get you back as soon as possible. Whatever you do, stay in touch with us.

Shelby: I’ll do my best.

The car slows, and I glance out the windshield to see us pulling into a parking lot.

Shelby: We’re here.

Cin: Be careful, and text me when you can.

Shelby: I love you.

Cin: Love you, too.

I take my phone and stuff it into the cup of my bra, where the slight padding hides its shape. Mrs. Abney was so engrossed in driving that she didn’t see me texting.

As she parks, I look up at the building. It looks like a three-story apartment building.

“I don’t know much about this place.” She gathers her stuff. “I’ve never taken someone here before.”

“Why would you when it’s in a different state than where you work?”

She gives me a slight stink eye.

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