Page 16 of Shifted

"Yeah, because you've got my back.” He jokes.

“In one way or another.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Hope Taylor

My phone buzzes as I slip the cinnamon rolls into the oven, and the parade plays on the TV, keeping Joely occupied. After last night's events, I came home and laid in bed with her.

It made me realize the sole thing I have to protect in this life isn't just my daughter. But myself, too, as I let things go so loosely. But I need a watchful eye; I need to ensure my safety and future. Joely deserved to have her mother in it, alive and well. To always be there for her when she needs. The thought of me ever leaving her haunts my mind. I had a will made years ago for Joely, whom she'd be entrusted to, and all of my assets.

"Mummy! Snoopy!" She calls from the other room as the snoopy float must've been on screen; it was her favorite.

"Is he on TV?" I walked over to see her jumping up and down in excitement at the sight of him. My little girl was almost three, and it ate me up inside because she wouldn’t be this little forever. One day, she might even hate the innocent Peanuts characters, so for now, I cherish her love for them.

I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket again, and this time, I actually check to see who is spamming me instead of ignoring it. It was an unknown number, leaving me confused for a moment.

Unknown(8:40 a.m.): That dinner is still owed?

Hope(8:41 a.m.): If this is who I think it is, it's Thanksgiving?

Unknown(8:42 a.m.): I want to take you out this holiday weekend; I have a plan.

Did he already have a plan? What if I hated it? What if it was bowling? Because I hated bowling. But I knew it was better to accept the date rather than reject it, but also with a little clarification.

Hope(8:42 a.m.): Before I commit to anything- this is Reed, right?

Reed(8:43 a.m.): No, it's Wayne Gretzky.

Hope(8:43 a.m.): Well, I’m more of a Bruins fan, to be honest.

I never attended a hockey game in my life, but my father was quite obsessed with the sport growing up. The only good days we had were when he’d allow me to watch it with him.

Reed(8:44 a.m.): Unfortunately, growing up in Oregon, we didn't have our own team.

New information unlocked: he grew up in the one state that I forgot existed frequently, that and the Dakotas. But I thought every state had a hockey team.

Hope(8:45 a.m.): Poor little Reed- how's Saturday?

Read 8:46 a.m.

Reed(8:50 a.m.): 8 o'clock work?

Hope(8:51 a.m.): See you then. Happy Thanksgiving.

Well, there was no turning back now, even if he was a serial killer.

1 new message

Arabella(8:53 a.m.): Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy Vermont.

Reading Arabella’s text, I felt guilt lacing my stomach. It wasn’t fair for me to just bail, and it also looked like I didn’t support her new engagement. That was far from it. Grayson was a great guy, and he’d become family. But the thought of it all and of who might be there was a lot.

The pit in my stomach increased the longer I thought about it. I never lied to my best friend, not about anything, but right now, I was. Even when I found out about Joely, I was so scared. I didn't know what to do about law school. But she didn't care; she was more excited if anything about me having a baby. So I sucked my pride and decided to cave.

Hope(8:58 a.m.): We'll be at your apartment by six.

Arabella(9:00 a.m.): Ha! My suspicions were right. You are avoiding me!

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