Page 29 of Crossing Lines

“Start from the beginning.”

I met Gabe’s gaze and nodded. It was time to get this shit show going.

Chapter 12

Stella

“Nanny T, can you help us?”I asked.

I tried to lift the box of diapers up on the counter while holding onto the baby and not dropping him or the other stuff pressed between my bad arm and my body. This one-handed mess was killing me.

“Stella, how are you feeling? Is the baby doing well?” she asked as she set the box of diapers on the counter for me.

I grunted as I opened my arm and let the other things drop to the counter.

“We’re all good. I feel better. I’m getting there, at least. He’s doing awesome. Eating and pooping like a champ.” I snickered.

“Well now, that’s two things all babies do well.” She chuckled as she rang up my things. “Any luck finding Tracey a new truck?”

I made a face at her and nodded. “Yes, ma’am, it was delivered to the house yesterday. It’s hidden in the old barn. I want to surprise him with it, but only once his leg is healed. The damn fool would be trying to drive it now if I didn’t.” She smiled. I shifted the baby to lay against my shoulder when he started fussing.

“I’m glad that’s all squared away. I hope there’ll be no more of those episodes in the future.” She gave methelook, and I shook my head.

“No, ma’am, I promised Daddy. Well, I promised to never do that to Trace’s truck again. All other jerks are fair game. I have a reputation, you know.”

“Oh, Stella…” She chuckled and shook her head. “Your total is $74.11.” I pulled out the two $50 bills I’d slid in my pocket and handed them to her. Mrs. T only took cash, none of those card machines in her little corner store. That was alright with the locals. We loved this store. It was an icon of Burke. There were bigger stores and a Wal-Mart just up the road, but shopping here was comforting—familiar.

“Here’s your change, dear. Can you handle all of this?” she asked. I nodded. I held my bandaged hand out.

“Please slide those handles over my hand. I’ll carry them in my elbow. Do you have a bag big enough for this diaper box?”

“Hold on, I think I have one under here…” She ducked down and started digging under the cabinet. Townspeople always donated their bags from shopping to her. It helped keep down the costs she would incur having to buy them just to use. So there was no telling what she had under there. “Got one. It’s a sturdy bag, one of those reusable ones.” She got the big bag over the box and that too went on my arm. With my good arm holding the baby, I dragged the bags off the counter.

“Thanks, Nanny. See you later!”

“Have a good day, dear.” I was all smiles as I walked out of the store.

I looked at the road, and it was only then that I rethought my previous plan. I’d had Daddy drop me off and told him I’d walk back to the center. On a normal day that mile or so wouldn’t be an issue, but today…I really should have thought things through a little better. It was only about a block to the station. I couldwalk over and get a ride from one of the guys. Probably Derek, since his Jeep had a car seat in it already.

I checked for traffic and crossed the road. At least it wasn’t hotter than a whore’s vagina on Saturday night yet. The walk would do me and the baby some good. Fresh air healed the soul. I moved along with no problems until the baby started to fuss, again, then the smell hit me. I ain’t gonna lie, I gagged, as usual. This boy and his stinky butt smells.

Jesus, help a girl out.

I was almost to the station; I could change him there. I jostled the bags, grunting as they pinched my skin. I had to stop and let the bags rest on the sidewalk, while I held the baby and squatted. Jesus, take the wheel. I tried to stand and wobbled. The bags all hit the ground, and one of the diaper bag’s rings slipped off my arm.

“Dammit!” I squatted back down to try and get my hand back through it. The baby was protesting, he wanted his butt cleaned, and here I was wrestling with a damn bag. If I could just get my fingers to bend a little. I sighed and maneuvered my good hand around the baby, trying to wiggle my cell phone free. I got it just as I heard footsteps approaching.

“Here, let me help you,” a voice said from behind me.

“Thank—” When I turned to face the man, my heart leapt into my throat. I knew this guy’s face. His dark brown eyes bore into mine. For the first time in my life, I truly felt vulnerable. My thumb moved automatically over my screen to hit the emergency button. It went straight to the station. I could barely hear Anna answer as I started to speak.

“What do you want? Why—how are you here?” I moved back a step, the diaper bag half holding me in place since he still had a hold of it.

“I came to see you. Don’t you remember what I said the last time we were together?” he snarled.

I reacted to his threat when he moved closer. I kicked out, hitting him in the thigh. He took a stumbling step back.

“The police station is just up the street, you stupid piece of shit!”

---