Page 27 of Gone for You

“What? Care for you?”

She nods, wipes a tear. “Yeah.”

“What about your family?”

She scoffs. “Don’t ask.”

I nod my head once assuredly. “Then you’ve earned it. Tell me something. Have you asked for any of the things or time Ethan has given you?”

She looks horrified. “No! We would never!”

“There’s your answer.”

I see the wheels turning, the acceptance settling in. “Okay.”

“Okay? You’ll let me buy you a few things?”

“Yes,” she says, resignation in her voice. “I don’t like it, though.”

Now it’s my turn to scoff. “Ya don’t say? I had no idea!”

She starts giggling then slowly stands, dropping her shirt. “How do I look?”

My eyes bulge out. Who knew what she was hiding under those baggy clothes of hers. “Pretty sure Austin is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you in that thing. And, you may want to get some ear plugs for the kids because there’s no way he’s not going to be making you scream all night long.”

She blushes deep red but I can see the excitement at the prospect of that happening.

We finish up our shopping spree and I even sneak a few gift cards and two prepaid cell phones in there without her knowing. I can be pretty damn sneaky when I need to be. When they move into their new house, all the mattresses will have new bedding, the bathroom will be full of fresh linens and toiletries, including some new makeup, the kids’ dressers and closets will house some new clothes and shoes, and, hopefully, Samantha and Austin can get their first good night’s sleep in weeks.

“I have one more stop to make if you don’t mind. You don’t even have to come inside.”

I pull into a grocery store parking lot and hop out of the car, dash inside, grab some gift cards that Ethan asked me to pick up for them and a loaf of bread to make it look like I actually had a reason to go in.

If she’ll let me, I’d love to take her to a salon to get her hair done.

Baby steps.

I think today was enough for her.

My phone chimes with a text just as I’m about to drive us back to where they’ve been staying.

Ethan:We hauled ass and got it done. How are you two doing?

Me:Holy crap! You guys rock. We just finished.

Ethan:Perfect. Meet me at the hotel. I’ll send you the address.

Ethan:Huh. Gotta admit. Figured the first time I said those words to you it’d be under different circumstances.

I start laughing.

Me:Mm hmm. One day.

Ethan:I’m holding you to that. See you soon.

“They’re on their way to the hotel. Ready to see where you’re going to be staying for the next few days?”

“Actually, I am.”

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