Page 55 of When We Burn

“Yes,” my daughter agrees. “Starving.”

“Well, then you came to the right place. Do you need a minute with the menu?”

I shake my head and order for the both of us. Birdie loves the burger and fries on the kids’ menu, and I get the adult version of the same meal, along with a chocolate milkshake for us to share because they come in a giant metal container that is big enough for four people to drink out of.

Birdie is happy to color on her kids menu as we wait for our food, so I shoot Dani a text message.

Me: You were absolutely gorgeous today, and the hot teacher thing is doing it for me. Don’t forget to eat something tonight. Would you like me to bring you something from the diner?

I bite my lip as I see the little dots hopping, signaling that she’s replying.

Dani: You’re such a flirt. Thanks for the offer, but I’ll heat up some soup. Have fun with your kiddo. I think she needs some extra attention today. xo

Me: I’ll call you later.

I sigh and set my phone aside, then turn to my daughter.

“Did you have a rough time at school today, baby girl?”

She doesn’t look up from her art project and shrugs a shoulder. “I was just grouchy.”

“Even though we said we’d go out for dinner?”

She just shrugs again, and I tip her chin up so she can look at me.

“You know that I have to work a lot and that I have an important job.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“You can’t take it out on everyone else, Birdie. That’s not fair.” I kiss her forehead and then tap her coloring page.

I glance up and notice that Chase Wild, one of Millie’s brothers, just walked into the restaurant. He asks Shirley something, nods, and when he sees me, he walks my way and sits across from me.

“I’m waiting on an order to take home,” he says with a grin. “Hey, Miss Birdie.”

“Hi,” she says with a smile. “I’m on a date with my daddy.”

“I see that,” Chase replies. “Pretty fun.”

“I plan to call your boss tomorrow,” I inform my friend, who frowns over at me. “A Sidney Sterling concert at your ranch, man? Seriously?”

Chase lets out a gusty breath and shakes his headbefore dragging his hand down his face, and I can tell that he doesn’t disagree with me.

“I know. I don’t like it either.”

“Then why is it happening? We don’t have the manpower for that, and you know it.”

“We’ll pull in departments from neighboring towns, and the Montgomery family—Erin’sfamily—plans to hire a whole bunch of security, medical staff, you name it. I figure with so many big names in that family, they have people to make sure everyone stays safe.”

“I want meetings,” I reply, shaking my head. “I want a plan. That’s too many people in one place without having a plan.”

“Hey, I’m on your side. We’ll make it happen. I’ll make some calls and be in touch.”

Chase’s name is called, and Shirley’s holding his bag of food.

“Have a fun date, you two,” Chase says, winking at Birdie.

When he’s out of earshot, Birdie turns to me. “Sidney? Do I get to meet her?”

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