Page 16 of Nothing Heals Me Like You Do

“Okay.”

Justine appreciated that Alexis didn’t break out into a flurry of useless apologies.

“I will say that it was so harrowing that I’ve dedicated my life to keeping as many kids as I can from the same fate.” Justine regarded Alexis. “How did it make you feel to visit the shelter yesterday?”

“It was so interesting. Also to meet Darrel. I’ve already texted them. We’re meeting up for drinks this weekend.”

“So they can spill the beans on me?” Justine had no secrets when it came to running the shelter. “That’s smart.” Alexis had already left when Justine came out of her intake so she wasn’t able to gauge her immediate reaction. She might ask Darrel about that later, to inquire whether she seemed shaken at all by the change in environment.

Justine was so tired, she had to do her best to suppress a yawn.

Alexis held her hand in front of her mouth as well. “I’m sorry. I swear you’re not boring me, it’s just seeing you yawn.”

Justine chuckled. “You’re not boring me either, but I didn’t get enough sleep last night.”

Alexis checked her watch. “It’s about time to call it a day, either way.”

“I hope this conversation was helpful.”

“Every minute I spend with you is helpful.” Alexis scrunched her lips together. “I don’t suppose you’ve changed your mind about me shadowing you for a day? I find observation really key to nailing a character based on an actual person.”

Justine huffed out some air. The prospect of having a movie star hot on her heels all day didn’t exactly fill her with joy, on top of it being highly impractical in her job. She had many meetings of all kinds—although mostly about money—and the occasional intake conversation and none of those accommodated strangers listening in.

“I’ll look at my calendar and I’ll see when we can maybe spend an afternoon together at the shelter, but I can’t make you any promises.”

“I can volunteer if that helps,” Alexis offered, surprising Justine.

“Let’s see.” Alexis and Sienna’s presence at the shelter hadn’t gone unnoticed. A few of the residents would give the little they had for a few hours with two movie stars—it was ridiculous, but it was simply how it was. “But yeah, I think you could make a few young people’s day with that.”

“Thank you.” Alexis shot out of her chair, as though she suddenly had somewhere urgent to be—she probably had. Justine knew the feeling. Despite her fatigue, she wanted to go back to the shelter and check on the girl—Ashleigh—they had welcomed yesterday. When Justine had arrived at the shelter earlier today, Ashleigh had left, and Justine hoped she would return. She hoped to have another conversation with her.

“You’re welcome, and have fun with Darrel.” Justine rose as well. She should try for a quick nap before she went anywhere else, but she knew she wouldn’t. She’d just try to go to bed early tonight.

“You’ll let me know about volunteering?” Alexis asked.

“I will.” Maybe she should drop Alexis Dalton’s name if she got to speak to Ashleigh again—maybe she could get through to her like that.

As if on cue, Rochelle and Sienna emerged from the porch.

“Do you want a ride?” Alexis asked Sienna.

“No. You go ahead. I’ll make my own way home.” Sienna looked at Justine. “I’d like to ask Justine some more questions before I go. Is that okay?”

Justine could hardly say no in front of everyone, even though she’d had enough of answering questions.

“Sure.” Justine noticed how Rochelle’s face strained.

Rita walked into the living room and hearty goodbyes were exchanged.

“Can I catch a ride with you?” Sienna asked Justine as they stood outside Rochelle’s house.

“Depends where you’re going.” An inadvertent smile tugged at her lips. “I hope Rochelle didn’t, um, I don’t know, say something inappropriate to you. I told her about last night just before you arrived and she was freaking out.”

“We had a very illuminating conversation.” Sienna grinned.

“Meaning?”

“I could tell you all about it over dinner tonight.”

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