Page 62 of More Than a Helping Hand

Brooke nods and avoids eye contact as she finishes her coffee.

“Say it.” I lay my credit card on top of the bill.

Her eyebrows lift in feigned innocence. “Say what?”

“Whatever’s on your mind.”

“Why would anyone want to keep you a secret? Seriously. You’re a catch. Granted, I’m biased, but still. And I get worrying about her kid. I do. But I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s what I care about.”

“I know you do, but right now, this is the way things are. And I’m okay with it. If I end up getting hurt, I’ll be okay.”

“You deserve more than okay, Anderson. I want you to be fantabulously happy.”

I want the same thing, but talking about it won’t make it happen. “Tell me about the guy you’re dating.”

“Who?”

“I’ve seen the same guy in your stories five times. And I haven’t even asked to meet him. You cannot say I’m being overprotective.”

“He’s nice, and if we’re still dating next month, I’ll invite him to breakfast.”

“I’d like that.” I add the tip, sign the bill, then stand. “Ready?”

“Yeah. I have a ton of laundry and studying to do.”

“And I have a birthday party to attend.” I set my cowboy hat on my head.

* * *

Thanks to an accidenton the highway, I’m the last to arrive at the party. The bounce house set up in the backyard is shaking, and laughter echoes through the yard. The Fields’s back porch is set up with tables and decorated with streamers.

I set my gift next to others heaped on a table, then scan for Primrose. Bailey is likely in the jumble of children bouncing in the inflatable castle.

Mrs. Fields walks through the sliding door and beelines toward me. “You made it!” She gives me a hug, then nods toward the shed. “Primrose and Bailey are over there behind it, talking. You should go over. I know she’ll be excited to see you.”

The concerned look on her face has me curious. “Is everything okay?”

She opens her mouth, then snaps it closed. After a second, she finally says, “You should talk to Primrose.”

I stroll toward the shed and stop before rounding the corner to be sure I’m not interrupting a conversation I shouldn’t. But they’re quiet, so I step around.

“Where’s the birthday girl?”

Pain and anger swirl in Primrose’s eyes, which has me clenching my fists. Something happened, and whatever it was hurt people I love. That word should give me pause, but it doesn’t. I know what I feel.

Bailey turns around and wipes her face. “Hi.”

“What’s wrong, Munchkin?” I open my arms.

Instead of jumping into them like she typically does, she crosses her arms. “Dennis said something mean to me, but I’ll be okay.”

I squat and look her in the eye. “I don’t like seeing you upset. Is there anything I can do?”

After a glance at her mom, she runs to me and throws her arms around my neck. I stand with her wrapped around me. We stay that way, with me rubbing her back for nearly a minute before she breaks the silence.

“Anderson, you can put me down. I’m going to tell Dennis that he’s wrong and what he says doesn’t matter.”

I set her on her feet, and she races away. So I turn to Primrose for answers. “What was that about?”

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