Page 6 of Broken Dreams
“I’ve seen the kids who were the worst now run to the building. He’ll get there.”
I watch my son, who has had his whole life uprooted, push the plane around the rug that has roads printed on it. He has always been a happy kid. Every time I visited or we video called, he smiled the whole time and never misbehaved. Now that he’s with me all the time, it feels different.
“What now?” I ask.
She tilts her head to the door. “Now you leave in stealth mode. We have this, Mr. Whitlock.”
I’m glad someone does because I definitely don’t.
When I get outside, Addison is there, running her hands through her hair as she paces. “I understand that, but Ihaveto get to work. I can’t wait hours for him to sober up enough.”
I walk over and call her name. “Addison? Everything okay?”
She pulls the phone from her ear. “I have a flat and no spare and the tow company can’t get here until who knows when.”
“Can your husband or someone pick you up?”
“I’m a widow and...you know, it’s fine. I’ll call a friend and just wait a while.”
Her words strike through me. She lost her spouse as well and is raising her daughter on her own. Much like me.
By the time someone else gets out here, it’ll be a half hour. I’m right here and in no big rush to get to the airport.
“Or I could drive you,” I offer.
Her eyes widen. “No, I don’t want to inconvenience you by going all the way in the center of town. I’m sure I can find someone.”
“I don’t mind. I was going your way anyway. Please, let me drive you.”
“Are you sure?” she asks hesitantly.
“Of course.”
It’s not like I can be late since my brother doesn’t pay me.
“You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.”
two
ADDISON
I’m not sure this is really the smartest move, getting in a car with a guy I met five minutes ago, but he’s a Whitlock and...well, that’s all I got.
I fire a text off to my best friend Devney letting her know my plan in case I go missing. She will be the one to assemble a search party for me. Grady had to step in and talk to the tow company after I freaked out and hung up on them because they were talking in circles. So, I’m sitting here as he tries to reason with the owner.
My car had a flat and the spare, well, it was flat as well. Grady Whitlock is driving me to Run to Me.
Devney
Interesting morning. I didn’t know you met Grady.
I met him this morning. Hence the texts letting you know.
I share my location.
Devney
You’re a dork. I’ll make sure you get to where you’re going or at least be able to lead his BROTHER to where your body is.
