Page 121 of One Good Crash

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She looked at me likeIwas the crazy one. And then, she practically wailed, "Dominic's in the hospital!"

Oh. Right.Over the last few hours, I'd hardly given the guy a moment's thought. Worse, I didn't even feel guilty.

I barely knew him, and what Ididknow, I didn't like.

Still, for the sake of my mom, I said, "Yeah. I was really sorry to hear that."

"So," she said, "why didn't you come?"

"To where? The hospital?" I didn't get it.What was I supposed to do? Bring the guy flowers or something?

My mom was saying, "You were supposed to pick me up."

I was?"You mean from the hospital?"

She made a sound of frustration. "Forget the hospital."

Funny, I already had – well, until she showed up to remind me, that is.

I held up a hand. "Okay, back up.Wherewas I supposed to pick you up?"

"From my place." She gave another sniffle. "So I could stay with you."

"Youdoknow, I don't have a car—" And then, I froze as the rest of her statement caught up with me. "Wait, what? You wanna stay with me?"

"Well, I can't stay atmyplace."

I had no idea what she meant. Beyond confused, I glanced at her suitcase. It was very big. That wasn't a good sign. Still, hoping for the best, I said, "You mean just overnight?"

"No," she said. "I mean 'til I find a new place."

Obviously, I was missing something. "But what's wrong withyourplace?"

"I already told you, it's not safe." Her voice rose. "I was robbed, remember?"

Oh.Finally, I understood.

I almost laughed with relief. "You weren't robbed. I just came by to get my things. Youdidsee the note, right?"

She gave a hard sigh. "I don't meanthatrobbery. I mean what happened outside."

Stupidly, I said, "Outside where?"

"The penthouse. Didn't you get my message?"

"What message?"

"The one I left with your roommate. I talked to her and everything."

"You mean Allie?"As if I had another roommate.

"Yes, I mean Allie," she snapped. "What, she didn't tell you?"

I recalled Allie's cheerful little conversation with my mom. "How many times did you talk to her?"

"Just once."

And now, I understood.Damn it.I should've known.

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