Page 37 of Next Level
The officer offers me a quick grin.
An hour later, Samantha and I walk into the lobby where Cherry’s still sitting, waiting. With one arm around my girl, I reach for Cherry, indicating we’re leaving. Cherry, without a word, jumps up and grabs my hand, and we all exit without a second glance.
Once we’re in the truck, safe and sound, far from all the police, I take a deep breath and close my eyes.
Silence.
Another deep breath.
Sam’s soft voice says, “Hi, I’m Sam.”
Cherry’s cheerful voice replies, “Hi, Sam. I’m Cherry.” She pauses for a second. “Are you okay?”
Opening my eyes, I see that they are both looking at me.
My heart eases when I see them together.
“Yeah, let’s get the fuck out of here. We’ll hit a hotel so you can shower, get some food, and relax before doing anything else,” I announce to the girls.
Cherry clears her throat. “Can we hit a hotel near an airport? I’m gonna catch a flight back to San Francisco so you two can have some time alone on the way back.”
My head snaps to the back seat, but I don’t say anything because I don’t know how to feel about it. It’s sweet of her to offer that, and I do want to be alone with my daughter, but I don’t want her to leave me either.
Christ. I’m becoming a pussy-whipped bitch.
Without any hesitation, she says, “It’s okay, Ray. You need to spend time alone with Samantha.”
Sam looks between the two of us. “Pops, I’m exhausted. Once we get to the hotel, I’m going to shower, eat, and then crash. I don’t feel like talking, and we have two days of driving ahead of us so take tonight to relax and hang out with Cherry.”
Pops. She called me ‘Pops.’ My Punkin is back.
I face the front of the truck, turning the ignition over. “Okay, Punkin. Let’s get you some food. Cherry, figure out where you want to fly out of. It’s all going to be okay.”
Backing out of the parking spot, I give Sam a look. “Call your mom.”
Sam’s face goes from happy to worried again.
I grab her hand. “It’s going to be okay. I promise. Just call her.”
GEORGE CASSO
We decided to stay at a hotel near the Seattle Airport. Since Cherry’s flying home tomorrow morning, I asked for two adjoining rooms to give me one more night with her. During the drive here, we didn’t discuss anything related to Jared. The only thing we talked about relating to either of them was how Cherry and I met, and that Garrett was her adopted brother. We then just talked about tattoos, music, and mundane stuff before Sam started to doze off.
Once we settled in the room for the night, Sam called her mom. They spoke for quite awhile as Cherry and I sat quietly listening to her relay the story. I spoke with Dawg to let him know we had Sam and to make sure everyone knew she was okay and that we would be home soon. Sunshine happened to be with Dawg still so Cherry told them she was flying home tomorrow. I know Dawg wanted to ask more questions, but until I get all the details, I’m holding off. I know there’s more to the story than what she told the police and her mom. Once we’re alone, I’ll find out what she’s leaving out.
My heart was whole seeing Cherry and Sam laughing together. When Sam found out Cherry was best friends with Sunshine, she freaked out. Being a massive fan of Sunshine,Cherry became just as awesome. Listening to them talk, I got to know more about Cherry as well.
I learned Cherry quit her job at a tattoo studio in San Francisco because she didn’t like the owner. So, she started teaching how to tattoo online and attending conventions where she showcased her work.
“You okay?” Cherry asks, sitting across from me at the table in our room. We ordered room service since it was so late. After dinner, Sam took a quick shower before bed. She was so tired she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
“Just relieved I have her back, and she’s okay. At least she seems okay,” I say, putting a French fry in my mouth.
Cherry takes a long drink of her soda, as if she’s trying to stop herself from saying something.
“Are you okay?” I ask in return.
Cherry shakes her head. “I don’t understand why Garrett refused to see me. Telling the officer I wasn’t his family and to go home.”
