“I do?”
Her mama laughed, a pleasant sound like tinkling bells.“Yeah, haven’t you looked in the mirror lately?”
Hallie didn’t realize she looked happy, probably because she had been too busy with work.
Was it having the possibility of a new guy to date like Finn that was making her happy, or was it spending time with Luke?Maybe it was just that she had a job now.
“I think Terry wants to spend time with you too,” mama said, “She may be acting jealous because you’re a big city girl now, but deep inside she wants to be your sister.She’s just never been able to express it very well.”
“Yeah, that’s for sure.”
Vivian smiled warmly.“Just give her a chance, dear.”
Hallie was feeling hopeful and decided to take her mama’s advice this time.She texted Terry about meeting up while she’s in town.Every so often she would glance down at her phone, but no reply came.
But when she looked for about the fifteenth time, there was a text from Rob Hernandez instead.The guy who had a crush on her since high school was coming to town and wanted to meet up.
Chapter 51: A Certain Crime
By the time she receivedRob’s text, Hallie was walking with her mother through an outdoor market, tasting samples of olives, dips, and chips.They had decided to enjoy the rest of the day shopping and sightseeing.
“Is that Terry?”her mama asked after Hallie had looked at her phone.
Hallie shook her head.“Actually, it’s Rob.He’s coming to town too, it’s some kind of invasion.”
Her mama laughed lightly.“Be nice to him.He really cares about you, you know.”
“I know,” Hallie said wearily.
She knew just how much Rob cared about her since he had seen her at her worst when she was a teenager who felt misunderstood by her family and angry at the world.He knew too much about her, and that was why she was always reluctant to see him.
Every time she saw Rob, she felt the shame of being caught in her stupidest actions all over again.
But Hallie was in a good mood, and she decided to meet up with Rob for breakfast.It was time to turn over a new leaf and stop dwelling on the past.She wanted see Rob for who he is, an honest, nice guy and a loyal friend.
Soon after Rob’s text, she also received a text from Luke: