Page 55 of Tinley's Daddy
“She is.” I rubbed her back.
Tinley buried her head in my neck.
“How do you know?” Her words vibrated against my skin.
“Because if she weren’t, Kyler wouldn’t have been able to put two words together, let alone sentences.” I tried to lean back to see her face, but Tinley wasn’t letting go.
“Are you sure?” Tinley shifted on my lap.
“Well, you will get to see for yourself on Wednesday.”
This got her to let go and lean back.
“Kyler wants us to come to the city for Thanksgiving.” I caressed her face. She leaned into my touch. “You up for that?”
“I think so.” She nodded and laid her head on my shoulder again. “Yeah. I want to meet her. Do you think she wants to meet me?”
“I imagine she would. I foresee a lot of squealing and interrogations in Kyler’s future once he tells her about you.” My phone beeped in my pocket. “It’s already started.”
Rayna: Uncle Josh, OMG! I can’t wait to meet Tinley.
I showed the phone to Tinley.
Tears pooled in Tinley’s eyes.
“Oh, sweet T. What’s wrong?”
“She’s so sweet.”
My phone beeped again.
Rayna: Give me her number, please.
“She wants your number.” I typed a message back to Rayna, but another message came through.
Kyler: You can send her Tinley’s number but let Tinley know Rayna will not be allowed to use her phone until tomorrow afternoon.
“Is she in trouble?” Tinley scooted off my lap and frowned.
“Probably, but he’s just trying to get Rayna to rest. She had quite a bump on her head.” I finished typing a message to them and set my phone down. “How about I schedule a call for tomorrow night?” I leaned back and Tinley cuddled up next to me. “I’m anxious to see she’s okay for myself.”
“Did Kyler tell them everything?” Tinley’s bottom lip quivered.
“Oh, Tinley. I don’t think he would share everything, but you know you shouldn’t be ashamed. What happened to you was not your fault.”
Tears dropped down her cheeks. “I know that, but still…” Tinley pushed my hand away and stood up. “I feel like I have this billboard hovering over my head in flashing lights sayingsex trafficking victim. Approach with caution.”
I approached her, but she backed away.
“What happened to me”—she paced in front of the couch— “I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but why?”
“Why what?”
“Why did Rayna get rescued before anything bad happened?” She covered her mouth and let out a sob. “It’s not fair.”
Tinley crumbled to the floor and cried. It broke my heart.
“Tinley.” I sat on the coffee table next to her. She grabbed my legs and rested her head on my knee. “I’m so sorry.”
