Page 22 of Running into Trouble

A mix of emotions vibrates my chest. Happy he called me. Sad for the reason. Scared because I have no idea how to respond. “I’m sorry. If there’s anything you need—”

“Actually, I could use an outside perspective. I’m—do you have a minute?”

“Several.”

Daniel makes his way to the door. He opens it and waves me over. “Come on in.”

No turning back now. I already offered to help. At least it doesn’t sound like he needs much. Just someone to talk to.

Talking is my specialty.

I hang up and stow my phone back in my purse on my way across the street.

“I know it’s late. I won’t keep you long,” he says as I step onto the sidewalk on his side of the street.

“It takes me hours to fall asleep after work. It’s no problem.” I suppress my audible satisfaction as a myriad of spices—orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla—fill my nose when I pass through the door he holds open for me. I bet my life he tastes better than any cookie I’ve ever stressed baked.

Daniel shuts the door behind him and clicks the lock.

I guess I’m staying awhile.

If he ever gave me the impression he’s like the guys I’ve dated, stalking me relentlessly after I’ve had enough of their childish antics and broke up with them, I might feel trapped. As long as I don’t let my mouth do the talking before my brain gives the okay, I don’t think I have anything to worry about.

“I’ll never get over this place.” I spin, taking in all of his beautiful creations in the rustic atmosphere. “It’s so cozy. It almost demands you curl up in the corner with a book and a cup of coffee.”

He sighs. “I could use that level of relaxation right now.”

“Right. Sorry. Your daughter.” I almost forgot. His shop has so thoroughly captivated me again. “Tell me what happened.”

“Long story short, she moved in with a boy she only knows from talking on the internet. And because she’s over eighteen, there’s nothing I can do to stop her. And I’m kind of freaking out about it.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“She thinks I’m overreacting—making her live here before and trying to get her into a dorm room instead. Am I?”

I have no idea. Except, if I was Julia and my dad tried to tell me what to do after I turned eighteen, I might have thought the same. Because I’m an adult and can take care of myself. Make my own decisions. But that doesn’t mean my dad is wrong for wanting to protect me. As overbearing as my dad is about certain things, I’m not sure he would have cared too much about me doing something like Julia’s done. I’m a little jealous Julia has a dad who worries about her like Daniel does.

“This boy…” I fish for his name.

“Leslie.”

My head twitches to the side. “Really?”

“That was part of the problem. She’d talked about moving in with her friend Leslie. I never questioned it.”

“And now she feels like you had your chance and missed it.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

Shrugging, I ask, “Did you meet him?”

“Briefly. He brought her home from the airport.”

“So, she didn’t hide him. That’s good.”

“But she blindsided me. She probably hoped I wouldn’t want to upset her in front of him.”

“Human shield technique.”

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