Page 107 of The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand

“I can’t talk long. But I need you to come bail me out.”

It felt like steam was coming out of my ears. “Why should I do that?”

“I know I shouldn’t have left.”

I blew out a frustrated breath. “You’re gonna have to act a bit more regretful than that.”

“I’ll explain more when you come.”

“What’s the name of the jail?”

“South Bay Correctional Facility.”

“I can’t believe this,” I muttered.

“Please, just come. I promise I’ll explain everything. It’s very unsafe here.”

Without even answering, I hung up and took a moment to breathe. As much as she didn’t deserve me running to her rescue, I couldn’t leave her there. I needed to get her back here—even if it was just to give her hell.

Owen had a bunch of showings today. The last thing I wanted to do was bother him or ask to borrow his car, which he was using to get from location to location. My next thought was to call Mia, but she had an important event at the new gallery today.

Billie didn’t work on Sundays… While I hated to interrupt her day off, she’d repeatedly offered to watch the kids whenever I needed. I’d told myself I wasn’t going to take her up on it unless I absolutely had to. But this qualified as an emergency.

I rang her.

“Hey, Devyn,” she answered. “What’s up?”

“Billie, I need to ask a favor.” I swallowed. “Can I have Heath and Hannah hang out at your place today? I’ve got to go out of town until probably tonight.”

“Of course, but what’s going on? You sound upset.”

“My mother’s in jail in Boston. I have to go bail her out.”

“Oh my God. What did she do?”

“I don’t know yet. And I’m not sure I care.”

“How are you getting there?”

“I’m gonna rent a car.”

“Are you sure? You can borrow ours. Or what about Owen?”

“I don’t want to leave you and the kids without a car. And I don’t want to interrupt Owen while he’s working. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone exactly. So I’ll feel more comfortable renting one.”

“Okay… Well, tell the kids to come on over whenever. They can hang out for as long as you need. They can spend the night, too.”

“Thank you so much, Billie. I appreciate it. They’re at the Y now, but I’m gonna have them head straight to your place when they get back. I’m not telling them what’s going on yet.”

“No worries. I won’t say anything.”

So grateful for her generosity, I sighed. “Thanks again. I appreciate your help.”

Thankfully, there was a rental car place not too far from the building, and forty-five minutes later, I was able to get a small sedan.

I hit the highway, but grew more anxious with every mile.

At one point, as I continued to drive north on I-95, I got a buzzing sensation in my fingers, like pins and needles from the base of my hand to my fingertips. I gripped the steering wheel, and a rush of heat overtook my body. Then my vision got a little blurry as adrenaline rushed through me.

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