Page 104 of Love in the Storm

“Hello.” Seconds later, Lyric responded in a cheerful tone. “Of course. What time? Okay, I’ll see you then.” She rested the phone on the table and moved back to Asa’s side. “She wanted to know if I could give her a ride to work tomorrow.”

“And are you?”

“Yep. Her car had a flat, and the tire should be in tomorrow, but she won’t be able to get it from the shop until after work.”

“So you’ll drop her off on your way to the store?”

“Yeah. My shift starts at 7:00. Wendy has to be at work by 6:30.”

Asa pulled the rest of the food from the bags. “That worked out perfectly.”

“I’m glad it did. I know what it’s like when you get in a bind and you can’t find anyone who can help.”

Asa kissed the top of Lyric’s head. “You’re not alone anymore.”

Lyric hummed deep in her chest as she snuggled closer to him. “I love you.”

He would never get tired of hearing those words.

35

LYRIC

The sky was still dark when Lyric pulled up to her old apartment complex. As upset as she’d been when she was evicted, she sure didn’t miss it now.

Wendy jogged out of the building, tucking her coat tight around her. The wind swept her ponytail in all directions as she slid into the car and closed the door quickly behind her. “It’s freezing out here.”

Lyric looked over her shoulder as she backed out. “I know. I’m just glad it isn’t snowing.”

“Don’t say that word.” Wendy tossed her purse in the back seat and started adjusting the vents. “Need heat.”

“This oldie hasn’t had time to wake up yet.”

Wendy patted the dash. “Same here, girlfriend.”

“You still like working at Julia’s?” Lyric asked.

“Yep. How’s the thrift store?”

“Great. I love it.”

Wendy smiled wide and bumped Lyric’s shoulder. “Look at us! Adulting!”

Lyric laughed. “It’s just as hard as they say it is.”

“I’m so glad you found a place. You look happy.”

“Betty is great, the bed is so comfortable, Asa and Jacob are the best. What more could I want?”

Wendy sighed. “You are living the dream life.”

“I can’t believe it either.” Lyric covered her mouth with a hand. “I’ve never been this happy before.”

“I’m happy for you. Job, check. House, check. Man, check.”

“Family, check,” Lyric added. “Technically, the house isn’t mine, but I think I found a place I might be able to move to soon.”

“Why would you move out? Just stay and enjoy it.”

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