"What did he say?"
"He offered to have a talk with the kid. Apparently Logan's family lives in the same neighborhood where Dime grew up, so he knows them. He thinks maybe a conversation from someone Logan might actually respect could help straighten him out."
"That could work. Sometimes kids just need to hear the right message from the right person."
"I hope so. I'd hate to see him throw his future away over whatever he's going through right now."
"And if the conversation doesn't work?"
"Then I'll push harder for the class transfer. I refuse to spend the rest of the school year walking on eggshells in my own classroom."
"Good for you."
The sun is starting to set, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink. It's been a good day, despite the heavy topics of conversation. Sometimes you need to talk through the hard stuff with someone who cares about you, someone who understands.
"We should probably think about dinner soon," Allison says, though she makes no move to get up from her chair.
"Or we could order pizza and stay out here a little longer."
"I like the way you think."
As if on cue, my phone buzzes with a text message. I glance at the screen and feel my pulse quicken when I see Devil's name.
Devil: How’s the clubhouse? Everything good?
Simple words, but they send warmth spreading through my chest. Without overthinking it, I type back:
Dani: It’s all good. Miss you...
"Let me guess," Allison says with a knowing smirk. "Devil?"
"Maybe."
"Definitely Devil. You get this disgustingly sweet look on your face whenever he texts you."
"I do not get disgustingly sweet."
"You absolutely do. It's actually kind of adorable."
My phone buzzes again.
Devil: Miss you too. I'll be home a little late tonight. Got some things to take care of at the garage. You okay with that?
I stare at the message for a long moment, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. Part of me wants to prove I don't need him all the time. That I'm okay by myself. But the bigger part of me, the part that's been craving his presence since he left this morning, misses him. I'm trying to learn to trust my instincts though, and if Devil has work to do, he needs to be able to do it.
Dani: Yes.
Devil: I'll be there at eight.
"He'll be home late tonight," I tell Allison, and I can't keep the disappointment out of my voice.
"I can stay for as long as you need when we decide to get out of here. Maybe drink a few more of these." She tips her margarita glass toward me.
"You don't have to, but I'd appreciate it."
Allison gives me a look that says she understands. "I'll be here until your husband shows up. Then I'll skrt skrt. I'm sure you'll want to have some alone time when your husband shows up looking like sex on a motorcycle."
I throw my head back laughing. "I can't believe you said skrt skrt."
