10:58 p.m.
ME:I’m really sorry I didn’t get to see you tonight. I hope everything is okay. I’m going to head home. Please text me when you can.
11:49 p.m.
RENN:I’m so sorry. Robbie isn’t here and I’ve been trying to find him. He should have been home for dinner. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you as well.
ME:Oh no that’s terrible. I hope he’s okay!
RENN:I’m sure his friend Ryder knows where he is but I can’t get a hold of his mom.
ME:Fingers crossed you find him.
Monday
1:33 a.m.
ME:I just wanted to let you know I’m heading to bed. Please text me once you know Robbie is fine, no matter how late. Thinking about you.
2:11 a.m.
RENN:We found him.
RENN:When Lydia got home Robbie was in their basement. I’m going to pick him up now.
8:30 a.m.
ME:Just woke up. I’m so happy he’s okay.
RENN:Dropped him off at school. I am so angry but he’s having a rough time right now. It’s hard to know what to do.
ME:I’m sure you’re doing the best you can.
RENN:Thanks for saying that. And I appreciate you texting with me tonight. It helped.
RENN:I don’t want to scare you away again. There’s a lot going on in my life (obviously). But I still want to see you.
ME:I don’t scare as easily now. I want to see you too.
RENN:Can’t wait.
CHAPTER
Sixteen
November 2015
Driving to Renn’sneighborhood in an older area of Pasadena was a bit like going back in time. I’d grown up in the San Fernando Valley, and this looked similar, mainly ranch-style family homes with manicured lawns and cars pushed out to the driveway by overstuffed garages.
The Stollers’ house was single-story, painted dusky cream, with rust-colored trim and shutters. A brick walkway led to oak-paneled double front doors. The well-kept yard was simple, just a lawn and some decorative rocks in the built-in planter boxes—no trees, flowers, or hedges—as though aesthetics had been abandoned in favor of utility.
I pulled into the driveway, per Renn’s instructions, and steeled myself as I headed toward the entrance, ringing the doorbell with more than a little trepidation.
My tension deflated at being greeted by an enthusiastic Gage, who swung the door open wide and pulled me inside, heedless of the fact we hadn’t seen each other for months.
“Sadie, Sadie, I lost two more teeth since you saw me last time!” He pointed to his wide grin, minus two incisors.
I’d expected Renn and was happily surprised to see this kid again instead. “Awesome, Gage! Those look like some big tooth gaps. I hope you got your money’s worth.”
