“Why didn’t she just call her? Aleena’s been holding her phone in her hand all day.”
“Nia let her battery die and didn’t know where her charger was.”
Travis heard a growl of disapproval and couldn’t agree more.
“I’m damn glad I sent you. She definitely needs you.”
“I’ll take good care of her.”
“I know. I’ll get Aleena.”
A few minutes passed.
“Hello, bestie.”
Travis chuckled. “No, honey, it’s still me. I wanted to ask you a few questions before I give you to her.”
“I’ll try and answer them.”
“Does she ever take sleeping pills?”
“Oh, lord, no. She tried it a few times, and it affected her badly. The first time she took a whole one, she felt like she had the flu for days after. She was desperate one night and took less than half of one with the same effect.”
“Does she drink alcohol?”
“She’ll drink a glass of wine once in a while but not more than that, and she really doesn’t like the taste of it.”
“Thank you. This is all good to know.”
Aleena cleared her throat. “So, do you like her, Travis?”
Travis chuckled. “Yes, I do. Very much. I think she’s very sweet.”
She squealed, and he winced.
“Travis and Nia, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g…” Aleena sang.
He laughed at Aleena and then laughed harder when he heard Kaleb getting after her.
“Aleena, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I’m not going to push her.”
“That’s good. Thank you for going to get her.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll give you to Nia.”
When he walked back in, Nia was still pacing. “Honey, you’ve got to slow down. You’re going to make yourself sick.”
“I’m sorry, Travis. I can’t get my mind to stop.”
“Here, come talk to Aleena.” He sat on the bed and grabbed her as she walked by and set her beside him.
She screeched and grabbed the phone. “Aleena?”
“Yes, I’m here. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Why are you so worried?”
“Because you’ve never traveled before. You’ve never even left the city, have you?”