“I will.” Addie turned to me and squealed. “I have a driver’s license.”
“That means you can drive us to lunch. We’re celebrating.”
We went inside to get Addie’s photo taken and then did just that. Addie was still nervous on the busier roads but passing the test had given her new confidence.
“How about The Cowboy Inn for lunch?” I asked.
“Yes, please. They have the best cheese grits I’ve ever had.” Addie didn’t stop smiling the whole way. Even now, as she pulled into a parking space, that smile didn’t falter.
“Cheese grits sound good. Or maybe a burger.”
She climbed out of the truck. “I’ll get something with grits, and you get the burger. We can share.”
I rounded the vehicle and pulled her against my side. “That sounds perfect.”
The Cowboy Inn was Wolf Gap’s most popular breakfast and brunch spot, but since it was after two, the worst of the crowd had dissipated, and there were plenty of tables. A middle-aged woman grinned as she walked towards us. “I heard rumors that you were back. Even saw the fancy new doctor sign, but I’d yet to lay eyes on you.”
I pulled her in for a quick hug. “It’s good to see you, Angie.”
She patted my shoulder as she released me. “A sight for sore eyes, I tell you.” She gave Addie a wave. “Just the two of you?”
“Yup.” I stepped back, taking Addie’s hand.
“How about that booth by the window?”
I glanced at Addie in question.
She nodded. “That would be perfect.”
Angie led us towards the booth, and we slid in. “You want something to drink while you’re deciding?”
I picked up my menu. “Do you guys still make the old-fashioned cherry Cokes with syrup?”
“We sure do.”
“Two of those, please.”
“You got it. Be right back.”
Addie looked at me with a perplexed expression. “Old-fashioned Cherry Cokes?”
“They mix a cherry syrup into a fountain Coke, and it’s even better than the stuff in the cans.”
“That’s fun.”
I reached across the table, linking our fingers together. “The perfect celebration drink.”
“Adaline.”
The word cracked like a whip as Allen appeared at our table. I started to rise, but Addie tugged me down with a small shake of her head. All I saw in that moment was the scars on Addie’s back, imagining what this man must’ve done to her to inflict them.
“Dad.”
Allen glared at his daughter. “I heard you made some outlandish accusations about Walter. He’s in danger of having to do serious jail time because of you.”
“Because of him,” Addie said evenly. “He’s the one who attacked me.”
“You must have baited him.”