“I’m sorry, honey. They’re older?”
“Yeah, and they’re the bane of my existence. I’m thirty-four years old and they still think they get to boss me around and stick their noses into my business.”
“Big brothers can be protective of their little sisters.”
“They can also be big, fat jerks,” she muttered in a surprisingly sulky voice. This was a new side to her he hadn’t seen and while he shouldn’t encourage sulkiness, it was kind of cute.
“Your phone’s dead?”
She nodded. “Yeah, the charger is at the motel.”
“I’ll get mine. It’s the same model. You shouldn’t let your phone die.”
“I know. I’m going to pay for that.”
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing. I’m kind of tired. I think I will have a nap.”
Oh, now she wanted to nap? Uh-huh. He gave her a knowing look and she at least looked a bit guilty.
He leaned in. “I’m going to learn all your secrets, Georgie-girl.”
She gazed up at him. “Will I know all yours?”
“Not much to tell, but everything is yours to know.”
“What if you don’t like my secrets?” she asked. “What if they make you think less of me?”
“Not possible. Right, your phone is charging. When you can, turn it on so you can call me if you need me. You still have my number?”
She nodded. “Yes. I do.”
“Do you need anything from the store?”
“Dr. Pepper?”
“Yeah, nice try. Xavier said you have to cut down on caffeine. That’s not happening.”
“But I can’t live without caffeine,” she said dramatically.
“You’ll survive,” he replied dryly. “Now, I need my hug before I go.”
She bit her lip but held her arms out. Sitting on the bed beside her, he drew her against him.
“Home soon, Georgie-girl.”
“Drive safe, snicker-doodle.”
17
You can’t hide, my sweet Daisy.
I’m right here, watching you. You should never have tried to run. You know what happens when you run.
It makes me angry.