Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
A half-eaten hamburger, French fries, what looked like a cola in a glass, the mac and cheese Zach’s bar was known for, and a huge ice cream sundae were in front of Dani right now.
He liked this kid and he couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose I did.”
“Hads, this is Layla. She’s older than me but we have a lot in common.” Dani pointed to his half-sister. “She told me not to miss out on the mac and cheese, so of course I had to try it.”
“Of course, you did. Hi, Layla. Nice to meet you,” Hadley said.
“Girls, I need to talk to Michael and Serenity.” Zach tipped his head, indicating Layla should take Dani and give them a few minutes.
In typical teen fashion, she rolled her eyes but pushed back her chair. “C’mon, Dani. Take your sundae and we’ll go sit somewhere so the grownups can talk.”
Dani glanced at her sister, as if for permission.
“Go. I’ll let you know when we have a plan.” Hadley gave her sister the same head tip Zach had used and the kids pushed out of their seats.
Once they were gone, Zach pulled out a chair for Hadley.
She lowered herself down and he dragged another chair over for himself, dropping into it.
He met his parents’ curious stares. “Obviously you know some of the details because you called her Hadley not Mia.”
“Dani told us they were on the run,” Michael said, using air quotes with his fingers.
Hadley sighed. “Dani’s got a way with words,” she muttered. “That’s one way of putting it. My father landed himself in trouble and sent us away. I’d read the article on Zach helping his sister-in-law last year and thought maybe he’d be able to… help us, too. Despite me… disappearing back in high school.” She looked down, obviously unable to meet anyone’s gaze, as she clasped her hands together on the table and turned silent.
The ball was in his court. Though he’d stiffened at the reminder, this wasn’t news to anyone at the table. And he’d promised himself to try and get over the past.
After all, she had prepaid cards on hand. Why would she have kept them ready if she hadn’t sensed a need?
“My son will always do what’s right. So will we. So how can we help?” Michael asked.
Zach ran a hand through his hair and leaned forward, one arm on the table. “I can’t say I’m happy with the solution I’ve come up with but it’s all I’ve got and I need your help.” He looked to his father who’d always been there for him.
Michael gave him a slight nod. “What do you want us to do?”
“Since Dani seems to have hit it off with Layla despite the age difference, that should make my idea an easier sell.”
Serenity laughed. “Dani certainly is wise and mature for her age.”
“What are you talking about?” Hadley asked.
Zach drew a deep breath, prepared for an argument. “Dani should go home with my parents.”
“But–”
He held up a hand, cutting her off. “Let me explain. My parents are staying in the Hamptons for the summer and I’m there almost full time now to run the new bar. Remy’s in charge here. We’re all just here for the birthday party. In East Hampton, the house is gated and you need a code for entry. No one can get through the perimeter of the home.”
“No.” Hadley shook her head. “I’m not going to be separated from my sister right now.” She folded her arms across her chest, her tone firm and unwavering.
“Even if her staying with them keeps her safe from anyone who might find you?”
She paled and he felt like a shit for his phrasing.
“Zachary.” Serenity chided, obviously agreeing.
He leaned forward. “I’m just saying, it’s a way to keep everyone safe. Plus, if Dani’s with Layla she’ll be kept busy and she won’t have time to think about everything that’s going on. She’ll be doing makeup and shopping and all the shit my sister likes to do. Meanwhile, Hadley can get other issues sorted. And I’ll explain more about what that means, later.”
New cell phones, fixed laptops, making them untraceable.
Hadley looked to Serenity and Michael. “I appreciate the offer and I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. Are you sure you don’t mind? I’d hate to make trouble for either of you.”
At least she was considering the idea, Zach thought.
Reaching across the table, Serenity touched Hadley’s arm. “Honey, whatever reason you disappeared, given your age at the time, I’m sure you had no choice.” She tucked a strand of her dark, shoulder-length hair behind her ear. “You were like family then and you still are. We’re happy to take Dani with us.”
Leave it to his mom to be so pragmatic and forgiving. He wished he could do the same but he wasn’t ready. He knew he’d have to get there but he needed to process the shock of Hadley’s return, first.