more often than not.
It’s incredible he’s not crawling out of a ditch by now.
Unable to tell if they were singing or arguing, Noah risked a glance at Aly. She looked like she was fighting tears. His brow knitted in concern.
“Hey, is everything okay?” he asked. The pickup slowed to a stop. He cut the ignition.
Aly lied, nodding. Climbing out of the truck, he sprinted to get her door. She hugged herself, staring at the blinking cell in her lap.
She made an effort to avert her gaze as she unbuckled, ignoring his concerned expression. Moving to wait at the hood, she shuddered as she leaned back at his side. He cocked his head. “Seriously, Aly, what’s wrong?”
Her face twisted. For a fleeting moment, he expected her to brush him off. Wordlessly, she stuck out her hand, the screen open to an instant messaging app.
Thunderbird02_PHD: ALLISON, Y THE HELL IS MY SUV @ LEEs?– GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: Did you really forget how to spell my name?
Thunderbird02_PHD: AUTOCORRECT. ANSWER THE Q – GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: I was literally just at the diner.
Thunderbird02_PHD: WHERE R U – GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly:Hiking. I’ll be back in a few hours.
Thunderbird02_PHD: U CANT LEAVE IT THERE. – GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly:Don’t you have the keys? I can get a ride if you want it home.
Thunderbird02_PHD: IDON’T GET BACK UNTIL MON. MORNING– GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: How do you even know about the SUV then?
Thunderbird02_PHD: WORK FRIEND. WHO R U WITH?– GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: Noah Locklear and some friends.
Thunderbird02_PHD: WHAT? Y?– GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: If this is an interrogation, call me. This is a lot of typing.
Thunderbird02_PHD: BAD TIME. ANSWER THE Q – GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: BECAUSE I’M TRYING TO BE A NORMAL HUMAN BEING AND INTERACT WITH MY KIND.
Thunderbird02_PHD: CAP LOCKS ALLISON. – GREG GLASS
Noah raised an eyebrow. Was that a scolding or an observation?
Austen-esque_Aly: No, sarcasm.You can yell later. I’m going now. – AUTOCORRECT ALYSON
Thunderbird02_PHD: ALYSON MACKENZIE – GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: Meanwhile, you can figure explain the troopers.
Thunderbird02_PHD: WHAT??– GREG GLASS out how to
Austen-esque_Aly: Officers, hunting vendetta, Familiar?
thug tactics.
Thunderbird02_PHD: WHAT DID U SAY 2 THEM?– GREG GLASS
Thunderbird02_PHD: ANSWER THE Q – GREG GLASS
Thunderbird02_PHD: HOW DARE U ALLISON MACKENZIE – GREG GLASS
Austen-esque_Aly: Nothing. I always say nothing.
Austen-esque_Aly is invisible.
Thunderbird02_PHD: Message not delivered.
Thunderbird02_PHD: Message not delivered.
Thunderbird02_PHD: Message not delivered.
I know the feeling.
Noah winced sympathetically, offering it back. “Is he always like that?”
“When he’s actually talking to me.” She shook her head, as though it needed to be cleared. “On the bright side, a bigfoot might show.”
“You know if you’re not up for it, this can wait.”
She shrugged, a forced smile tugging at her lips. “It was my idea. Besides, if I went running to Mr. Grumptastic Overlord, he’d havethe satisfaction I’m not feeling generous enough to offer.”
She gets it.
He smiled. “You’re a spitfire, you know that?”
“I’m surprised you do.” She smirked. As the beeping in her hand continued, she shut it off, sliding the phone into the back pocket of her shorts. “Well, it was nice while it lasted.”
“What’s that?” He frowned.
“Greg leaving me alone, not constantly making demands,” she sighed.
“At least he’s not back just yet,” Noah offered, waving as Owen U-turned across three spaces.
What is wrong with that kid? He’s going to get himself killed.
“But he’s watching from afar,” Aly noted, seeming troubled as she watched Luke jumped out of the vehicle. Owen reached across the seat, slamming the door shut before attempting to correct his parking. Laughing, she added, “That sounds so creepy.”
“And you were worried about the troopers stalking you,” he teased.
“You know what? It is creepy. There’s something wrong with that man. I’ve always known that, of course.” She groaned, burying her face in her hands. “What was my mother thinking? Greg is insane.”
Noah chewed his cheek, unsure how to respond. The last time he had asked about the pretty woman from the photograph, Aly seemed hurt. He wasn’t sure how to comfort or evade, or which would be better.
“Sorry,” she apologized, frowning. Aly waved, as though it could fan the comment from the air. “I didn’t mean to drag an elephant in.”
“No worries,” he smiled, relieved. “We’ve all got baggage. My parents are insane, too. Hell, you know. You saw what happened to my sister.” Noah grimaced. “My dad’s problems are the only ones that matter, but at the same time, they don’t exist. Nothing is acceptable to him except his own messedup… -ness.”
“I know exactly what you mean. I know I’m not good enough. I know I’m not what he wants me to be.” Aly admitted, biting her lip. “I just wish he