Page 22 of Fallen Flame

Her mother’s voice came through loud and clear. “Ever Marie, what in the world happened?”

Ever pulled the phone slightly away from her ear. “I told you what happened.”

“You gave me the short version. How in the world did a cow get in the Dairy Bar?”

I blinked rapidly and realized Ever had really spun a story to her parents. I guess that was better than a crazy psycho trying to date her and then trying to kill her.

“I didn’t want you driving home in the middle of the night.”

“We would’ve been fine.”

“Dad drives like he’s eighty.”

“He is not eighty.”

“He drives like it.”

A man shouted something in the background.

Ever rolled her eyes. “Tell Dad I heard that.”

“He said he drives better than you.”

“That isn’t true.”

Jude looked like he was considering slipping out the back door.

Ever hooked one finger through his belt loop. “You’re not going anywhere,” she whispered.

I pressed my lips together to keep from laughing.

Her mother kept talking. “We’re packed. Your father insists on bringing all the fishing poles home even though I told him there’s no reason.”

“You know,” Ever said, “I don’t even think you guys need to come. It’s really not as bad as I thought. I overacted when I called you.”

“Are you there?” her mom asked.

“Yeah.”

“Are you alone?”

“No. Jude, Lark, and Oliver are here.”

“Put me on speaker,” her mom ordered.

Jude’s eyes bugged out like he knew what was about to come.

“You already are, Mom,” Ever smiled.

“Jude, honey?”

He cleared his throat. “Morning, Mrs. Keller.”

“You haven’t called me Mrs. Keller since you were twelve.”

“Right.”

“Are you taking care of my girl?”