Page 130 of Rumor Has It

“The last box that came for Rumor, is it still in the office?” I shove my finger into my mouth and begin chewing on it.

There’s a long pause with noises in the background. “Yep, it’s still here. Am I going to shove it up Reed’s ass or something?”

“Read me the address.” I bite my lip, praying it’s wrong, that I’m wrong.

“What’s going on, Mackenzie?” Ridge’s voice is low, filled with worry.

I close my eyes. “Please, read me the address.”

“5533 Griffith Street, Burbank…”

“Okay. Alright. That’s enough, Ridge.” I cover my mouth to keep the sob from escaping.

“What is it, Mackenzie?” Ridge’s voice is on edge.

I wipe my face, speechless. “I’ll call you back. I need to get out of here and check on something before I come home.”

“Be careful.” Ridge ends the call, and I text a car service.

***

“We’ll be right back. Keep it running,” I explain to the driver. Taking Rumor’s hand, I hold the door for her to walk in front of me.

The receptionist smiles as we enter the building. I return the gesture, asking for Rumor to sit in the row of seats. “I need you to stay here. I’ll only be a few minutes.”

“Alright.” She nods, watching me closely. I approach the still smiling receptionist, scanning the place as I go.

“May I help you?” she asks.

I clear my throat. “I hope so, is Mister Hatcher’s secretary available?”

“May I ask your name?”

I rub my neck. “Mackenzie Baker, I have his keys I need to drop off.”

She picks up the receiver, whispering into it. As she hangs it up, she smiles brighter. “Tina will be right with you.”

“Thank you.” I spin, to be brought up short.

“Miss Baker.” Her hand extended to me. “It’s so good to finally meet you after all this time.” She spots Rumor and goes all moon eyed. “Is this her?”

I nod. “It is … her.”

“She looks so much like Mrs. Hatcher, and of course Mister Hatcher. Boone that is.” She pats my back. “How can I help you?”

I hold up the keys, plastering a smile on my face. “I brought keys.”

“Oh, dear. You didn’t have to come all this way for those.” She takes them, still looking at Rumor.

“I wanted to also say thank you.” She stares at me blankly. “For her gifts through all these years.” I nod, hoping she’ll play along and answer my questions.

She covers her mouth, releasing it after a few seconds. “He finally told you, that’s wonderful. All I did was pack and ship the box.”

“He did. He told me all the details and things.” I swallow hard, pushing the rising bile back down. How could he have lied to me all this time?

“You know, we all wondered why he got a job after his first semester. It’s not like he needed the money.” She wrinkles her nose.

I nod, fidgeting. “I know, but he has the best heart.”