Page 123 of Romeo

The amusement disappeared. I read the line twice. One second. For at least that long, she’d looked at what happened to Dennis Coleman and thought of me. The question was what she’d done with the thought afterward.

Me: Don’t think for one second I didn’t want to.

Ma Belle: That isn’t an answer.

No, it wasn’t. It was as close as I could get without giving her something I wasn’t ready for her to carry.

Me: Did they catch whoever did it?

Ma Belle: I don’t think so. Dennis told Sheriff Brewer the person wore a mask, so he couldn’t identify them.

Me: Shame. I’d like to shake his hand.

Ma Belle: That’s terrible

Me: You think I’m terrible?

Ma Belle: Occasionally

Me: Yet you’re worried about me.

Ma Belle: I’m reconsidering it

Me: Too late. I already enjoyed it.

That was probably more truth than she realized. I liked knowing she’d noticed I was late. Liked that some part of her day had been occupied by wondering where I was and whether I was safe.

There’d been a time when I could disappear for days without anybody asking questions. Now a girl in Virginia knew how long it took me to get home.

Ma Belle: Dennis told Mr. Talbot he quit.

I straightened, satisfaction washing over me.

Me: His job?

Ma Belle: Yes. He’s leaving Rosewood.

Well, hell. I’d expected Dennis to need a few days before common sense fully took hold. Apparently, I’d made myself clearer than I thought.

Me: Sounds like the man finally learned how to take a hint.

Ma Belle: You’re awful

Me: And you’re still checking on me.

Ma Belle: Because you should be home.

Me: Say you missed me.

Never had I hated those fucking dots more than when I waited for her to admit she missed me.

Ma Belle: Text me when you get there.

I shook my head.

Me: That’s not what I asked.

Ma Belle: Ride safe, Jasper.