Page 79 of When The Noise Stops

"Let's go," he said.

They filed out. I stayed in the house by the window.

I watched them cross the hall. They met Knox just as he was stepping off the steps.

"We heard Maggie is back," Tiny said.

Knox looked in my direction. I ducked back even though he couldn't see me. I hadn't told anyone. Blame that mess on Ronny.

Gabby appeared behind Knox.

"Uncle Tiny!" She ran to him. Hugged him. He lifted her up, swung her around.

"Hey, baby girl. Look at you. All grown up."

She laughed.

Hawk smiled at her. Actually smiled. Sully gave her a high five. Deacon nodded at her. I could tell they all loved her.

Then Maggie appeared in the doorway.

The whole energy shifted.

Tiny set Gabby down. Looked at Maggie.

"Hey," he said, flat.

"Tiny," her voice was cool.

"Long time."

"Not long enough."

She smiled. Tight.

"Still holding grudges?"

Maggie's smile flickered. She looked at the others. They were all looking at her the same way. Annoyed.

"Nice to see you all too," she said.

Nobody responded.

She stepped back. Disappeared into the apartment.

Gabby looked up at Tiny.

"You don't like my mother?"

Tiny didn't even lie. "No, but I love you," Tiny smiled.

Grizz shot him a warning look.

I watched from my window. They were there for a while, talking with Gabby and Knox, until I remembered I needed to get started on my order. I left out the back door. Glad I parked in the back. I had been avoiding Reese. He was someone I was dealing with a few months ago, and he didn't know how to be dismissed quietly.

I didn't get home until almost nine.

I was tired, my feet hurt, and I smelled like buttercream.