The knot in her stomach pulled tighter. If she hadn’t been standing in front of Scott’s Stop, she might have crumpled to the ground. But Evie was aware that Jonah could be watching. Anyone could. She had to keep it together.
And that’s exactly what she’d done until she’d gottenhome.
Now, sitting on her back deck, reliving the conversation, she thought she might besick.
Of all the places to live, why was Tony in Cedar Springs?
What did hewant?
Did he want Jonah?
That was her biggest concern. No. It was her onlyconcern.
Evie took a deep breath and dialed the number for Russ Vince, old family friend, and the lawyer who’d helped her sort out the child support and custody details with Tony when Jonah wasborn.
The phone rang three times and finally his message played.
“Russ. It’s Evelyn Rose. Please call me back as soon as you can. I just learned that Tony is back in town and I need to know why and what it means for Jonah. Call me back,” she said again. “Please.”
She disconnected the call and dropped her head, letting her hands fall heavy in herlap.
She wouldn’t cry. She couldn’t. Besides, there was nothing to worry about. Not yet. And until there was something to worry about, she was going to stay calm and carry on as if everything was normal.
Whatever thatwas.