Page 78 of From Nowhere

“I think Aunt Ruth should be here if you take Paxton out of his cage. But since she’s not here right now, I think you should return and spend the night sometime.”

Lola slides her wide-eyed gaze to me. “Really?”

Not once has Lola spent the night with my mom, or even with both my parents when my father was alive, even though she’s begged to do it. But she’s not a baby anymore, and Aunt Ruth is trustworthy. Still, it will spur a conversation with Tia and Amos that I don’t want to have.But the question is: Am I willing to have it for the chance to spend a whole night with Maren?

“Really,” I say, not just because thinking of Maren gives me a semi-erection.

It’s time to expand Lola’s world. Even Victoria is encouraging Lola to try new experiences since her refusal to get into a car has made everything smaller.

“That would be amazing.” Lola inflates with enthusiasm, and I can’t help but smile.

Once again, Lola proves that secret-keeping isn’t her forte. I haven’t even mentioned it to Maren yet because I want to surprise her. However, Lola spills the beans.

“Where will I sleep?” Lola asks during our late dinner following her softball practice.

As Tia and Amos lift their gazes from their dinner plates, Lola cringes with her signature “oops” look.

“What are you talking about?” Tia asks Lola while peering at me.

I press my napkin to my mouth and clear my throat. “Lola’s going to spend the night with my mom and Ruth sometime.”

Tia and Amos exchange a look.

“Lola wants to play with Paxton. And she’s old enough that she won’t require much from Ruth or my mom.”

“What about that cat?” Tia scrutinizes Lola.

It’s ridiculous.

“Bandit will be back with Maren. This is a chance for Lola to try something new, expand her world, and build confidence.” I spew Victoria’s words, but they’ve also been Tia’s. She can’t have it both ways. If she doesn’t want me to “coddle” Lola, she can’t do it either.

“We could visit Leroy,” Amos suggests.

Tia regards him with narrowed eyes for a second. Leroy is their son, who lives in Arkansas.

I drop my gaze to my plate when Tia inspects me. I need to play it cool, but it’s hard because this is the best-case scenario. Not only will Lola be at my mom’s for the night, but if Tia and Amos are gone, I won’t have to explain why I’m not here. More than that, I can be here, and Maren can stay the night.

As I imagine this, I start to feel like a lovestruck dummy getting giddy over seeing a girl.

“Ozzy, let me know when you’re thinking so I can check airfare,” Tia says.

I must restrain myself from voicing my enthusiasm or punching the air excitedly.

My grin is dying to spread across my face, and my heart is racing. Still, I manage to contain my reaction and offer nothing more than a few easy nods.

After Lola is in bed, I call Maren.

“Still in Missoula?” I ask.

“I am, but I’m tired. No sneaking out tonight. Sorry.”

“That’s fine. That’s not why I’m calling.”

“You sound chipper. What’s up?” she asks.

“I’m hopeful,” I say. “Because I have just moved Heaven and Earth to be with you. When do you have time off again?”

“I’m off Sunday to Wednesday,” she says. “HeavenandEarth? Ozzy, your ability to sweep a girl off her feet is unmatched. Tell me more about your superpower.”

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