Page 116 of Last Call

"Aw. Pete mentioned something about a party. Fallon Foster's kid, right?"

"Yes."

"I can unload the car at the shop and take you up there," Parker offered.

“Are you sure? Everyone I know is at that party," Barb said softly.

Parker turned and gave her a lopsided smile. “Then it’s either me or waiting two hours for the backup rotation out of Essex. They’re slower and nowhere near as charming.”

Barb laughed. “I believe that.”

“Besides,” Parker said, opening the passenger-side door and gesturing to the seat, “I’ve got AC, snacks, and a playlist that doesn’t include Taylor Swift. Hard to beat.”

Barb raised an eyebrow as she walked over. “You’re mocking my children’s taste in music.”

"Nothing against the Swifties," Parker said. "I'm a little more old-school."

Barb climbed in and settled into the seat. It smelled faintly of motor oil and pine-scented air freshener—oddly comforting.

Parker hopped in on the driver’s side, adjusted the mirrors, and fired up the engine. “Fallon’s place it is.”

As they pulled back onto the road, Barb glanced sideways at the woman behind the wheel—confident, quick-witted, and absolutely not what she expected. It had been a long time since someone surprised her. She wasn’t sure what that meant—if anything. It felt familiar, a little unsettling but welcome.She'd think about that later. Maybe.

Everyone looked up when Pete’s tow truck turned into the drive.

“Barb really needs to catch a break,” Carol said, shading her eyes.

Andi let out a low whistle as the driver’s door opened, and Parker rounded the front to help Barb down.

“I’d say she caught more than a break,” Andi murmured.

“That’s Avery’s kid?” Billie asked Pete, eyes narrowing.

“Yeah. Why?”

Beth stifled a giggle.

“Please tell me she bats for our team,” Billie muttered.

Andi smacked her arm. “Billie.”

“What? You were thinking the same thing.”

“I wasnotsaying it out loud.”

"No. Just whistling."

Andi shrugged. "I'm happily married to you. Not blind."

“I’m missing something,” Dale said, glancing between them.

“Thanks for the update,” Carol deadpanned. “Let us know when you find it.”

The group quieted as Barb and Parker approached. There was something about the way Parker walked—comfortable in her skin, not trying to impress anyone but somehow managing to anyway. Barb looked a little flustered.

Fallon stood, brushing some crumbs off her jeans. “Hey. Glad you made it in time for cake.” She turned to Parker with a smile. “You must be Parker.”

“Don’t hold it against me,” Parker said, sliding her hands into her pockets.

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