Page 73 of Trusting Skulls

“I know. I know. There’s room in the basement,” I say, rolling my eyes.

My response seems to placate him, and he starts the engine. “You aren’t keeping very much.”

“I only kept what I needed, but I did keep a few sentimental things. Don’t worry. There’s nothing in there I’ll regret letting go of.”

“It’s hard for me, you know? I attach sentimental value to everything,” he admits.

“I get it.”

He glances at me a few times and then sighs. “I’m sorry about dragging you up to that mountain and then ditching you. I’ve been feeling really bad about it, but Elizabeth had friends coming to visit.”

I shrug. “No worries. I think the people who were meant to be there were.” He doesn’t look offended, but that didn’t come out right. “I mean, not that they are better than you …”

He chuckles. “I didn’t take offense. I’m just glad my friends could help you.”

We pull up to the charity drop off and begin unloading the boxes of stuff I no longer want. An expensive car pulls up behind us, but JD pays it no mind.

The man driving rests his hand on his steering wheel, beckoning me with a single finger. My entire soul settles in the pit of my stomach. I walk over to him as he rolls down his window.

“Hey,” I say quietly, hoping he makes it quick before JD notices I’ve stepped away.

My dad’s boss pulls off his sunglasses, and his piercing blue eyes make me curl in on myself. “So, it’s true.” His gaze goes to JD briefly before landing on me. “You’ve shacked up with a bunch of bikers. I thought it was an office rumor. I had to drive over and see it for myself.”

JD notices I’ve left his side. I flash him with a big smile and a happy wave.

“Not a rumor,” I confirm tightly, leaning back on my heels. “Mom and Dad kicked me out, but I’ve got to get going. It was nice seeing you.”

I start to walk away as JD approaches. When I hear Graham open his car door, I pick up my step. “Lexie, wait,” he calls out.

JD grabs my arms and scans my face as soon as I get to him. Graham rushes up behind us. “Lex, I’m on your side. I just want to help.”

I turn to face him, but JD keeps me close.

My dad’s boss doesn’t hesitate. He extends his hand out to JD. “Hi, I’m Graham Dolan. Lexie’s dad works for my company. When I heard how awful he treated her, I had to come over and make sure she was okay.”

“JD.” He shakes Graham’s hand but doesn’t release me.

“Do you have a place to stay?” Graham asks, turning his focus back on me.

“She does,” JD answers shortly on my behalf.

“That’s great. I’m glad to see you have people looking out for you.” The look on his face tells me he’s anything but happy about it. He takes his phone out of his pocket. “I tried to call, but you must have a new number.”

My mouth goes dry. “Sorry. My parents had it disconnected,” I lie.

He shakes his head. “I’m so sorry, Lexie. I thought better of them.” He’s quiet for a moment, standing with his hands in his pockets. “Why don’t you let me get you a new one?”

“Oh, that’s okay …”

JD cuts me off. “You can have my number if you need to reach her.”

Graham covers his hand over his chest as if JD wounded him. “Oh, oh, it’s not for my sake. I was just trying to be helpful. She’s going to need a phone, so she can start looking for a job.”

“I appreciate it, Mr. Dolan, but I’ll figure it out. You shouldn’t feel responsible for me. I’m an adult. I’ll be okay.”

I hold perfectly still as he chucks me under the chin. “I know you will. You’ve always been a smart girl.” He pauses. “I’ve got an even better idea. The office here in town is looking for a receptionist. Before you say no, just think about it. The pay is great, and it’s local. I’ll have the branch manager give you,” he pauses to look at JD, “or, I should sayyou, a call.”

JD reluctantly gives him his number, keeping his arm firmly around my waist.

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