Page 8 of Crazy Love

“Thanks, guys.” I go out the door, zigzagging through the coffee shop and rush to my SUV.

The fluorescent lights buzz as I walk into the police station, my stomach already in knots. Bill Shockley stands near the front desk, his large frame looming over a small, hunched figure. Sam. His shoulders are slumped, his face a mask of shame.

“Penn,” Bill says, his usual gruffness softened slightly. His firm voice feels almost for show, like he’s acting tough with Sam watching.

“Bill,” I reply, my eyes locking with Sam’s. “What’s going on here?”

Bill gestures at Sam. “Caught this guy stealing over at Aurora’s.”

My brows furrow, and I bend in front of Sam, meeting his eyes. “Stealing? That’s not like you. What did you take?”

He reluctantly meets my eyes, and they’re full of tears that he’s trying hard not to let fall. “Some granola bars and peanut butter,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “I was hungry.”

The words hit me like a baseball bat.

“Sam,” I say, my voice cracking. “I will feed you every day of the week if you’re hungry. I didn’t know…I’m so sorry.”

He collapses in my arms, and I hug him tight, my throat burning. Over his shoulder, I look at Bill, my jaw clenched. “I need to talk to child services.”

Bill’s face softens more, but his voice stays professional. “Penn, you know it’s not that simple.”

“How is this happening?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. “Why is he in a foster home where he’s not getting enough to eat? I want to take him home. I can take care of him.”

Bill sighs, crossing his arms. “Look, I get it. But you’ll have to talk to CPS to see what you can do. It’s not just about feeding him.”

“I can do better for him than what he’s getting right now,” I snap. “Look at him, Bill. He’s stealing food because he’s hungry. How is that okay? How can we just let that slide?”

I’ve been worried about him losing weight for months and brought food to him regularly, but are his foster parents not letting him have it? What’s going on here?

Bill’s tough facade cracks. “I’ll make some calls. But Penn, these things take time. You can’t just…take him home tonight.”

I look down at Sam, his small frame trembling against me, and feel a surge of helplessness like I’ve never known. He needs me and I want him to know I will fight for him, no matter what it takes.

“It’s been almost three months now, since I started the process to become his foster parent. It’s been tedious. I’ve done the background check, the interviews, the home visits…all I’m waiting for is the approval and the license. This is crazy that there can be people willing to help and they’re turned down. “Make the calls,” I say, my voice steel. “I’ll order some food to be delivered while we wait. I’m not going anywhere until I know Sam’s taken care of.”

CHAPTER TWO

HOME AGAIN

ADELINE

It feels great to be back in Silver Hills. Strange, too. I almost feel like a stranger as I drive down Jupiter Lane and see all the new faces and shops, but I’ll acclimate quickly. I’ve been back often to visit Mom and Dad, but there’s just something different aboutlivinghere again. The big city wasn’t for me.

“There you are,” Dad says, holding his arms out for me as I step into Starlight Cafe.

I walk into his hug and inhale his aftershave. “Hi, Dad.”

“I’m so happy you’re home,” he says, smiling down at me. We walk back to a booth near the window and sit down. “Well, kind of home. Are you sure Mom and I can’t change your mind about moving back in? There’s so much room.”

I shake my head as I smile down at the menu. “I haven’t lived at home since before college. I love you and Mom dearly, but I need my own space.”

He sighs, looking both proud and exasperated. “Well, I don’t see why you need to pay for some fancy condo when you can just?—”

“I’m happy where I am,” I cut in. “Besides, it’s not that fancy. It’s just…nice. Quiet.”

Dad doesn’t push it further. He switches topics to something he’s excited about. “I want to be the one to bring you in on your first day,” he says, his chest puffing out slightly. “Introduce you to everyone in the office…you’ve met a lot of the staff over the years, but not everyone.”

“I don’t need to make an entrance,” I say nervously.

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