Page 96 of Cupcake of the Month
“That sounds good,” Jordan said. “The laughing?”
Zach and his caseworker entered the apartment. “Thank you, Zach,” said Katrina. “I’ve enjoyed playing chess with you. You clearly have skill with the game.”
“Oh, hey, Jordan,” Zach said. “I didn’t know you were coming by.”
“Jordan.” The caseworker’s eyebrows drew down and she took a tablet out of her backpack. “Shoenover?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Katrina Copplemeier.” She shook Jordan’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. You helped find Zach.”
Jordan flashed a look to Josh. “I suppose so.”
“Who has learned his lesson.” She frowned at the younger boy.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Okay. Go scoot along while I talk to your brother.”
Zach darted to his room, not closing the door.
Katrina raised her eyebrows, but sat down at the table. “So. He found his parents in the most spectacular way.”
“Yeah.” Josh ran a hand across the back of his neck.
“You know my thoughts on the matter.”
“Turns out you were right. I should have explained things much sooner.”
“What do you think about this, Jordan?” Katrina asked. “I was going to contact you anyway. How fortunate that you’re here.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Me?”
“Are you and Josh dating?”
“Um…I’m heading back home tomorrow.”
The perfect non-answer.
“Somewhere up north, right?”
“Connecticut.”
“Brrrr. Too cold for me.” Katrina shivered, then regarded Josh with a level stare. “Is Jordan’s departure going to be another loss for Zach to deal with?”
“No, ma’am.” It would be a loss for Josh.
“I met him only a couple of times,” Jordan offered. “He won’t miss me.”
“You were there at the airport. In the room when he was being interviewed by the FBI. He told me he likes you and hopes you hang around,” Katrina said. “But he won’t miss you?”
Jordan shoved her hands in the back pockets of her jeans. “While I won’t physically be here, we can Skype if he wants to.” She gave Josh a quick glance before refocusing on Katrina. “I’ll miss him.”
“Thank you, Jordan,” said Katrina. “All right, Josh. Your turn. Want a minute to say goodbye?”
“Ms. Copplemeier.” Jordan’s voice cut through the haze in his mind.
“Katrina, please.”
