Page 45 of Hidden Fears
“An old habit. Sup, Joz?”
“I was wondering if you’re busy right now or if you could pick me up from Alicia’s and drive me to the house?”
A very annoying cackle makes me pull the phone away from my ear for a moment.
“I see.”A loud click of a tongue.“So, yourcar,”the word sounds like the worst insult from his mouth,“got stuck?”
“Yes,” I say through gritted teeth, letting him enjoy the moment.
Another cackle.“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
I give the phone back to Alicia, who’s trying to hide her smile.
“Not a word.” I point my finger at her, and she zips her lips while still smiling. Fine, I’ll live with that.
We chat about her new book and research she’s doing with Mark since she’s about to launch a new series about hot firefighters when we hear the engine of a car outside. We leave the house to find Archie stepping out of his black Range Rover.
“Ladies, the chauffeur is at your disposal.” He curtsies with a cheeky smile.
“Hi, Archie!” Alicia waves at him. “I wanted to drive Josie there, but apparently,” she sends me a stink-eye, “I’m not good enough.”
“No, you are not.” I pat her shoulder with a laugh. “But you’ll get there!”
“I’ll work my ass off to achieve the goal!” She presses two fingers to her temple like a soldier and clicks her heels together.
“I don’t have any doubt,” I say with a giggle and blow a kiss at her. “I’ll call you.”
Her face turns serious as she starts chewing on her lip. “I’m still not convinced, Joz.”
“ButIam.” I smile and walk to Archie’s car.
He gets inside after waving goodbye to Alicia. When he starts the car, he gives me a side-eye. “Is there any particular reason you’re wearing fuzzy slippers ten sizes too big?”
“What are you, fashion police?” I laugh. “And they’re just two sizes too big.”
“See? I was almost right.” He pulls onto Main Street.
I sigh and tell him about the eventful day I had, leaving out a few particular details. Particularly about Kenneth’s piercing—because why would Archie know anything about that—and my stay with him.
Archie whistles. “Wow. You had quite a day. Which could havebeen avo-o-oidedif you just listened to me,” he singsongs.
“Be quiet,” I reply grouchily as I stare ahead.
He lets out a belly laugh. “Tastes so good to be right. Anyhow, where are we driving to?”
“Back to my car. I need to see if I can get it out today.”
He gives me a doubtful look. “I don’t think much has changed since yesterday there, Josie. I’m sorry about that. I should have made some travel arrangements for you. The roads there still suck. I can call Justin so he can get your car maybe?”
“I still need my stuff from the car. I have zero cash on me. Or my phone. Or my anything really.” My voice dies down at the end.
“Maine hasn’t treated you well, huh.” His voice is considerate.
“It hasn’t so far.” I turn to him with an evil smile. “I’ll make it, though.”
“That’s the spirit!” He raises his fist for a bump.
I touch my knuckles to his with a laugh—Archie is in a better mood than I’ve ever seen him. And this time, it’s not the pretend clown mask he used to wear. He truly seems light and happy. Maybe I’ll become him one day when I grow up. In a place like that.
