Page 35 of Meant to Be
Mitch wanted to correct her. He didn’tnotlike her. He just couldn’t let himself be ensnared by her charm. He gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze. “I’ll drive. We’ll make arrangements to get your car another time.”
She nodded. “Thank you.”
Mitch pulledinto the parking lot of the Dixie Diner. Showing up with Sydney would start the gossip mill about his latest “conquest” but taking her to the station for a formal interview might increase her stress. He needed information and, therefore, needed her to be comfortable and calm.
“I thought you were taking me to the police station.”
“The food’s no good there.”
“I told you I’m not hungry.”
He put his vehicle into park then turned his gaze to her. “But I am. And it’s a nicer place to conduct an interview.”
She let out a breath. “Okay.”
He held the door to let her walk in before him. “There’s a booth near the back.” He placed a hand on her elbow to steer her in the right direction.
“Hey, Mitch.”
He was relieved to see Chelsea coming to their table. She’d tell Lexie about seeing him with Sydney, but not the whole town. That didn’t stop her from sizing up Sydney, though.
“Chels, this is Doctor Preston.” He decided not to say more. For one, it wasn’t her business. And two, if he explained he was working, then he’d have to tell her about Jenny, and he didn’t need that getting out just yet. “This is Chelsea Beemer. Normally she’s a teacher, but school’s out.”
“In May?”
Chelsea nodded. “Yeah, our school year runs from August to May.”
Despite her distress, Sydney mustered a smile. “What grade do you teach?”
“Kindergarten.”
“All those little children. That must be like herding cats.”
Chelsea’s assessing gaze morphed into acceptance. “To be honest, this job is harder.”
“I’ll take some of those bacon tater bits and milk.” Mitch wanted to get to business. “What do you want?”
“A glass of water would be nice.”
“Also bring her a hot chocolate with a peppermint soother.”
Chelsea lifted one brow. “Okay.” She took the order and headed toward the kitchen to deliver it.
“What’s a peppermint soother?”
“You’ll like it.” He rested his forearms on the table. “Tell me again about sending Jenny to your car.”
Sydney picked up a spoon and fiddled with it as she retold her story. “Jenny’s attacker had to be after me.”
He nodded. It was a logical assumption. “What happened in New York?”
Her eyes closed.
He was patient as he waited for her to begin. He knew firsthand, no matter how many times the story was told or how long ago traumatic events occurred, they never got easier to talk about. He’d stopped talking about his years ago.
“It wasn’t raining, but it was dark. I’d finished my shift at the hospital and was going to my car. I felt the stab before I realized anyone was there.” She flinched, as if reliving the knife cutting into her skin.
Instinct had him taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. Her head jerked up to look at him at his touch.
