Page 26 of Echoes of Danger
I nod my acknowledgment before walking away.
I’m giving myself a few more days to get things in order and then I’m leaving. However, my plans have changed slightly.
I won’t be taking Eli with me.
He’s thriving in this environment. He’s where he’s meant to be. I’ve saved up enough money to get him a small apartment with plenty left for groceries for at least a year. I know he’s still a teenager, but he has a good head on his shoulders. He’s smart and is capable of taking care of himself.
I’ll never be what he deserves. Hell, regardless of what my heart says, I’m not enough for Jacob and Jessica either.
So, I’m leaving my son behind. I’ll work odd jobs and send money to him for a few more years, but I just can’t bring him down with me.
I’m already ruined by the life I was dealt, and I won’t let the same thing happen to him.
My cell interrupts my pity party with its joyful tune as I make my way across the street to where Eli, Knox, and Jessica are waiting for me.
“Hey,” I answer. “I’m on my way over there now. Do you have a table?”
“Ma, somethings up.”
“What is it?” I ask, hearing the worry in my son’s voice.
“Taylor called Knox, and he was talking about all sorts of weird things. Now, Knox is freaking the heck out.”
No sooner does he finish talking than Jacob’s name pops on my screen.
“Jacob’s calling, Eli. I’m crossing the road now. See you in a second.”
Ending the call, I accept Jacob’s.
“Jacob, what is it? Are you alright?”
“I’m fine, baby. I need you to get home as quickly as possible. We need to leave for a little while.”
Ignoring thebabycomment, I press the crosswalk button repeatedly, urging it to change. “What’s wrong? Knox is with the kids at the restaurant, and Eli just called and said he’s freaking out about something.”
“I’ll tell you when you get here. Why aren’t you with them?”
“I saw a friend at a café across the street and wanted to say hi,” I lied. “I’m heading back to them now.”
“Just get them and get home as soon as you can. Don’t speed, Freckles.”
“Wait, I won’t be back for about an hour,” I admit. “We need to stop and get Jessica’s prescription. She’s almost out of the vitamins her doctor prescribed.”
“Fuck,” he mutters. “Don’t worry about her meds. I’ll have someone get them tomorrow. I really need you to get here as soon as possible.”
“Jacob, you’re starting to scare me.”
“I’m sorry, baby, but something has come up, and I need to make sure you and the kids are safe before I leave to take care of it.”
“You’re leaving? For how long?”
“Not sure, Freckles, but things are put into place to keep you three safe. I just need you to get here so I can get you there.”
“Okay. I’ll skip the pharmacyandbe there in half an hour. But when I get there, I want an explanation. And, Jacob, you have got to stop calling me baby.”
“Not happening, baby,” he chuckles. “I know you feel what’s happening between us just as much as I do. But we’ll discuss that once I get you all back home safe.”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” I say as the crosswalk light finally changes. “You’re my boss. I can’t date my boss.”