Page 36 of Runaway Road (Runaway 1)

Wyatt had been with Moira this past week. The great thing about us living in the same town, ten minutes from one another, was he had two rooms. He stayed with her for a week to ten days, then he’d come and stay with me for the same.

Now that he was a teenager and had his own vehicle, we didn’t dictate custody schedules. Plus he was a good kid, making sure he spent time with us both.

This stretch at Moira’s was going on seven days, and I missed him. We texted. I called him every day. But it was strange not to see him every night. With his summer football practice schedule and the job he’d taken running takeout around town, he was busy. It was the reason I ordered takeout most nights when he wasn’t at my place. He was forced to come see me.

That, and no matter where he was staying, he came to Monday dinner.

As much as I wanted to see Londyn tonight, I needed my son more.

“Want me to go pick up pizza?” I asked Mom.

“You’re coming?”

“I just pulled into the driveway.”

She hung up on me and had the screen door open before I’d even shut off my truck. As long as it was light out and the temperature was above fifty degrees, Mom kept her front door open with only the screen to block the bugs.

She shooed me away as I walked to the door. “You can go.”

“I’ll stay.” I met her by the door, bending to kiss her cheek.

“Go. Besides, your son just texted me. Apparently, no one but me and your father want pizza tonight.”

My forehead furrowed, taking my phone from my pocket. “Wyatt didn’t text—never mind.”

Wyatt: I got offered an extra shift tonight. Can I take it?

He was desperately trying to save money for college.

Me: Sure.

Wyatt: Coming home tonight. Be there about ten.

Me: Drive safe.

“He’s working,” I told Mom, tucking my phone away again. But I’d get to see him tonight.

“He’s a hard worker, that boy. Like his daddy.” She nudged my elbow. “Go. Do what you need to do. I’ll cook something fancy next Monday to make up for this week.”

“Are you sure?”

She smiled. “I’m sure.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I kissed her cheek once more, then turned and jogged to my truck. I waved goodbye as I pulled away, then headed toward town, calling the motel as I drove.

“Hi, Meggie. Say, I need a favor.”

“Is this seat taken?”

Londyn’s head whipped my way. “What are you doing here? I thought you were busy.”

“Change of plan.” I pulled out the stool by her side, leaning my elbows on the counter.

The diner was packed. Every booth was taken and all the tables in the middle of the room occupied. Besides the stool I’d just claimed, only two others were empty.

The waitress brought over a menu, but I waved it away.

“You’re not eating?” Londyn asked.