Vanishing Act by Heather D'Agostino

Author:Heather D'Agostino
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-08-02T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Present Day

Brooke

A week has passed, and Blake hasn’t made another appearance. Ava asked about him for the first few days, but then she found other things to occupy her thoughts. I was beginning to wonder if he’d decided that being my friend was too much work. I understood. The few friends that I did have, took a long time to make. I pushed people away, it was my thing, and not much has changed over the years. Not having friends also meant that I didn’t have to worry about accidentally saying something that would give away my secret.

It was finally the weekend, and I was off. I was looking forward to relaxing and playing with my daughter. Ava had been begging to play in the sprinkler, and I couldn’t think of a better thing to do on a hot Saturday. The sun wasn’t up yet, but this was the norm for me. Nightmares still plagued me, and I spent hours just sipping my coffee and waiting for the sun. Sometimes on a good day, Ava and I will take a nap.

When it started to get light out, I began pulling out the makings for pancakes. It was one of Ava’s favorites and I had time for it today. “Morning, Mommy.” Ava yawned from the doorway.

“Morning, sweetie,” I called as I mixed the batter. “Why don’t you get dressed, and then breakfast will be ready.”

“OK. Is Officer Blake eating with us too?” She smiled and I stopped stirring.

“What?” I turned around just as I saw a shadow at the door before hearing a knock.

“I’ll get it.” She bounced over to the door, and twisted the knob. As the door creaked open, Blake’s shadowed form began to appear. “Morning.” Ava grinned up at him.

“Good morning.” He squatted down in front of her. “You think I could talk to your mommy?”

“She’s cooking. We’re having pancakes. Do you like pancakes?”

“Ava!” I scolded. “Go get dressed!” I pointed down the hallway. “What are you doing here?” I set the bowl of batter on the counter as I moved closer to the door.

“I came over to help. Thought we could get to know each other a little better. I have the day off.” He smiled as he stepped back and motioned to where his truck was parked outside. Sticking out of the back of the truck was a large post. “I’ve got paint for it too. It won’t take me long.” He then motioned to the broken porch post.

“I can’t pay for that,” I murmured as my heart began to race. What did he want? No one’s ever done something like this for me. He must want something.

“What do you get from this?” I crossed my arms over my chest defensively.

“Breakfast? Maybe?” He shrugged. “I thought we were friends. Friends do nice things for each other.” He started to walk away. “I’m sorry.”

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was being bitchy. “Wait!” I held up my hand. “I’m sorry. I appreciate it, and if you like pancakes, you can stay for breakfast.

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