My Fake Fling

“I would appreciate that,” he said. “I really am sorry for being such a burden on you both.”

“You are not a burden. Not even close.”

We left the room just in time to see Ally and Lucas on their way out. “Ally, wait.”

“Are you okay?” she asked while looking at my dad, who was now talking to Reese.

“Better than ever,” I said. “He’s not moving.”

“I cannot wait to hear that story,” she said.

“I’m so sorry about tonight,” I blurted out. “I swear he won’t ever be alone with me again.”

“No way,” Lucas said. “I like coming here. I want to keep working here.”

“I don’t think your mom is okay with that,” I said. “And I don’t blame her.”

“I’m okay with it,” Ally said.

“I almost got your kid killed,” I replied.

“No, you put your life on the line to save my kid,” she corrected. “There is danger everywhere. I can’t be with him day in and day out. I’m glad he was with you. I don’t know if anyone else would have protected him the way you did.”

I smiled and looked at the kid that had been a dark shadow a couple weeks ago. He was smiling. “I think we kind of saved each other tonight,” I said. “You’re welcome here anytime you want. We might even have to put you on the payroll. After we pay for this mess.”

“I’ll do it for free,” he said. “Me and Mom will come tomorrow to feed the animals and stuff. She said you won’t be opening.”

“No, we won’t,” I said with a sigh. “I think we’ll need to be closed a couple of days. And that would be great if you guys could do that.”

“I’ll call the other employees and let them know what happened,” Ally said. “We’ll cover the weekend. Just take some time, okay?”

“I appreciate that.” I gave them each a hug. “Get home safely,” I said with a wave.

Dad gave me a hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said.

“Yes, you will. Goodnight.”

Reese was standing quietly with Kona sitting right beside him. He didn’t even have to ask. I walked right into his arms and let him hold me in the stillness of what had been total chaos an hour ago.