I repeated it to Luke and managed to contain my surprise when she said Rockwood.
Luke, however, did no such thing. “How in the hell did you end up all the way out there? No wonder it took you so long to call. It’ll be at least an hour, if not longer, but stay put. Someone will be there to get you.”
“Trust me. I’m not going anywhere.”
“Can I call you back at this number if I need to?” he asked.
“I don’t see why not. It’s the diner’s business phone. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“All right. Sit tight while I make some calls.”
“Can you let my parents know I’m okay? Copper and Aspen too? I don’t have my phone on me, and yours was the only number I could remember.”
He didn’t answer immediately, and his hesitation didn’t sit well with me. “Uh, yeah, I can do that.”
“Thanks, Uncle Luke.”
“No need to thank me, kid. I’m just glad you’re okay. We’ll see you soon.”
I thanked the waitress again for letting me use the phone and stopped by the restroom to use the facilities and wash my hands before returning to the table.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror and realized I needed to wash my face too. I had dirt and dried blood smeared across my cheeks and forehead. With the way I looked, it’s a wonder Jimmy offered to help me. But I guess he didn’t view me as a threat, seeing as how he had a shotgun and I didn’t.
“You look like a new man,” Jimmy said when I returned to the table.
“I wish I felt like one.”
“I’m sure you’ll feel ten times better after you get something to eat.”
I disagreed but kept it to myself. I wouldn’t feel any better until I was home and had Aspen in my arms.
“Were you able to get in touch with your friends?”
“I called my uncle. He’s sending someone to pick me up, and he’s going to let everyone else know I’ve been found. He did say it might take an hour or two for someone to get here. I don’t want you to feel obligated to stay and wait with me, but I would like to thank you for your help by paying for your dinner.”
He grinned and lowered his voice. “I don’t mind waiting. It gives me an excuse to visit with Cheryl.” I briefly wondered if something more was going on between the two of them or if they just enjoyed flirting with each other.
Forty-five minutes later, my dad entered the diner like a man on a mission, followed by Dash and Shaker. He made a beeline for me as soon as his eyes landed on me, and he didn’t hold back. I barely had time to get to my feet before he wrapped me up in a tight hug.
“Coal,” he breathed. “You scared the shit out of me. Are you okay?”
“I’ve been better, but it’s nothing a few days of rest won’t fix,” I said and forced a smile before I turned my attention to Jimmy. “Dad, this is Jimmy. He’s the man who found me and gave me a ride into town.”
Dad extended his hand. “I can’t thank you enough. My wife and I have been worried sick since we found out he was missing.”
I nonchalantly nudged him with my elbow. “I told him I’d pay for his dinner, but I don’t have my wallet.”
Dad turned his eyes to Dash. “Take care of that, would ya?”
“On it,” he said and walked over to the counter.
“Thank you,” Jimmy said, “but I was happy to help.”
Dad reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. “You saved my son’s life today. If there’s ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to call.”
Jimmy waved his hand dismissively. “Nonsense. I just helped him get found a little faster is all.”
Dad chuckled. “We’ll have to agree to disagree, but my offer still stands. I’ll be happy to return the favor.”