I scoffed. “And he believed you?”
Beckett shrugged, lips twitching. “I’m very convincing. But honestly, I think the idea of owing more money was what motivated him to start packing. We hauled a few boxes of his belongings to my house, and when Tejas dropped by, he helped me move the bedroom set and the TV your dad had in his room. I left the two of them reassembling everything at my place so I could come help you.”
Tears threatened again, but I was able to get out, “Thanks.”
He let go of the doorjamb and stepped into the bathroom. The small space seemed to shrink even more. Before I realized his intention, he’d pulled me into a tight hug. My face was smashed to his chest, with his scent washing over me. The warmth of Beckett’s hand on my back was soothing, daring me to let down my defenses.
For two seconds, I let myself indulge in the comfort before I mumbled into his shirt. “You owe me another romance book.”
He snorted and then said, “I guess I do.”
He tugged on my ponytail, forcing my head up and scanning my face. His voice was deep and dark when he said, “You’ve been crying. I hate itwhen you cry.”
“He thought I stole from him, Beckett. That I stole from my own father.”
Beckett’s brows shot up in surprise, and the pain of Dad’s words tore through me all over again. After everything I’d done to try to hold our family together, how could he even consider the possibility?
“Why would he think that?” Beckett demanded.
I shrugged. “It’s probably the meds making him irritable and the trauma his brain has been through with the stroke. But Mom’s jewelry boxismissing, and I’m the one who looks after the house while he’s gone. I guess it makes sense he’d think it was me.”
“Chelsea was just there,” Beckett said.
I’d had the same thought before Dad’s accusation had wiped it away. A piece of me didn’t want to believe Chelsea was capable of taking Mom’s things without asking Dad…or me… But another part of me realized it was exactly the sort of thing she’d do. She took what she wanted all the time now.
What would make this any different?
Chapter Twelve
Beckett
BURN MY SUMMER
Performed by Kelsey Hart
THREE DAYS AGO
HIM: I don’t think it was Del who left the note on your truck. You should have seen how shocked and wounded she looked when I accused her of it.
HER: Which Delilah did you get? Business Delilah or Victim Delilah or Sexpot Delilah?
HIM: I know what you’re getting at, but she’s always come clean with me before. I’m not sure it was her.
HER: Who else could it be? I’ve literally done nothing to piss anyone off but get fake-engaged to you.
HIM: Stoney was really pissed that I might get the chief’s job now. He tossed the measly eight years I’ve been working at the station in my face. He said all the classes and certificates didn’t stack up to his twenty-five years of experience. And he’s right.
HER: It wasn’t Stoney. He would’ve just come for you, not me.
HIM: I know you’re right, but I don’t think it’s Del either.
HER: It doesn’t matter. For all we know, it could have been left on the wrong truck. We’re better off just forgetting about it.
HIM: Maybe. Just promise me you’ll be extra careful.
PRESENT DAY
The scene at her dad’s haddone a number on Maisey. The raw pain from her father’s accusation left her looking bruised and worn. And while there was nothing I could do about what had gone down, Icouldlighten her load and her mood, even if it was only for a few hours. We’d finish movingher things to my house, and then I’d find a way to give her an escape.