Now I’m startled. Holly comes from a fairly affluent family, though they live in Savannah, and she’s always been well-off.
“Do you need to stay at my place for a few days?” I ask automatically.
“Could I?” She sounds so relieved I feel guilty for asking my next question.
“Of course, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable at a hotel?”
“It’s a long story,” she whispers, “but he took it all, Serena.Everything.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’ll explain when I see you.”
“I’m staying at West’s right now, but I can meet you at the apartment, let you in, and give you my spare key. We can talk then?”
“You’re a life saver. Truly. Thank you.”
She disconnects, and I stare at the phone for a minute.
Two very unexpected phone calls.
And now an unwanted meeting.
Tony called yesterday and begged me to let him see Joey. I wanted to say no but I guess it’s better to do it this way than to wait for him to get a court order or something. So, I agreed to let him stop by the park where we’ll be for an hour or so. I don’t know why he’s in Atlanta again, or how long he’s staying, but good or bad, I need to know what his intentions are.
I feel a little guilty for not mentioning this to West, but it just happened last night and we didn’t talk since his game lasted until one in the morning east coast time. He said he probably wouldn’t be back at the hotel until midnight, which would be three in the morning for me so there just wasn’t an opportunity to have a conversation.
When I see Tony walking toward me, I instantly notice the bag from a local toy store and for some reason, that annoys me. Like he’s going to try to buy Joey’s love or something.
“Hi.” He sits on the bench next to me.
“Hi.” I surreptitiously inch away so our bodies aren’t touching.
“I brought some presents.”
“You didn’t have to,” I say. “He has tons of toys.”
“Well, I wanted him to have some new stuff. I asked what’s appropriate for three-year-olds and got some things they recommended. A couple of toy trucks but also some educational stuff.”
I nod politely. “Thank you. I’m sure he’ll enjoy them.”
“Can you call him over?”
“Sure.” I call Joey’s name as he’s coming down the slide, and he races over to me.
“Joey, I want you to meet Tony. Do you remember, we met him in St. Louis?”
“I’m your—” Tony starts to say, but I cut him off.
“Friend,” I interject, giving him a pointed look.
“Hi.” Joey goes shy again, leaning against my knees.
“I brought you some toys.” Tony says, pulling a huge dump truck out of the bag. “What do you think? Do you like trucks?”
Joey shrugs. “I like cars.”
Tony looks disappointed but then nods. “I’ll remember for next time.”