Page 106 of Last Seen Alive

“You can’t keep this,” Trent said firmly.

“I’m well aware. And I don’t want it… or anything to do with Claire’s shady past. I’ll choose to remember the times I know weren’t a lie. Like when we were holding each other and talking about our plans…” His eyes flicked to Amanda’s, and he cleared his throat.

“I’m happy for you,” she repeated, and she truly was.

“There was an envelope in the box too with numerous safe deposit keys inside. Each had a label saying where they belonged. Another note explained the boxes hold all the cash she had left from the heists.” He handed her a large manilla envelope she hadn’t even noticed he’d had stuffed under an arm.

“We’ll make sure this is sorted.” She paused, considering the invitation she was about to extend, and thoughtwhat the heck?“Trent and I were getting ready to go outside for a beer. Now, he has a barbecue to assemble. But, Logan, you and I can have a beer and watch him work.”

“Sounds good to me,” Logan said.

“And how about I cook you dinner when you’re done, Trent? Well, for both of you. But one of you will need to teach me how to use the thing.”

They both volunteered, fumbling with their words. She laughed.

“Guess I’m covered.”

She grabbed a third beer from the fridge, and when she came out with it, the men had already gone outside. She touched her lips again, thinking of kissing Trent. It felt so right. Magical, dare she say.

“Mandy, I’m hungry.” Zoe came storming through the patio door.

“Coming, sweetie.” She handed Zoe the plate with apple, which had browned some, and grabbed a piece of cheese from the fridge quick. “There you go.”

“Thanks.”

The girl ran back out the door and sat in a chair next to Trent.

“Heya, Trent.” Zoe waved at him and smiled.

“Hey, Zoe.”

Amanda was quite sure Zoe might have a crush on her partner, and she couldn’t blame the little girl. But Logan was great, too, and Amanda and him had worked as a couple before… well, until they didn’t. But they made more sense than she and Trent. A romantic relationship with him would just cause far too many complications.

Trent smiled at her, and she hadn’t even been aware she’d been watching him. He held up his bottle. She mirrored the action.

Maybe one day things would be different…

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