Page 49 of Like the Season

“Wait! Why won’t you tell me where he is?”

“Because it’s not any of your business. Frankly, after what I’ve heard about how you people treat him, and how happy he is now, it’s no wonder he won’t answer your calls. Why don’t you leave him alone and let him live his life?” He heard the door slam and the deadbolt lock.

When he stepped out of the bedroom, Kelly pounded on the door again, demanding she open it, but Ella yelled back. “Lady, you have two seconds to leave before I call the fricking cops on you.”

Apparently, that did the trick, because the pounding stopped. Ella wore a triumphant grin and gave him a silent high-five when he walked over and leaned in to hug her.

But now he didn’t want to risk being seen by Aunt Kelly. He peeked out the front blinds, which looked onto the parking area. She was still sitting in her car and seemed to be on the phone with someone. Then, about five minutes later, she left.

“Let’s get moving right now,” he said.

They scrambled as fast as they safely could, and less than five minutes later, they were on their way.

“That was crazy,” Ella said.

“Welcome tomyfamily,” he muttered.