Page 104 of Through the Storms

Riley turned. Peggy, Sandy, and Chloe walked toward the van. Wanting to play it cool, Riley said, “Oakley was just telling me about a tornado hitting the same town twice in one day.”

“I’m with Riley, you’re shitting us.” Peggy fixed her gaze on Oakley.

“Honest. I’m not. Google it. Cordova, Alabama,” Oakley said. “Ironically, they think it might have actually saved lives.”

“How can being hit by a tornadotwicesave lives?” Sandy asked.

“The first tornado knocked out the power, kinda shut things down,” Oakley said. “So not many people were downtown when the second one hit. Seeing it came through at nearly four o’clock, the town would normally have been teeming with people.”

“Always a silver lining, huh?” Chloe said.

Since Chloe had spoken, it gave Riley the opportunity to look at Chloe without making it obvious. Her makeup made it hard to tell if she’d slept as poorly as Riley had.

The conversation continued, but Riley’s focus was entirely on Chloe. Even though the weather was warmer today, Chloe still wore a hoodie. It must be her way to hide—protect herself.

“Riley?” Oakley said.

“Huh, yeah?” Riley answered when she registered her name had been called.

“Can I get you to help me stash the luggage?” Oakley asked. “I don’t know what the hell is taking Britt so long.”

“I might,” Chloe said with a smile.

“Probably having to piss since this is like her third or fourth coffee run of the day,” Oakley said.

“Or maybe it’s the cute barista,” Chloe said.

“That little shit.” Oakley slapped her hand against her thigh. “I’m off my game. I should have figured that out.” A gleam shone in Oakley’s eye. “I think I need to go get a coffee. I’ll be back.”

“I’ll help Riley,” Chloe said.

Riley’s heart rate increased. “Thanks,” she muttered but didn’t meet Chloe’s gaze.

Oakley tossed Riley the keys and jogged off toward the coffee shop.

“We’re going to get settled in the van,” Peggy said. “That’s if you young’uns don’t need any help.”

“We’re good,” Riley said, probably a little too eagerly.

When the sisters had boarded the van, Riley picked up two suitcases.

Chloe picked up another two and followed Riley to the rear. After they set down the luggage, Chloe said, “Did you sleep well?”

Loaded question or polite conversation?Riley turned and fiddled with the lock so Chloe wouldn’t see her face when she answered. “It was all right.” Riley turned and picked up one of the bags. “How’s Mia this morning?”

Chloe sighed. “I don’t know.”

Riley stopped loading the suitcases and met Chloe’s gaze. She gave Chloe a questioning look but didn’t speak.

“Either Dennis hasn’t given Mia her phone back, or Mia’s punishing me for not being able to convince her dad to do the right thing.”

“She’d do that?”

Chloe shrugged. “I’d like to think not, but she was pretty upset last night.”

“She’ll come around.” Riley tried to sound encouraging.

“I know.” Chloe let out a long breath. “I guess I should be thanking Dennis.”