Though Kaleb said talk, he was ready to have a serious conversation with Tyrone if Tyrone objected.
I promise.
Kaleb walked Jennie down to the underground parking lot to say goodbye in person.
As she sat in the back of Lances car, Jennie rolled down the window to wave at Kaleb. Take care, grandpa. You should go back inside.
Ill wait till youre gone. Kaleb watched Jennie in the car, his vision obscured as the window rolled up.
Kalebs expression darkened at Lances movement.
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Jennie wanted to offer more comforting words but stopped by the windows sudden rolling up. Surprised, she glanced at Lance, who was driving.
Driving with the windows down can be really dangerous, Lance said as he started the car, giving Jennie a serious look through the rearview mirror.
Oh. As Jennie peered through the tinted glass, she caught a glimpse of Kalebs downcast face and realized what was happening. Lance was purposefully provoking her grandfather.
Lances car pulled out of the underground garage.
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After a moment of thought, Jennie asked, Uncle, can I use your phone to call Tyrone?
Tyrone?
Yes, my dad.
With one hand on the steering wheel, Lance took his phone out of his pocket and passed it to Jennie, casually asking, Do you know your dads number by heart?
Sure thing, Jennie said, her head nodding as if it was the most obvious action in the world. She took the phone from Lance. Whats your password?
Lance rattled off a series of numbers.
Once unlocking it, Jennie noticed the wallpaper. It was oddly out of place. The image, dripping with a vintage charm, showed a young man and woman standing side by side, their vibes mingling with an air of subtle romance.
It didnt take long for Jennie to realize the young man was a younger version of Lance. The girl next to him, though She Looked incredibly familiar. Could she be Bettie?
Considering Lance was from Philade but Royce came from Mathias, where Lance had spent his middle school years, the idea of Lance knowing Bettie wasnt far-fetched. While typing in the number, she couldnt help but ask, Uncle, which school did you go to for middle school?
Lance thought Jennie was sharp, though still a bit naive. Her question was a dead giveaway of her thoughts.
But preferring to keep his family lineage under wraps for now, Lance simply answered, Germantown Quaker School. Why do you want to know?
It was one of Philades most esteemed middle schools.
Just wondering, Jennie said, brushing off the idea that the girl in the picture could be Bettie.
The phone call went through immediately.
Tyrones voice, laced with a hint of impatience, came on the Line.
Hello?
Tyrone, its me, Jennie said with her lively voice. Im on my uncles phone. Hes driving me back right now.
As soon as Tyrone recognized Jennies voice, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Despite having a million questions, he held back, simply saying, Okay, Im waiting for you at home.
After ending the call, Tyrone quickly informed both the school and the police. Then, he called Sabrina.
Learning that Jennie was with her uncle, Sabrina breathed a sigh of relief.
Bettie, unable to contain her curiosity, asked as soon as Sabrina hung up, Did they find Jennie?
Yes, shes with her uncle. Looks like he picked her up from the kindergarten, Sabrina answered.
Bettie couldnt hide her irritation, especially about Keilanis brother. Can you believe that? Thats rude! Taking the kid without saying anything, not even a quick message. ALL that worry for nothing?
Sabrina casually suggested, Maybe there was an urgent issue. Even though shed never met Jennies uncle, she remembered Jennie mentioning him a few times, not as unreasonable as Keilani.
Bettie, clearly upset, countered, Was it so urgent he couldnt even make a quick call? Was he about to die in that minute?
Bettie was simply defending them, and Sabrina didnt want to argue with a close friend over someone she didnt know, saying, Youre right. Ill talk to Tyrone later to find out what happened.
Bettie rolled her eyes. If it were up to me, Id keep Jennie away from that side of the family. The more shes involved with them, the closer she gets to Keilani. If Keilani didnt have her eye on Tyrone, it would be one thing. But its clear shes after him and will do anything to get him. And given how Keilani turned out, I wouldnt trust that family. They might try to sabotage your relationship with Jennie.
At first, Bettie wasnt keen on Sabrina making up with Tyrone, but she seemed to be warming up to the idea. It was like people only valued something when someone you disliked wanted it, making you not want to give it up.
Let it go. Ive moved on, Sabrina stated firmly. She was tired of the drama and the what ifs. Had she not been over it, she wouldnt have moved out after finding out Jennies biological parents, instead of demanding Tyrone choose her over Jennie. If Keilani ended up with Tyrone, it would only prove Tyrone wasnt fully committed. Her intervention wouldnt change anything. There would always be another Keilani.
As for Jennie, she would undoubtedly hold a grudge against Keilani.
The accident caused by Keilani was something she might never forgive.