Her words made the doctor smile. She cut a triangle out of the huge baked lump and placed it on a plate, shoving it into Trinity’s hands. “Sit,” she ordered. “Want coffee or milk?”

Trinity sat. “Milk, please.” She took a bite of warm yumminess and sighed.

The doctor placed the milk in front of her and sat across from her, watching her eat.

Trinity was instantly self-conscious. “Are you having some?”

“I will in a minute. I never bake or cook for anybody, so forgive me if I stare for a little bit.”

Pity washed over her. “That’s kinda sad. Don’t you have some siblings somewhere?”

The doctor gave a small smile. “No. It was just me and my parents. I’m divorced, so I haven’t done much cooking since then.” She poured a cup of coffee from the barely full carafe, making Trinity cringe at the thought of tasting that super-potent coffee.

Dr. Peres sat and took a huge bite of scone. And smiled. “It always tastes better when there’s someone to eat it with. It’s a waste to bake this just for me.”

“I love to bake,” said Trinity. “But Katy doesn’t like it. She says it’s too tempting to have cake and cookies around.”

Dr. Peres smiled. “Yes, I understand that logic. Should we wake her up?”

Trinity shook her head. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she was up half the night.”

“You’re right. I know I had a hard time getting to sleep.” The doctor stabbed at her scone with her fork. Trinity wondered if she’d slept at all.

“Have you been outside? Have you seen the house today?” Trinity asked.

“I can’t see much from here. I went out to get the paper, but it’s pouring rain, and all I could see was the blue tarp where they covered the window. I can still smell the smoke outside.”

“I don’t know if they’ll ever get rid of the smell.” Trinity sniffed at her hair again. “I stink.”

“Yes, I showered last night, but I can still smell it on me.”

“You got some clothes?”

“Yes, I dug these out of the very bottom of my dresser.” The doctor sniffed at a sleeve.

“I really like Dr. Rutledge,” said Trinity. “He likes you a lot, too. Are you dating?”

Did Dr. Peres just blush?

Trinity wasn’t certain about the blush, but the doctor dropped eye contact. Exactly what her friends did when they were slightly embarrassed or someone mentioned a guy they liked.

“I wouldn’t say we’re dating. We did at one point. He’s back in my life now after a very long absence, and we’re still feeling things out, trying to see where to go with this.”

“Well, he’s pretty clear about what he wants. Everyone last night could tell.”

Dr. Peres met her gaze. “What?”

“He likes you a lot. He puts out that protective vibe around you. It was weird to see it last night.”

Trinity’s phone vibrated in her pocket. Dr. Peres met her gaze and smiled. “Go ahead. I’m going to see if Katy’s up yet.”

Trinity nodded and pulled out her phone. Jason again.

DO U HAVE A CAR? COULD U COME GET ME?

She stared at the screen. Why her? R U OK?

There was a long pause after her text. She took a few bites of her scone, but it seemed to have lost its flavor. Why would Jason ask her for help? They barely knew each other.

AVOIDING SOMEONE. HE KNOWS ALL MY FRIENDS. NEED TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Trinity’s mind spun. Who was he hiding from? His parents? Were they angry about the shooting? But were they mad in a concerned-parent way or a want-to-beat-on-him-asshole-parent way? She knew nothing of Jason’s family situation.

IS SOMEONE GOING TO HURT YOU? She cringed as she sent the text, but she needed to be frank. Would he answer truthfully?

A full minute went by. Had she offended him? Or was he laughing at her? Showing her text to his friends and laughing at what a dork she was for being concerned about him?

She finished her milk and strode to the fridge for a refill. Jason and his friends could go to hell for all she cared. He obviously hung with some idiots if one of them pulled out a gun at a memorial service. And the only reason he’d reached out to her was because he was interested in Brooke, and she was Brooke’s best friend. Everyone knew you made nice with the best friend if you wanted to get in—

Her phone vibrated on the kitchen table, and she nearly slopped the milk she was pouring. She set down the carton and grabbed the phone, mixed emotions rolling through her. What did she owe this guy? Nothing.

IT’S POSSIBLE. I DID SOMETHING I WAS TOLD NOT TO. THEY PUNISH.

She swallowed hard. They? His parents? Did “punish” mean taking away his phone or using a belt on him? Part of her was cautious; he could be lying about everything.

I’M SORRY. I CAN’T HELP U. PLZ LET ME KNOW WHAT HAPPENS.

She hit Send and sighed. Some people might think she was a crappy friend for not helping him out, but what could she do? She’d have to ask permission to use Katy’s old second car and then explain why she needed it. And she hardly knew Jason. Surely there was someone else he could ask.

“Katy is sound asleep.” Dr. Peres padded into the kitchen. She did a double take at Trinity’s expression. “Are you okay?”

“I think so. I have a friend who asked for something, but I really don’t know him that well… not at all, actually. I’d like to help if I could, but…” She didn’t know how to describe it.