Page 99 of Good For Me

“I’m not leaving,” Jasmine says before he can voice whatever dictate is currently curling his lips into a sneer.

“Jas.”

She turns her back on him and glares up at me.

“I need to be here for my uncle. This is his business, River. That building is his entire life.”

“Bullshit,” he cuts in. “That building is just a place. I’m much more concerned about you.”

I sigh in relief. He might not be happy to see me, but he’s smart enough to know she shouldn’t be hanging around where it’s unsafe.

“You can call her when you get any news,” I tell him, reaching for her hand again.

Jasmine’s glare turns to pure fire. “You don’t get to decide this, River,” she snaps. “If I want to stay—”

“There’s nothing for you to do here, Jassy,” Dave says. “River’s right. I’ll call you when I know anything.” He meets my gaze over the top of her head. “She’ll need a place to stay tonight.” I can see in his haggard expression that he’s already realized it’s going to be much longer than just tonight. I don’t need to be an expert in building codes to know that neither of them will be getting into that apartment any time soon.

“I’ll take care of it.”

Jasmine is so angry she seems to have lost the ability to speak. She doesn’t even relax when her uncle pulls her into a hug. “Just go, honey,” I hear him murmur. “I’ll feel much better when I know you’re safe.”

She exhales loudly and nods her head against his shoulder. Then her hands come up to wrap around his back and she squeezes him tight. He’s tall enough that I can see the surprise in his face over her head. I get the sense they’re not a super affectionate family. But he hugs her back, just as tight, and when she pulls away, she looks both embarrassed and slightly red-eyed.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” he says gruffly, looking equally as embarrassed. “Now go on and take care of yourself and that little one, okay?”

She nods and turns toward me, avoiding my gaze. I reach for her hand but she pulls it away, brushing past me and setting off on a brisk walk toward my Jeep. I’m about to follow her when Dave’s angry voice stops me.

“Don’t make me regret sending her off with you, kid,” he practically growls.

I nod in acknowledgment but don’t say anything. I know it’s going to take a lot more than words to prove to him—and anyone else who cares about her—that I’m someone they can trust.

That’s fine. I have every intention of showing them.