Chapter 20

I have a text from my agent by the time I get out of practice, telling me that they've sent over a list of names to LAPD that they think could be involved in whatever's going on. I'm still wrapping my brain around someone wanting to hurt me. Why? Is it to ruin Mila's business, like Officer Brady speculated, or something to do with the Rays? I never planned on not coming by the food truck every day, but I didn't think through what to do with the treats once I bought them if they're potentially dangerous. It's a good idea to have Landon's friend test whatever I buy before anyone eats it. And maybe if I do start paying attention, I can help zero in on whoever's doing this and stop them quickly before they do hurt Mila's business or someone else. I send Landon a quick text, asking if he can put me in touch with Dillon so I can plan to drop whatever I buy off at his place and make this process efficient.

I rub a hand down my face as I sit in the parking lot in my Bronco and think about how Layla thinks I come to the food truck for Mila. I laugh to myself. The way I held her when she hugged me hopefully sent a little bit of a message, along with the kiss on the cheek when I left. I did happen to see in the window of a nearby car that she looked affected by my kiss, so that's something.

My Bronco drives itself over to Mrs. Van Buren's without me thinking about it. As strange as it is, she's the closest thing I have to a mother figure, and I need some comfort. One of those motherly hugs and not just my mom's face on a FaceTime call.

"Well, this is a surprise!" Mrs. Van Buren says when she opens her door to me.

I bend over her, and she wraps her thin arms around me in just the way I needed. I hold on to her longer than usual, and while she continues to hug me, she's smart too.

"Lincoln?" she asks.

I sigh and let her go, taking her arm to go with her back to her little living room. "Just needed that today."

She pats my arm. "Come tell me about it."

I lead her to her chair, and she sits down and then points to the couch. I explain about the cookies and the policeman and how they think someone is using me to get to Mila or using Mila to get to me. And then I can't stop talking, and I tell her how strongly I feel about Layla but I can't tell her.

Mrs. Van Buren's expression turns sad when I spill that, and I snap my mouth shut. My relationship with her will always be complicated, but sometimes it's so easy to talk to her that I forget exactly who she is.

She reaches for my hand over the side of her chair and the arm of the couch, where I'm sitting. "I know a thing or two about not being able to tell someone how you feel about them," she says softly. "I know how that can eat you up inside."

I think about how often she had to be around Grandpa and not say anything, maybe pretend like what they were doing was just for fun, and the anger at him flares again. How could he do this to Mrs. Van Buren, string her along all those years when he never intended to leave Grandma? Mrs. Van Buren has told me he never promised he'd leave and that she never asked him to. They had families that needed them. As far as I know, Grandma never knew about them, but what if she did? What if all Grandpa accomplished was making two women half miserable?

That's not what I came here to hash out tonight. So often Mrs. Van Buren and I change the subject if we skirt too close. So that's what I do now.

"I can't tell her. She's made it clear she doesn't want to date, that we're just friends. I don't want to ignore that."

Mrs. Van Buren holds my hand tighter. "Would you rather lose her because you can't say what you feel?" Her eyes are shining, and I'm so wound up from the day and from my thoughts about Grandpa that I rise to what she's said.

"Is that what you wish?" I ask. I at least make an effort to soften my tone rather than snap at her the way I wish I could confront Grandpa. "That you should have told him something different than you did?"

"Sometimes, yes, I do. But I loved Jim too. I've spent a lot of years knowing that carrying on with your grandpa was very wrong and knowing that I shouldn't have done it, but wishing for more time all the same." She shrugs. "I know enough to say that you'll regret not telling that girl how you feel. You'll regret losing her if you don't. I see that in your eyes, all the things you're not saying."

I scowl. "I tell you everything, Mrs. Van Buren."

She scoffs at me. "Can we stop with that? I know what I am to you, but do you really need to call me that stiff name, like I was your old schoolteacher?"

A laugh bursts from me. This is the reason we work, despite the circumstances. She can tell me anything too, and in that sweet grandma way that still has a little bit of bite to it. "No, I guess not."

"It's time you called me Dottie." She's still holding my hand, and she gives it a squeeze. "You love her, Lincoln. It's in your expression every time you talk about her. And you love her daughter too. Convince her of that, and she'll be ready to date you in a blink." She snaps the fingers of her other hand.

"It's just that easy?" I ask with a raise of my eyebrow.

"It's as easy as you make it." She raises both her eyebrows at me.

Dottie Van Buren knows me well, and that's a comfort and a discomfort all at the same time.

Lincoln:It turns out Shern, one of the guys at Eli's on Monday, broke up with his girlfriend a couple weeks ago and he thinks Astrid is cute. You up for another setup?

Layla:*clapping emojis* You know who America's real hero is?

Layla:It's you, Lincoln Knight. It's you. Hands down. I'll talk to her about it in the morning.

Lincoln:When do you start filming the new show?

Layla:Not for a few weeks. My agent says they're still casting a couple roles.

Lincoln:You excited?

Layla:Of course. But also crazy nervous. It feels like it's been so long. I think Margot might be tired of learning my lines. And also she's not great at helping with my cues.

Lincoln:*laughing-crying emoji* I'd be happy to read lines for you anytime. Just say the word.

Layla:That would be awesome. Ty!

Lincoln:I was thinking about our celebration for you getting the part. Since Margot is coming along, I thought maybe I could have dinner delivered here from wherever you want and we could watch some of those old sitcoms together to get you ready.

Lincoln:I figured you might not want to put Margot in front of cameras by going out somewhere. But it's up to you!

Layla:…

Layla:…

Layla:*sobbing emoji* Lincoln, that's so thoughtful. I loved our night on the town and even liked people talking about us, but you're right that I don't want people speculating stuff about my daughter. Thank you. *heart emoji*

Lincoln:You're welcome.