Read Online Something Old, Something New by Beverly Jenkins - Free Book Online Page B

removed her gloves and the rest of her safety attire, her lip was on the ground.
    Reggie and Trent shared a grin, and Reg said, “Trent, can I talk to you outside for a minute.”
    â€œSure. Hold on. Amari, would you get the Lava soap and help Zoey clean that grease off her hands and face?”
    â€œSure, Dad.”
    When Devon began to remove his apron, Trent asked, “What are you doing?”
    â€œI’m going with Zoey.”
    â€œNope. You get to hang with me and Amari until Lily comes home, remember? Take a break. I’ll be right back.”
    Devon pouted, but Trent ignored him and stepped outside to have the talk with Reg.
    Once they were there, Reg told him about the call he’d received from Lily.
    Trent was amazed. “They actually found somebody who knew Zoey and her mom? That’s great news.”
    â€œSure is. The woman is a priest, and according to her, Zoey wasn’t mute when she knew her.”
    â€œDo you think Zoey will remember her?”
    He shrugged. “We’ll have to wait and see, but Bernadine, being Bernadine, has hired the priest and is going to build her a church. At least we now know that Zoey did talk once upon a time.”
    Trent was very pleased with the news.
    â€œI kind of like the idea of us getting a church and a real pastor.”
    â€œSo do I.” Trent had never been a very religious man, but he was convinced that a church would add another rock to the foundation they were trying to rebuild in Henry Adams.
    Reg asked, “Think Devon’s going to be upset?”
    â€œWe’ll have to wait and see on that, too. Did Lily say whether they were on the way back or not?”
    â€œNo. But I can take Devon home with us now if you want.”
    â€œThat’s okay. He and I need to work on being dad and son, so he’s going to hang with me and Amari.”
    â€œGood idea. I know how close he and Zo are, but they both need to widen their horizons.”
    â€œLike this interest she seems to have in cars. Who’d’ve ever thought.”
    â€œCertainly not me. Looks like we might have a car-fixing musical genius on our hands.”
    â€œCould be, but I’m serious about her helping out here if she wants. She’s been beaming the entire time. Good little worker, too.”
    â€œYou sure she won’t be in the way?”
    â€œPositive.”
    â€œOkay. Let’s see if she asks to come back. Devon’s going to have a fit if she starts spending her time here.”
    â€œHe’s going to be here, too. So it works out.”
    Reg chuckled. “Okay.”
    They went back inside, and there stood Zoey alongside Amari, both with their heads under the raised hood of the Thunderbird. She was standing on her toes to give herself the height she needed to see.
    Amari was saying. “Now this is the carburetor. That’s the fuel pump. That’s the battery.”
    Devon was seated on the leather couch, shooting daggers their way. He looked so mad, Trent had to swallow a laugh.
    Reg walked over to where the two kids were, and said gently, “Hey, Zo. Time to head home.”
    She looked so disappointed, and signed, Can I come back tomorrow?
    Her dad nodded. “Sure can.”
    She turned to Trent and signed, Thank you, Mr. Trent.
    Trent knew the basics, so he signed back, You’re welcome.
    She waggled a good-bye to Devon, but he turned away. Zoey looked so crushed, Trent wanted to smack the little deacon upside the head. Instead he said, “Devon, I’m going to assume you didn’t see Zoey sign good-bye, so here’s your second chance.”
    The serious set of Trent’s face apparently got Devon’s attention because he turned to his supposed BFF and grumbled, “Bye.”
    Trent thought that was a pretty pitiful second try, but he let it go, for now.
    Reg and Zoey departed, and before Trent could say a word to Devon about his behavior, Amari walked over to Devon and