“Let’s head in and see what’s going on,” I said, grabbing the food containers while Bella let Jack out.
Jack ran up to the porch and waited for us to get there. I unlocked the door and swung it open. I had already given my code to Bella and told her she could come by anytime she wanted.
I pulled out my beeper and saw it was Kyle. “I’m going to run up to my office and call the station. You okay down here for a bit?”
Bella nodded. “I’ll put the food away, and I think I’m going to call Bree.”
That made me pause for a moment. “Why?”
Turning to look at me, she said, “I don’t have a thing to wear tonight, and Abby isn’t answering my texts. She must be busy at the tree farm, so I texted Bree. I’m going to need help picking out something to wear. She was over-the-moon excited about it. She mentioned going to Annie James. I know you and I were going to spend some time together, but…”
I stared at her for a long moment. “You texted Bree? I guess I’m just surprised by that.”
She smiled. “I know I’ve acted a bit jealous in the past about the two of you, but I truly do adore Bree, and I know you all are just friends.”
Nodding, I replied, “That’s it, Bella. Nothing more.”
“I know, Hunter. You don’t mind, do you?”
With a shake of my head, I said, “I don’t mind. It looks like I might have to run up to the station anyway.”
A brilliant smile appeared on Bella’s face, and I could tell the idea of going shopping was exciting her. “I honestly don’t even remember the last time I went shopping for an outfit!”
I laughed. “I’m glad you’re excited, sweetheart. Did you want to take my truck?”
Her phone beeped, and she looked at it and laughed. “Good Lord. She’s on her way here.” Her eyes lifted and met mine. “I might have just made the biggest mistake of my life.”
My own eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
Bella sighed. “Bree is probably going to keep me at Annie’s for a bit.”
I walked back over to her. “Go do some shopping, then I can either come pick you up, or meet you at your place.”
She smiled.
As long as Bella didn’t have an issue hanging out with Brighton, I wasn’t going to have an issue with it either. “Go and have fun, sweetheart. Just let me know about picking you up.”
She reached up onto her toes and wrapped her arms around my neck. “I will.” She kissed me, then said, “You better go make that call.”
“Right.” I kissed her on the forehead and then made my way up the steps two at a time. I shut the door to my office and called Kyle.
“Hey, I thought it was best if I paged you like it was from the department,” Kyle said.
“Smart thinking. Did you find anything out?”
“Yeah. I only read the letters from senior year, since that’s when it happened. I found one where she tells you about the study group. She mentioned a girl named Sarah. And I was talking to Aiden. I had to be sneaky…but I got the name of the girl who found Arabella.”
I fist pumped the air. “What’s her name?”
“Lori Dexter.”
I glanced at the door. “I can’t talk now, but Bella’s going shopping with Brighton to find an outfit for tonight.”
“Wow. I don’t know what’s more shocking. Bella going out, or Bella going shopping with Brighton. Isn’t that kind of weird? Your girlfriend hanging out with your ex-lover?”
I brought my hand to the back of my neck. “Kind of, but if she’s not bothered by it, then I guess I’m not either.”
“Until they start comparing notes on your dick.”
I rolled my eyes. “Shut the fuck up, Larson. I’ll call you when I’m on my way. Meet me at the station.”
“Sounds good.”
After I hung up, I headed back downstairs to find Brighton standing in my living room. Okay, it was a bit weird to see the two of them together. I cleared my throat and they both turned to look at me.
Brighton beamed with happiness. “I’m stealing her for a few hours. We’re going to swing by her place, pack a bag, then go shopping. You can pick her up later at Greer’s house.”
My brows rose. “Come again?”
Bella’s cheeks flushed.
Brighton crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ve got a lot of work to do since this is Arabella’s first night out in nearly ten years. You’ll be okay for a few hours on your own.” She winked. “Do whatever it is guys do, just don’t wank off. Save that for Arabella later.”
“Oh my God! Brighton!” Arabella gasped as I shook my head. Good God, something was wrong with Bree.
“What? You said you planned on—”
Bella slapped her hand over Brighton’s mouth and looked at me with a horrified expression. “We’re leaving now.”