Into the Future: A Callahan Novel Read Online Free

this conversation on the school parking lot?”
    Tristan grinned at her.  “No, I was thinking we could continue this conversation over breakfast.”
    Okay, she could eat. “You got a deal.”
    “Great, meet you at my place.”  Tristan kissed her quickly on the lips and left before she could utter a sound.

FOUR
     
    Lizzy watched Tristan’s black BMW motored away and wondered what had just happened.  True, she could have said no.  He wouldn’t have heard her, but she could have said it.  She shook her head as she unlocked her SUV door and hopped inside.  Her cell phone rang as she started the engine.
    “Hello Izzy,” Lizzy said, recognizing her sister’s cell number. 
    “Actually, this is Cam.  Izzy is in the shower. How did your meeting go?  Did they have egg on their faces?”
    Lizzy laughed as she headed home.  “Yes, they did.  They treated me like a criminal.  Thank goodness, I started keeping all of Paul’s text messages. That saved a lot of time.”
    “I believed Tristan suggested that.”
    “Yes, he did.  He was there with me today.”
    “And?”
    “After I go home and change clothes, I’m going to his house for breakfast and a conversation.”
    Cam laughed.  “Good.  I love it when a plan finally comes together.  He knows a good thing when he sees her.”
    Lizzy shook her head at her brother-in-law’s words.  “Cam, I know he’s your best friend, but I don’t want you getting your hopes up.  He apologized for breaking up with me, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
    “You also don’t know Tristan like I do.”  He ended the call.
    Izzy laughed, but continued on her way.  True, she didn’t know Tristan like Cam did, or Brad for that matter.  Those three had been friends since before time again and nothing would break that bond.
    Once home, she showered and changed into something comfortable.  Since it was nearing the summer, Lizzy thought she’d dress for the occasion.  She dressed in a sleeveless blouse and her favorite denim short skirt, and sandals. The phone rang just as she was heading out the door. She muttered a curse as she recognized the caller.
    “Hello, Paul.”  She secured her door locks and walked to her SUV.
    “Baby, what the hell,” he said.  “So now I can’t pick up my own kids at school?”
    “I’m not your baby,” she said.  Yes, that’s correct.”  She slid on the driver’s seat, but electing not to start to car.  She knew this was going to take a minute.  Paul hated not being in control.
    “That’s not fair!”
    “No, what’s not fair is you claiming that I’ve been neglecting my kids in lieu of my job. Or me having to defend my actions when you start tossing accusations around.  Do you know where I’ve been this morning?”
    “When the messenger dropped off this little announcement, I called your job and they said you were out today.”
    “I had a meeting with the principal and a social worker.”  Lizzy wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of hearing her lose it. 
    “Why?”  He actually tried to sound surprised. 
    “Because of you.  You filed a complaint and Child Services had to investigate.  And now, going forward, Mom’s house is now your point of pick up.”  She smiled in satisfaction. 
    “Just because I missed a few pick up dates?  I’m going to contest this, Lizzy.  You have no proof that I arranged those times.”
    “You can contest all you want.  I’ve filed a motion with the court and it has been approved.  You’re little trick backfired.  I do have proof of our conversations.”
    “When did you start keeping text messages?  You instantly delete on general principle.”
    She instantly thought of Tristan.  “I do a lot of things I didn’t used to do.”
    “Oh, I get it.  It’s that white guy isn’t it?”
    “No, this is about me.  If you want to pick up the kids, you need to work that out with Mom.  Good day.”  She ended the call.  She waited a beat before starting