Free Her Unlikely Family by Missy Tippens Page A

for show.” He raised his brows at her in the rearview mirror.
    She mumbled, “Yeah, well…”
    With a smirk lifting one side of his mouth, he glanced at Josie, then said to Lisa, “Hey, you look good in black. It sets off the green nicely.”
    Lisa huffed. “Like you really believe that.”
    â€œI have to admit I think your natural color is more attractive. But you are sixteen and old enough to choose your own hairstyle.”
    Way to go, Mike. You’re catching on.
    â€œHey, look! There’s Regina, walking by the road. Slow down, Mike.”
    â€œWho’s Regina?” Lisa asked.
    â€œThe girl I told you about. She lived with me for a while.”
    Mike pulled alongside Regina.
    Josie rolled down her window. “How about a ride?”
    Winded, Regina said, “That would be great. I’m late to work.”
    Regina climbed in the back beside Lisa, and Josie made the introductions. “Mike, let’s drop Regina at the diner. She works with Bud on Sundays after church.”
    â€œI didn’t see you at church,” Lisa said.
    â€œI worked in the nursery today.”
    â€œOh.” Lisa was silent, and Josie noticed she kept secretly checking out Regina.
    â€œI work at the diner, too,” Lisa added.
    â€œI know. Bud talks about you and Josie all the time.”
    â€œGood things, I hope.” Josie laughed, then turned around to point Mike in the right direction.
    â€œYes. He brags on both of you—as much bragging as Bud would do, anyway.”
    â€œAren’t you going to college somewhere nearby?” Mike asked.
    â€œYes, sir. I’m studying to be a social worker.”
    â€œGood for you. You’ll do well, I’m sure.” He pulled up in front of the diner. “Here you go.”
    â€œDid you ever go home to your parents?” Lisa blurted as Regina was getting out.
    â€œJust to visit. I decided to stay here, to live on my own once I turned eighteen. But I talk to my parents. Everything is cool between us now.”
    Lisa’s gaze darted to her uncle. “That’s good.”
    â€œThanks for the ride.” Regina hurried to the door of the diner, then waved.
    â€œShe’s nice,” Lisa said. “How long did she live with you, Josie?”
    â€œAbout eight months. Then she moved out, got a roommate and applied for college.”
    â€œThat sounds great.”
    Mike didn’t look too happy about that type of plan. She smiled at him, hoping to encourage him, then turned to the backseat. “So, Lisa, what are we going to do today after your lunch date?”
    â€œ We aren’t doing anything.”
    â€œBut we need to show Mike around town. Let’s do something fun after you get home.”
    Lisa rolled her eyes, a gesture Josie would forever associate with Lisa.
    â€œI promise you’ll enjoy yourself.”
    â€œI’m at the mercy of you ladies,” Mike said. “Why don’t you call when you’re free this afternoon. I’ll come get you, and we’ll do whatever you say.”
    â€œBut Brian and I—”
    â€œInvite him along,” Mike added. “I should get to know him if you’re going to be socializing with him.”
    Lisa made a face and mouthed, “Socializing?”
    Thankful that Lisa hadn’t voiced her criticism and seemed to be learning, too, Josie winked at her. “We’ll loosen Mike up this afternoon. Whataya say?”
    â€œNo. And Brian’s supposed to pick me up at twelve-thirty, so take me home so I can change.”
    Mike slammed on the brakes. “Excuse me?”
    Luckily no one rear-ended them.
    â€œTake me home…please,” Lisa uttered as if it were painful to be polite.
    He started the car in motion once again and took her to Josie’s house as she’d requested. But he didn’t appear happy about it. Josie imagined it took all his hard-fought control not to chew her ear off the