After pizza with Banner, I went back to my hotel to try and figure out if I’d dreamed the whole thing or if it really happened. I’d have assumed Banner was far more likely to run me over than feed me, but then he cleaned me up and was polite, even. It’s put me on the back foot because an angry Banner, I know how to deal with. A polite Banner, not so much.
I spent the rest of the day lying in bed, telling myself I was giving my body a chance to heal. In actual fact, I was shoring up my defenses. I thought exhaustion would win out in the end, but I tossed and turned all night, every noise waking me up as the very worst-case scenario wove its way through my mind. By the time the sun rose, my eyes were gritty and my brain full of fog.
As much as I wanted to stay hidden away today too, it wasn’t an option. The house isn’t going to fix itself. And the longer I take to get it done, the longer I’ll be stuck here in Tempest.
I dress in a thin, long-sleeved T-shirt, not wanting to get too warm but also wanting to cover up the bruises on my arms and the state of my wrists now that I’ve removed the bandages.I team it with some denim cut-offs and a faded baseball cap, pulling my ponytail through the loop at the back.
I look around the room and, with a sigh, collect everything and carry it out to the van. I’m booked to the end of the week and have checked the box for no housekeeping to keep people out of my room. But by now, news of me being here will be swirling. I don’t trust that some overzealous asshole won’t break in and trash my stuff just for the hell of it.
I put my glasses on when I get in the van and pull into the nearest drive-thru, ordering an iced latte and a breakfast sandwich. I eat one-handed as I maneuver the van down the narrow side street. Once I see my mom’s place in front of me, I wish I could keep driving, though the dead-end ruins that idea for me.
Not recognizing the car parked in the drive, I brace myself for what’s to come and hop out with my coffee in my hand.
“Hi. Sorrow, right? I’m Olivia. Wade’s wife.” The gorgeous woman getting out of the car offers me her hand with a smile.
Happier knowing who she is, but still wary, I nod and shake her hand with my free one.
“I saw what was happening yesterday and called Wade. I came over to give the rookie a piece of my mind when I saw him shove you into the back of the squad car, but he ignored me. As much as I wanted to punch the dick in the face, it looks bad when a lawyer does shit like that.”
I chuckle, imagining it does.
I ease my phone out of my pocket and use my thumb to type while I finish my drink.Is there something you need?
I turn the cell phone for her to see.
“Ah, well. First off, I wanted to come and see if you were okay. Wade said you got a little banged up. And let me tell you, that pissed my husband right off. As it should.”
I’m okay.A little banged up and bruised,but I’ll live.
I show her the screen and wait for her to finish reading.
“I’m glad. Okay, the second thing I wanted to talk to you about is regarding your legal representation. Wade said you called your lawyer, but I get the impression they’re not local. I was wondering if you’d be happy with me acting as an intermediary for you, pro bono, of course. My case load is pretty light right now. So it’s no problem, before you argue.”
I shake my head and decide to go with honesty instead.I’m not sure being around me is smart or safe. Eventually,I’ll get to leave, but you still have to live here. And as I’ve found out, people have long memories.
She frowns when I show her the words. “I appreciate what you’re saying,but I have a daughter to think about.”
I go to type that that’s exactly what I’m talking about, but she stops me.
“No, you misunderstood. I’m trying to teach my daughter right from wrong, and I won’t stand by when something bad happens just because it makes my life easier. That’s not who I am, and it’s not who I want Mia to be. I love Tempest. I grew up here, got married here, and had a baby here. But I will leave this place faster than you can blink if I need to. I’m not dumb. My daughter could be you one day, and it makes me sick how quickly people turned on you.”
I don’t know what to say to that. She’s not the first person to question what happened, but it never makes it easier because where the hell was everyone with these questions when I needed them?
“Look, I get you have no reason to trust me, and you probably feel you should keep to yourself. But for my own peace of mind, I’d like to have representation beside you if you get called in for any kind of questioning again.”
I look at her and can’t see any signs of deception. For the longest time, I didn’t trust my instincts because I got it so wrongwith Alec. I blamed myself for my poor choices, but then prison happened, and I had nothing but my instincts to rely on. It was a brutally effective way of learning. But afterward,I realized there was never anything wrong with my instincts. I just hadn’t known how to recognize the signs of narcissistic behavior because it was the norm to me. I guess that was just another way in which my mom failed me.
I blow out a shaky breath, knowing she’s telling the truth. More than that, this is something she wants to do, something she really believes in. And fuck me, but I like the thought of having her in my corner.
I indicate for her to come in, and her whole face lights up with a big smile. Before I can move, though, a voice chimes from behind us.
“Hey, Sorrow. Hey, Olivia.”
I turn and offer Katy a smile that quickly drops from my face when I get a look at her expression. I storm forward and tug her into my arms. I don’t care if she’s seventeen now—it’s hard to separate this beautiful woman from the little girl I adored.
I pull back and type into my cell.What’s wrong?
She sighs. “Just the usual family drama. What are you guys up to?” She eyes me when she says that, her gaze moving over my face. She knows what went down yesterday. It’s probably why she’s here—to check up on me.
