I’m not sure about that. Groups of women tend to avoid me.
Once in my room, I unpack, then sit quietly on the bed. I pull out my phone, hesitantly turning it on. As soon as it connects, I get a handful of texts from Chelsea, a text from an unknown number that I assume is Arianna, but nothing else. But before I can respond to Chelsea, she calls me.
“Hey.”
“Why are you in Eternity Springs?” she demands.
“How did you — I know you track my location, but I literally just turned on my phone.”
“There’s a setting where I can ask for a notification once you’ve moved. I figured you had your phone turned off, but didn’t know why. Your zoo of animals is fine, by the way.”
“Oh. Well, that’s at least good.”
“Now explain why you’re running.”
“Running is a harsh word, Chelsea.”
“Not in this instance. What did he do? I know this has to involve Jamie.”
I sigh, try to control my breathing, and then blurt out the entire story to her. Chelsea is quiet for a moment, before she growls, “I will fucking kill him.”
I can’t help the loud, sputtering laugh that bursts from my lungs. “I don’t think it’sthatserious, Chels.”
“I think itisthat serious. This is the first man you’ve been interested in in I don’t know how long. He almost systematically got you to lower all your defenses. You’ve planned the entireevent, and he’s had you watching his cats. It’s all bullshit, and he deserves to pay.”
“I don’t want revenge. I want to move on with my life, and forget he ever existed.” Heated emotion simmers at the base of my throat, making my eyes water, and my nose run. I hate this. I don’t like showing emotion.
“When are you coming back?” Chelsea asks.
“I reserved a room up here for a week. I don’t intend to stay that long, I don’t think. And I certainly don’t expect you to keep Flash that entire time.”
“Oh, shut it. You know it’s fine. Flash loves me more than you anyway. Are we closing the clinic, or should I call that weird guy?” The weird guy, otherwise known as Doctor Noah Pratt, is a travel veterinarian. He roams around the Front Range of Colorado, filling in where needed. His personality is well past quirky, but he’s efficient, inexpensive, and almost always available on short notice.
“Call Doctor Pratt, but also go through the appointments this week and reschedule any you think will be upset if they don’t see me. And can you watch Flash and the pigs? I’ll probably come home earlier than a week. I just needed to get away from Denver, and away from … Jamie.” My voice cracks on his name, like even acknowledging his existence hurts my heart.
“Got it. Do me a favor and let me know if you’re coming home early. That way I can be ready,” Chelsea says, her demeanor odd.
“Why?”
“No reason. Uh oh, the pigs are squealing. I guess it’s veggie time. Gotta go! Text me later. Or call me. Whatever. I’ll be here!” Chelsea ends the call, and I’m left wondering what trouble she’ll get into without me there to reel her in.
Unknown
You motherfucking piece of shit. I should have known better than to trust a lowlife football player like you. I’m going to make your life miserable.
What the hell?
“You okay?” Troy asks as we’re taxiing down the runway at Denver’s Centennial Airport.
“I got a pretty threatening text from an unknown number,” I murmur, showing Troy my phone.
“Woah. You want me to track the person down?” he asks.
Another text comes through.
Unknown
She TRUSTED YOU. You got her to break down her walls, and then you took advantage. You. Will. PAY.
