Sharp threw back his head, laughter spilling out. “No, there isn’t another dog like Frog. Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”
There was nothing for Thario to do other than close his eyes and think about the day's events. Thoughts of Calla invaded after only a few minutes. She was beautiful, even if she looked a little ragged. He could see the beauty beneath the pain.
He wanted to spend more time with her. It wasn’t good timing, and she was Brent’s sister. She might have been shocked at everything that happened, but when push came to shove, would she side with her brother or would she take Thario’s side?
Chapter 13
Totally overwhelmed,Calla followed Lucy, unsure exactly what she was supposed to do. The woman said she was taking her to a shelter. There was no way she would be able to sleep with other people in the same room as her. Hopefully, it wasn't that type of shelter.
"It's just temporary. In a few days, a room at one of the places around town might open up. I know this is a lot to take in, but you'll be okay."
They exited the hospital, and she paused as the bright light made her head hurt. She reached back and held onto the building as she tried to get her bearings.
“You coming?” Lucy asked.
“Um, sure. Just need a moment.”
“Sure. Sure. Take your time.” Lucy checked her watch, making Calla feel like the woman really didn’t want her to take her time.
She took an unsure step, trying to keep her balance as her head spun. The dizziness wasn’t out of control, but she felt off.
Based on how many times Lucy checked her watch and the way she frowned, Calla knew she was taking too long. But she had been through so much, and she wasn’t feeling great.
“Hey, Calla,” a man called out, and she turned a little too fast and almost fell down.
Sharp raced over to help steady her. “Hey, you okay?”
“Um, sure. I’m headed to a shelter with Lucy.”
“Oh. What kind of shelter?”
“It’s a good place for her. She’ll be fine. There will be plenty of other people there to connect with. You’ll be able to make friends. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a roommate.”
Sharp's eyes narrowed. "Is the shelter women only?"
Lucy shook her head. "Not really. There are men who stay at the shelter, but they are in another room."
“Calla, we have resources and a place for you to stay.”
Lucy frowned. “We’re social services. We’re set up for this.”
Sharp nodded. “I’m sure you’d be fine with social services, but if you would like a room to yourself and time to find a good place to go, we can help you.”
Lucy grabbed her arm. “Calla, I think it would be better if you just came with me. We have services that can help.”
She didn’t feel comfortable going with Lucy. Thario and his friends had rescued her and then kept her safe. She didn’t want to be in a shelter with loads of other people she didn’t know.
“Thank you, Lucy, for being so nice to me. But I think it would be better if I went with Sharp. I know he and his friends will help me.”
Lucy shook her head. “I think this is a bad idea.”
Calla couldn’t go with this woman. She couldn’t sleep in the same room with other people. “I would rather not be in a shelter.”
"Are you sure? I mean, the shelter I'm taking you to will fill up fast, and there won't be any more spots. You'd be on your own if things fell through."
She shook her head. She got the feeling the shelter wasn't a women's shelter, but a homeless shelter. And while technically she was homeless, she didn't think she could endure staying at a huge shelter after everything that had happened to her. "Thank you for your help. Hopefully, the spot will be used by someone who really needs it."
Lucy frowned and looked like she wanted to cause trouble. “I don’t think you should go with them.”
