“He shouldn’t. And he’s in jail. But old fear is hard to shake…especially when I have Chett to protect.”
Bonnie nodded. She’d come across lots of women like Sarah. Mothers fleeing domestic violence. Women who were doing everything they could to protect themselves and their children.
“You’re safe here,” Bonnie pushed gently. “No one gets in without the code.”
Sarah nodded quickly.
“I’m here every day if you need someone to talk to. Right now, in fact, I’m going to pick up some pies from The Tea House. Would you like to come? Chett could join us too.”
Sarah shook her head. “But thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Offer’s open to talk anytime.”
“Thank you.”
Bonnie stepped onto the street, her heart hurting for the women in the shelter. God, she hated that so many of them were in such awful situations.
Her phone suddenly rang and she pulled it from her pocket to see Noah’s name on the screen. A genuine smile curved her lips. “Hey.”
“I can’t believe you’ve done this.”
She frowned as she crossed the street. “Done what?”
“You tease me with the fact that my little sister is in town but then don’t give me your address or organize a time to meet up.”
She wrinkled her nose. It was true. “I’m sorry. I only just moved into my apartment, and my new job’s been busy.”
It wasn’t a lie. Shelley had high expectations and kept throwing extra tasks her way that weren’t even in her job description.
“What about tomorrow?”
Her heart stuttered. “Um, tomorrow I might be working late. But I have Wednesday morning off, if you want to meet for a coffee at The Tea House?”
Meeting in a public place felt safer. Less chance of blubbering like a baby.
“Wednesday morning works for me,” he said.
“You don’t have to work?”
“I can get it off.”
“Noah—”
“I can get it off, Bonnie. This is important. I need to see you.”
She swallowed. She was nervous, but she also really wanted to see him too. “Okay. Wednesday.”
“How’s ten?”
“Ten’s great. I’ll see you then?”
“I’ll see you then. And Bonnie…I hope you’re ready for the biggest damn hug you’ve ever had.”
Emotion clogged her throat. “I am.”
When she hung up, there were tears in her eyes. She was finally going to see her big brother. A big brother she’d deserted thirteen years ago, who didn’t seem to hate her for it. Something she was unbelievably grateful for.
She was just pushing her cell into her pocket when two people rounded a corner down the street.
