Rachel clutched at Mrs. Henderson's cardigan, her entire body shaking with the force of her sobs. Everything she'd been holding in for the past year came pouring out in waves she couldn't control.
"I'm so scared," she gasped between sobs. "I keep ruining everything and I don't know how to stop—"
"Shh, shh." Mrs. Henderson's hand stroked her hair. "You were hurt."
"It's not okay." Rachel's voice was muffled against Mrs. Henderson's shoulder. "Mac deserves better than this."
"Stop." Mrs. Henderson pulled back just enough to look Rachel in the face, her hands firm on Rachel's shoulders.
"I love him," Rachel whispered against Mrs. Henderson's shoulder, her voice wrecked. "I love him so much and I'm going to lose him."
Her voice broke completely, and Mrs. Henderson pulled her close again.
"I ran away from the dress fitting," she admitted. "Sophie and Ellie were trying to help and I panicked."
"Then you apologize and try again." Mrs. Henderson handed her a tissue.
Rachel nodded, even though she wasn't sure she believed it. But Mrs. Henderson held her and Rachel let herself be held. Let herself be weak. Let herself cry until there were no more tears left.
Because running away from the truth didn't make it disappear. It only meant she'd have less control over when and how it came out.
Her phone vibrated and she pulled it out.
Sophie:You're coming to my apartment tonight. 7 PM. Good vibes only. We are your friends. Don’t ever forget that.
Rachel stared at the text. It wasn't a request.
Rachel:Okay.
Sophie:Good. Ellie will be there too. No ambush, just talking.
24
Rachel
Sophie's apartment was small but impeccably styled, modern furniture with clean lines, plants in every corner. When Rachel arrived, both Sophie and Ellie were waiting, wine already poured, expressions serious.
No pizza. No pretense that this was a casual girls' night. There was wine though, and Rachel accepted the glass Ellie handed her.
"Sit," Sophie said, and Rachel did.
"Rachel," Ellie started, her voice careful. "What happened at the boutique, running out like that, we're worried about you."
"I'm fine."
"You're not fine." Sophie wasn't budging. "You ran out rather than talk about Matthews."
Rachel's hands tightened around her wine glass.
"Is Derek Matthews really not dangerous?" Ellie asked directly. "Because he's coming to Vermont. He's targeting our team, attacking me professionally, and if there's something we need to know, we want to understand what we're dealing with."
"I can handle him."
"That's not what I asked." Ellie leaned forward.
Her throat close up. "It's complicated."
"Then help us understand." Ellie's expression was concerned, not angry. "Because right now, Mac is worried about you and doesn't know why. And that's hurting him too."
