Oh, my gosh. They’re like teenagers. I know them both well. They know he took me shopping. They won’t give up until they trap me into admitting it.
“Okay.” My shoulders drop. “I do like him, but I shouldn’t.”
“Why?” Lauren narrows her eyes.
“He’s older, and I haven’t dated since I left,” I admit. I was too afraid to try after what happened to me.
“Well, as far as the dating thing goes, I didn’t realize that when we were in LA, but trust me, you’ll figure it out quick.” Lily pats my thigh.
“And I don’t think it’s a problem that Worley is older than you. One set of our grandparents were thirteen years apart, and they were married for fifty years,” Lauren reminds me.
That’s true. Our grandparents were a really sweet and loving couple.
“Worley’s in his early fifties, but I swear, that man doesn’t look a day over forty-five.” Lily wiggles her eyebrows and looks all dreamy-eyed.
“Please, don’t let Jack hear you say that.” Lauren points at her.
“You’re right about that.” Lily laughs and takes another sip of wine. “But hey, seriously. Worley’s a good man. If you like him, go for it, girl.”
I hold my hand up. “I don’t know, but I do like him. I’ll think about it.”
I don’t know if I would make a good partner for someone. Being back here made me realize I still have emotional issues I need to work through. Yet, seeing Lily and Jack together, and Nanny and Mack still all loving after over thirty years together, I would like that, too. Would a man be willing to love me through my brokenness? Would Darin do it? I’m willing to try if he is.
Chapter 23
Nina
Skylar and her mother were escorted to a small town outside of Asheville, North Carolina, three days ago. Jack and Coty’s friends Bobby, Pip, and Taylor are members of a small MC there. Since the Viking Warriors don’t have a chapter in North Carolina, Bobby promised their club would look after our angels.
I was able to find an orthopedic, family doctor, and a psychiatrist for Skylar. With her mom and the medical teams, she has the support system she needs.
Austin Miller was arrested yesterday after trying to break down Skylar’s best friend, Bella’s, door, as he had done to Ms. Clarke’s. Skylar was isolated from her friend at the same time as her mother. Thankfully, Bella lives with her parents while she attends a local college. Her father is ex-military. Austin got a huge surprise when the ex-marine wrestled him to the ground in the front yard and held him there until the cops arrived. Everything worked out great, if you ask me.
Today’s the day my sister has been waiting for. It’s my birthday, and we’re in town shopping. I was nervous about being out on a Saturday. There are 10 times as many people movingaround Willow Creek today. I prefer Slow Day Tuesday with Darin. Yes, it’s an official thing now. My mind goes back to the jeans. I’m wearing the dark blue pair I tried on that day.
“Why are you grinning?” Lauren asks.
I give my head a little shake, clearing it more than answering her. “No reason.”
She laughs and loops her arm around mine. “You two just need to jump each other and get it over with.”
“Lauren!”
Her laughter quickly dies. “What? You don’t want to jump him?”
“No. Well, yes. No. I mean. Ugh.” She’s driving me insane. “Say it loud enough for everyone to hear you.”
I shouldn’t have said that.
Lauren takes a step back and yells, “My sister is in love…”
I clamp my hand over her mouth. She says the word love behind my hand. I glance down the sidewalk and shake my head. We aren’t in town alone today. Darin and Jay have followed us everywhere. They’re staying back enough not crowd us. It’s nice to know they’re there, and a little unsettling too.
The people around us turn their heads to stare like my sister and me are idiots as they walk past us. I still haven’t been recognized by anyone. Well, I have changed a lot since I was last here. I filled out a lot, and my hair isn’t short with blonde highlights anymore. I’m a little nervous about being noticed now, though. Lauren said the word sister before I could stop her.
“I’m sorry,” she says behind my hand.
“Oops.” I remove my hand and turn us towards Angie’s.
