“Didn’t Annabelle say everyone’s off the IV’s?” Rachel asked as she set the bowls on the table. “Can’t she have a glass?”
Kara peered at Rebecca, pleading with her huge brown eyes.
“Since we’re blowing off your school assignments, what does it matter?” Rebecca said, pouring herself some water. She felt the heat of Julio’s gaze on her as everyone sat down. Kara picked up the pitcher of water and poured herself some. She glanced toward Rebecca, waiting for her approval, yet she didn’t give it. It felt childish and petty, but after months of watching over the teen, it felt like a betrayal for her to seem thrilled at seeing Rachel and even Julio.
“I made a milder version since I didn’t know how your stomachs might handle spice. Some days I can’t make it hot enough, and others where the slightest bit gives me heartburn all night,” Delaney said, rubbing her protruding stomach.
“I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Rebecca said, reaching for the pitcher of tea, pouring some in her glass and passing it to Kara. “I’m sorry. You deserve this and more,” she whispered. “It seems I’m having a bad day.”
Rachel set the sour cream, cheese, and chopped green onions on both ends before sitting beside Matthew.
“Since you’re our first visitors at the cabins, did we forget to add anything?” Matthew asked as he filled a bowl of chili for Rachel and one for himself. Julio reached for her bowl. “Did you want spicy or non-spicy?”
“I’ll take non-spicy, please. Delaney, you outdid yourself. It smells incredible,” she complimented before addressing Matthew. “You did a great job. It has all the essentials and some very thoughtful items, such as the crocheted blankets madefor each person. The girls used theirs every night. When the counselors told them the blankets were theirs to keep, it made their day.”
Matthew smiled and grasped Rachel’s hand. Rebecca saw the love in his eyes. “Delaney taught Rachel how to crochet, and she made them. They’ve stockpiled them since the summer. Even when we sit out on the porch swing, she has her crochet hooks out,” he teased.
Surprised by Matthew’s announcement, Rebecca gazed at Rachel, who blushed and lightly brushed her arm against his sleeve, admonishing him to hush. She didn’t appear to be like the woman she remembered.
“Kara, maybe after dinner, we can raid the makeup supplies. I picked up some stuff at the store today,” Rachel said, sounding excited.
Kara placed her fork on the plate and glanced uneasily at Rebecca. “I’m helping Julio with his chores, maybe some other time,” she said, reaching for a piece of cornbread and buttering it.
The smile fizzled from Rachel’s face as she narrowed her eyes at Rebecca. She, in turn, sent the woman a smirk. This was the Rachel she remembered.
“I see,” Rachel said, wiping her mouth and rising from the table. “Excuse me,” she murmured as she left the table and fled toward the kitchen.
Matthew frowned, sending Rebecca a scowl. “Despite what you witnessed in Serenity Mountain, Rachel has changed. She still has her stellar moments, but she’s taken time to work on herself and become a better person for it. I only ask you give her a chance before you bare your claws.” He threw his napkin on the table and went to find Rachel.
Julio brushed his finger against her hand, sending a tiny jolt of electricity. If she didn’t feel like a complete shit, itmight’ve made her feel something else. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and when she gazed at Julio, she saw sympathy. She didn’t want it. Damn, she needed air. The room started to close in and her vision began to grow fuzzy as she rose unsteadily from the table. “Excuse me,” she whispered as she headed toward the front door.
“Becca,” Julio called after her, but she didn’t pause.
Wishing he’d stop using his name for her, she stepped out to the front porch, letting the cold wind blast her. Why did she feel this angry? Her soul felt as icy as the air outside. Tears threatened, but she refused to let them fall. Night after night, she listened to the muffled cries and fervent prayers of the women beside her. Reminding herself of her duties as an agent, she protected them as much as possible. Taking the brunt of the anger from Jim and the punishments. Rebecca trembled and squeezed her eyes shut, recalling them.
A warm coat covered her shoulders, leaving her completely covered. The scent of horses and leather let her know Julio followed. She didn’t want to show him her weakness. He only knew her as the smart, sassy, and strong Rebecca.
“It’s too cold to stay out here without a coat,” he murmured.
“Then you’ll need this back,” she said, shrugging the heavy covering from her. His hands stopped her.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently.
“No. I think it’s best if I walk home and you drop Kara off when she’s done with her chores,” she said glumly.
“Listen, you missed a lot over the last year. I should’ve caught you up on all the changes, but it feels like you go out of your way to avoid me. I’m trying to give you the space you need, but I’m always here.”
“Tonight wasn’t a good idea. Kara needed this, but I’m not ready. Please pass along my apologies to Delaney for all thetrouble. I’ll make it up to Rachel another time,” Rebecca said, heading for the steps.
“Wait,” he ordered. “I’ll take you home. We didn’t light the way to the cabins and it’s dark. Let me grab your coat.”
Rebecca paused, waiting for him to return. A minute later, he reappeared and escorted her to his truck.
He turned the key and drove her to the cabins. She stared into the darkness, feeling like it threatened to consume her.
“I’m sorry, Julio. I acted like an ass tonight. I can’t seem to do anything right,” she offered her excuse.
“Have you considered starting therapy? I know Claire Meyers offered to do sessions online with you.”
