I stop in the kitchen where Evie’s finishing up the last of the dishes.
She takes the wine glass from my hand, rinses it, and sets it in the sink. “You heading out?”
“Yeah. It’s getting late.”
“Thanks for coming.” She dries her hands on a dish towel and pulls me in for a hug. “If you need anything, we’re just a phone call away, alright?”
“Thanks, Evie. Dinner was lovely.”
She laughs softly. “It’s always a full production with us,but we wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re welcome here any time.”
She gives my hands one last squeeze, and I have to swallow down the emotions welling up inside me. Evelyn is everything I wished my mother were: loving and kind. She radiates warmth and light, when all I ever knew was darkness. She’s the type of mother I want to be someday, if I’m ever lucky enough to have children of my own.
I often wished I could grow up in a home like this—not the size or scope or the impeccable decor, but the loving family. My life would’ve been so different.
I find Jaxon in the entry, slipping on his boots.
He holds out his hand. “Ready to go?”
My mind replays the feel of his palm engulfing mine at the dinner table. He comforted me before I had a moment to dwell on my sadness. He’s offering the same comfort now, and he can’t know how much I need it.
I slide my hand into his and let his warmth radiate through me.
“Let’s go home,” he murmurs.
Chapter 13
Yours, Actually
? Take Me Away - Morgan Wade
Fifteen years ago
Callie
I clingto a pillow as Clio frantically stuffs more clothes into her backpack.
“Where are you going?” I ask.
She ruffles my hair like she always does. I flinch, remembering how much it hurts when Rodney pulls on it.
“I have to find us a new home. I'll come back for you. I promise.”
There’s something she’s not saying. I can feel it.
Tears line my eyes as she takes her favorite teddy bear and the only family photo with our real dad. I don’t have very many memories of him, but Clio says he was a good man.
She reaches for something on her nightstand. I grab her hand before she can get there. “You said we’d stay together forever.”
“I know, but I have to go for a little while. You can be brave forme, can’t you, Copycat?”
I shake my head and bury my face in my blanket. "I c-can't."
She kneels beside the bed and holds my face in her hands. Hot, wet tears stream down my cheeks. “You can. You're the strongest girl I know. Stronger than even me.”
Clio is my best friend—my protector. Without her, I don’t know what will happen. It won’t be good. Rodney doesn’t like me. He doesn’t like anyone. And Mom… she doesn’t care anymore. Maybe she never did.
A tear falls down her cheek. She swipes it away, zips her hoodie, and slings her backpack over her shoulder. “Stay here, ok? Don't make a sound. If you hear anything, hide. Get in the closet and do not come out. Got it?”
