“What?”
“You’ve looked over your shoulder twice already.”
“Just enjoying the scenery.”
“Right.”
Lani didn’t say anything further. Her body still tingled, and she felt on edge. Noah had made love to her again and it was as sensational as the first time. It should not have happened, but there had been no way she could stop herself from wanting it. He’d said they could have a no strings attached, mutually beneficial sexual relationship. Lani knew different. Too much exposure to him could put her heart in danger, and no way was she having that happen.
And that’s why you need to leave.
“Shall we go straight there?”
“Where?”
“The baby party. Branna said you were invited. I can drive so you won’t get lost.”
“I’m not going.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have a gift.”
“No worries, I’ll add your name to mine.”
“I really don’t want to intrude, and it’s not like I’m a friend or anything.”
“Branna wouldn’t have invited you if she didn’t like you.”
“What is with you people?”
Hope smiled as Lani looked at her. She wore a black T-shirt with some kind of heavy metal band on the front and a flowery short skirt. Her feet were laced into black leather boots.
“You’re all so nice and friendly. It’s like you need everyone to be happy and part of all the things happening in town.” Frustration and several other things she couldn’t name had those words coming out of Lani’s mouth.
“Oh, there has been plenty of ugly in this town, believe me. You’ve met my mother, right?”
“Should you speak about her that way?”
“I love her, don’t get me wrong, but she can be pretty mean when she sets her mind to it. I’m driving slower than a snail because there is always a fear she’s lurking in the bushes writing down the plate numbers of speeding cars.”
“She seemed nice when I met her,” Lani felt a need to say.
“No, she didn’t.” Hope laughed. “She’s meaner than a snake. But my point is, don’t be fooled. Some of the people in this town have been through hell, but they just want you to enjoy your time here. It’s really that simple.”
And didn’t that make her feel bad. Everyone had been nice to her, and all she could think waswhy?She’d spent the last few years looking for the bad; maybe she should try a bit harder to appreciate the good in people.
“So, you coming?”
“I don’t think I can just appear at the baby shower; it wouldn’t be right. I mean, it’s not like a dance party or something.”
“They’re a bit thin on the ground in Lake Howling, so we have baby showers instead.”
“My point is, I can’t just arrive at such an intimate event.”
“Sure you can. Branna invited you, and you’re coming with me, so that’s two people who will want you there.”
“That’s another thing. You’re all relentless when you want something.”
