“I’m here,” I manage. “Did you—did Bella find a dress?” I’m stalling. I don’t know why. It won’t change anything. But I need my friend more than anything right now. Even if I’m going to lose her before the end of this call.
The snort is so very Gladys. “That girl has tried on forty-seven dresses in the past five days, and none of them were ‘right.’ But half the stores serve you drinks! I’ve been buzzed the whole time.”
Warmth prickles over my skin. Gladys is so damn happy. Not about being buzzed—though she does love her vodka and beer—but about spending time with Bella.
“Why don’t you stay a little longer, then? Bella shouldn’t have to pick a dress on her own.” I shouldn’t be avoiding the truth. But I’m desperate.
“Well, I would, but she has a trial starting Monday. I’ll come back next month. Besides, I don’t like you being all alone for too long.”
“You have to stay, Gladys. If you go back to Blakely, you’ll be in danger.” The words tumble from my lips so quickly, my chest tightens, and I have to suck in a sharp breath. “I’m so sorry. But I lied to you. For years. If I could take it back, I would, but I’ve made a mess of everything, and I can’t fix it.”
“Baby girl, what are you talking about? Our little island is about the safest place in the world. Unless you’re talkin’ about the sushi Milt tried to stock at the General Store. Last I heard, at least six of the tourists from 4thof July weekend got food poisoning.”
This isn’t going well.
“There are people after me, Gladys. Bad people who won’t hesitate to hurt anyone and everyone I care about. You have to stay in Seattle!”
“Nat…” She sounds so lost. Confused. “Where are you right now? That sexy doctor is back in Seattle by now. I’m gonna call Clancy and get his number. He can fly me back to Blakely on his plane. He’ll know what to do.”
My frustration escapes in a high-pitched growl. “I’mwithDoc. And you’re not listening!”
Gladys huffs. “Well, it’s about damn time the two of you did the horizontal tango.”
“Oh, my God. That isnotthe conversation we’re having right now. Did you hear me? If you go back to Blakely, you’ll be in danger.” Tears burn hot trails down my cheeks. Why did I think I could do this over the phone. I should have gone to Bella’s apartment. Except I don’t know where she lives.
“I heard you, baby girl. But what I ain’t heard is why. Or if you and Dr. Sexy Pants are safe.” In the background, Bella shouts for her aunt to put the call on speaker, but Gladys shushes her. “I’m handling it.”
Handling it? She thinks she’shandling it?I swipe my tears away and sit up a little straighter.
“We’re safe. Doc…” How can I explain everything that’s happened over the past few days?
You can’t.
“Doc saved my life on Monday night. The people after me…someone broke into my house and tried to kill me. Doc heard the shot. If he hadn’t been there, I’d be dead. We left Blakely and we won’t be coming back. I can’t tell you more, Gladys. I wish I could. But I can’t.”
“You mean you won’t.” Her harumph breaks my heart into pieces. “I thought we were friends.”
“We are. Gladys, I love you. You’re myonlyfriend. But that’s why I need you to listen to me. If you get hurt…” I’m barely holding myself together. “One day, I might be able to tell you why. Or…”
“Or what?” she snaps.
“Or Doc will. Please. If you care about me at all, don’t go back to the island. At least not for a week or two. Stay with Bella. Go to a hotel. Anywhere but back home.” I hold my breath. She has to agree. If she doesn’t, I don’t know what I’ll do. Beg Hidden Agenda to protect her too?
Gladys sighs. “All right. I’ll stay here until next week. But I expect you to call me every single day to let me know you’re safe. If you don’t, I’ll track you and Dr. Sexy Pants down, and you’ll find out why three members of JuneBug took out restraining orders against me.”
She hangs up before I can sputter out a reply—or ask her why the most popular band from my youth could possibly need evenonerestraining order against her, let alonethree.
I rub my hands up and down my thighs. I’d give anything to go for a long swim. Or kayak around the island until my arms are about ready to fall off. But trapped in this small apartment, all I can do is pace.
Until I turn around to see Doc watching me.
“You won’t explain, but Doc will?” His frustration spills over, and he clenches his fists at his sides. “You still think you’ll be dead—or gone—and I’ll be the only one left to explain things to Gladys?”
I can’t lie to him. I won’t.
“Yes.
“No!” he snaps. “I’m not explaining a damn thing to Gladys. You are. I called McCabe because there’s no fucking way I’m losing you.”
