Because that building wasn’t just about square footage and ROI. It was about changing people’s lives. A safe place to land when the world had already knocked you down. Proof that starting over didn’t mean starting alone.
And for the women and kids who had already lost so much, it could be the first place they felt seen. Respected.
Not just a roof. But a new beginning.
Lainey exhaled.
This wasn’t just about them. It was also about her.
Finding her safe place. Finding her new beginning.
Even if she wasn’t ready yet, she was getting closer.
The crowd had thinned,tables were being cleared, and volunteers gathered near the back wall, stacking extra programs and chairs.
Mia gave a tired smile as she passed with an empty tray. “Good meeting you, Lainey. Hope to see you again.”
“Same.”
She waved goodbye to several of her friends who were still here and walked toward the exit. The conversation with Lena still lingered.
“Walk you to your car?”
Finn’s voice came from behind her.
She turned. He stood there with his hands in his pockets, his eyes watching her the way they always did.
“Sure.”
They stepped outside into the warm night. The parking lot was mostly empty now. The string lights flickered along the deserted walkway.
“Nice event,” Finn said.
“Yeah, it was.” She let out a breath. “More emotional than I expected.”
He glanced at her. “You mean Lena’s offer?”
“You heard?”
“It’d been mentioned at work.” He paused. “The Brotherhood Alliance does work for Lena. It’s a good idea.”
“I know. It’s complicated right now. What with the vandalism and everything that’s going on—” Her voice caught. “I feel like I’m fighting an uphill battle and losing.”
Finn stepped in a little closer. “You don’t have to do it alone, Lainey.”
She swallowed hard, not trusting her voice.
Finn reached over and opened the car door.
“Text me when you get home.”
She blinked at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “You still bossy or just concerned?”
“Both,” he replied, not smiling. “You matter to me, Lainey.”
With that, he tapped on the roof of her car and stepped back.
“Good night, Lainey.”
