I reach out to Lainey and comb my fingers through her long, straight hair that’s the same dark brown as Easton’s. “Go do your homework so we can have fun this weekend without having to worry about it,” I encourage her.
“Okay.” Her gray eyes shine up at me. “I’ll be quick.”
I nod and watch her jog into the hallway. As soon as she’s out of hearing distance, Rachel asks, “Why did you flinch when Lainey hugged you?”
Shoot.
I suck in a deep breath before I meet her gaze. “It’s nothing.”
She steps closer to me, her eyes narrowing on my face. “What’s nothing?”
I hesitate for a moment longer, but when she gives me a concerned look, I can’t stay silent any longer.
Darting forward, I throw my arms around her and bury my face against her hair, the wall crumbling down and unleashing a flood of tears.
“Nova?” she whispers, her tone tense with concern as she holds me tightly. “Talk to me.”
“Trent hurt me,” I squeeze the words out.
Rachel pushes me back a little, and her eyes dart over my face. “What do you mean he hurt you?”
Feeling ashamed, I slowly shrug off my sweater, and the moment her gaze lands on the angry marks on my bicep, shock tightens her features.
“Jesus, Nova!” Her gaze snaps back to mine. “Where else are you hurt?”
I walk to the door and shut it before I lower my head. With trembling hands, I grip the fabric of my dress and pull it up until my ribs are visible.
“Nova!” she cries, her expression horrified as she hurries closer to me. “Did you go to the emergency room? Did they take X-rays?”
“No. Nothing’s broken.” My voice sounds as fragile as I feel, but not wanting her to worry too much, I lie, “I’m fine. I promise.”
Her eyes flick to mine, anger filling them as she snaps, “It doesn’t look that way. We need to get you checked by a doctor.”
I take hold of her arm, and shaking my head, I give her a pleading look. “I’m fine. Really. I know what broken ribs feel like.”
She freezes, and a weird expression ripples over her face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
I lower my head and wrap my arms around my middle. “I was ashamed, and our weekly calls were the highlight of my life. I didn’t want to ruin them with my problems.” I feel rotten as I add, “And after the crap with John, the last thing I wanted to tell you was that Trent was beating me too.”
“Oh, honey.” She wraps me in a tender hug, and being held as if I’m precious to her makes me feel safer than I have in a really long time.
“I’m okay,” I lie again. Between being abused by my ex-boyfriends and Rachel being terminally ill, I don’t think I’ll ever be okay again. “I left him, so it’s over and done with. Please don’t worry.”
She pulls back to meet my eyes. “I wish you told me sooner.” Letting go of me, she asks, “Are you sure you don’t want to see a doctor?”
“Yeah,” I chuckle awkwardly. “The bruises will be gone in no time.”
I put on the light sweater again and walk to my luggage to grab the last item. Once I’ve placed it on a shelf, I can’t help but notice how lost my clothes look in the massive walk-in closet.
Glancing at Rachel, I try to lighten the mood by joking, “I sure know how to pick them.”
She steps closer and tucks a few strands of my ginger hair behind my ear. “It’s not your fault, Nova.”
I shrug again and say, “You’ll be happy to hear I’ve sworn off dating. I’m done with the male species.”
“Honestly, remaining single was the best thing I could’ve done after I had Lainey.” Concern still fills her eyes. “Have you seen a therapist?”
I shake my head. “I don’t want to talk to some stranger.”
