I couldn’t help but laugh because I wished I’d had an answer for her. He presented opportunities and at the time, it all just worked out in my favor and his. That’s until it didn’t work out anymore. Now he is throwing a tantrum.
“I wish I could tell you, but I am definitely regretting it a little more now. I’m just confused on why he couldn’t just accept whatI put in the damn letter. I’m sure the police officer that escorted me to the bus station told him I was fine!” I shouted.
I ran my hand through my low curls, the motion more forceful than I meant it to be. Then buried my face in my hands, releasing a shaky breath before lifting my head again. Jessa was staring at me now, worry written all over her face.
She walked over slowly and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, pulling me into her side so my head could lie on her shoulder. Tears trekked down my cheeks as she rubbed soothingly against my arm.
“People are greedy, sis. I didn’t mean to get you all bent out of shape. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I know you don’t have many people to talk to about this. Also, running again can’t be the only answer. Before you ask, I don’t have a solution yet, but we sure as hell can come up with one. Shit, if I find out, you tried to slip off on us. I’m going to be the next one hosting a damn press conference about how you stole my sister!”
I wiped my cheek and look up at Jessa, who was serious as hell, before we both burst into laughter.
“I promise there is truly something wrong with you. But I hear you. I don’t want to bring my Hollywood drama to this nice town.” I whispered against her shoulder.
“One thing about this nice town is that we protect the folks we deem ours. Trust me, Rose Haven has definitely adopted you. You’re home, especially when you’ve made it to the Rose Haven senior gossip mill. You’re at the top of the food chain and those sweet, loving old folks are loving every minute.”
I laughed with a shake of my head. Jessa held me for a few moments longer. She knew I needed it. I wanted to believe what she was saying about the town and me. But it was hard when you lived a life like I did. A life where you only mattered based on what you could give someone.
I once knew a life without those stipulations, but it came and went the day my mother passed away. All I could do now was enjoy the time I had while I had it.
“Now that we’re passed that can I convince you to go somewhere with me?”
My breath left me in a slow exhale, exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster I’d just been on.
I began shaking my head before the words left my mouth. “I don’t think?—”
Jessa held her hands up to stop me before I finished.
“Before you say no. Picture this: you, me, and Aubree. Surrounded by warmth, laughter, and a nice drink.”
I still wasn’t convinced. It sounded like she wanted me at a party after my heart had practically gone through the motions.
“I don’t know about that. It sounds busy and like a lot of people will be there.”
Jessa threw her hands up into the air dramatically with a smile that was beyond contagious.
“That’s the point. When you’re feeling this way, you aren’t supposed to close yourself off. It’s not going to be packed with people and most of the kids have come and gone at this point. It’s chill. You don’t have to talk, and get this, we can leave if you want to. I just want you to experience a little bit more of what Rose Haven has to offer.”
I dried my eyes once more and relaxed my shoulders. “I’m not changing if I go.”
I glanced down at my black leggings and graphic t-shirt that said You’ve just been kissed, Sugar. It had a few flour stains on it, but at this moment I didn’t care.
Jessa craned her head to the side and shrugged. “Works for me. It’s a chill event. Long as you have a jacket.”
I pointed towards my newfound favorite pink leather jacket on the back of the chair.
“Perfect! It’s going to be worth it. Trust me, you don’t have to be anyone tonight. Just relax and I’ll do the rest.”
I nodded and waited downstairs while she rushed to change her shirt.
I closed my eyes and said a silent prayerthatGod gave me what I needed to hold on to my newfound life with both hands.
The bonfire was already burningwhen I got there, flames snapping against the night air as people gathered closer than they probably should’ve. Stillwater Bend always pulled a crowd when the Firelight rolled around at the end of every month.
I guess there was something about the river and the open night that made people forget to rush home. It was crazy how we could be surrounded by each other and still find a kind of clarity you couldn’t buy.
That was one reason I never minded being here to keep things regulated, making sure folks knew how to act. Station 3 handled the fire, while the Thorns handled the crowd and the drinks. It had always been that way.
I strolled over to the few firefighters posted along the riverside, cups in their hands, their attention never drifting far from the fire ahead of them.
