“I’m fine. Why didn’t you wake me up?” I ask Lee.
“You needed the rest.”
Lacey pops up and holds out a cup of iced coffee. “We stopped to get these on our way when Lee said you weren’t up yet. Thought you might need one.”
“Just marry me right now,” I sigh, taking the cup.
She laughs and nods toward the guest room. “I also had some clothes I’ve been meaning to drop off at the thrift store. Just stuff I don’t wear anymore. I thought maybe you could use them. We’re pretty much the same size.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate it.” As much as I hate to ask for help or depend on other people, I’m not too proud to accept it. Especially now.
“No problem.”
I excuse myself to get dressed and I’m surprised to find my pajamas washed and folded on the bed as well. Maybe it’s my imagination, but they still have a faint odor like burning plastic. The panties are needed, but I choose a pair of jeans and a tee shirt from Lacey’s bag. Calli also brought me a few things, including a pair of tennis shoes. They’re a size too big, but they work for now.
Lacey grins as I join them at the table. “That shirt looks way better on you. It always laid weird for me. It was clearly made for bigger breasts.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Lee grumbles, rubbing his palm over his face.
“What?” Lacey frowns over at him. “It’s not like she doesn’t know she has bigger breasts than me. It wasn’t an insult. Mine are just small. That’s why I didn’t bring her a bra.”
Calli is biting back a smile. Lacey and I laugh when she looks back at me. “What’s the matter? You don’t like hearing about your sister’s boobs?” I tease, unable to resist. Something needs to lighten the mood.
He narrows his eyes at me and continues to sip his coffee. Calli pulls out my keyring. “I’m glad you left these in your truck instead of taking them with you.”
“Me too. One less problem to solve. Thanks for bringing my truck. I can’t believe I slept so late. I need to see my house and go to the bank before they close. Then buy a new phone. I can drop you back at home first.”
“I’ll go with you,” she volunteers as Lee leaves the room. “You’re going to need some cash if the bank gives you trouble. And we can go shop for whatever else you need right now.”
I hate pulling her away from home when I know she has a house full of company, but I’m not in the position to refuse. “Thank you.”
Lee returns and sets a familiar wallet on the table. “Your cards are melted but you can read them. The bank should replace them without an issue.”
“Where did you get that? It was in my purse.”
“The purse was scorched but that survived.”
My jaw drops and I blink at him. “You’ve been back to my house? Inside?”
“Only a few steps into the living room. You can’t get any further. The roof collapsed.”
“It’s a total loss then?” I ask, trying to wrap my head around the reality.
“I’m sorry. I think you’ll have to tear it down and rebuild. Only about a third of the house is still standing.”
It’s awful, but I don’t let myself wallow in despair, at least not right now. My friends were out doing what they could to help me while I was still asleep. You can’t feel unlucky with people like that in your life.
CHAPTER 4
SILVER
The day passesin a blur of activity and overwhelming emotions. Calli sticks with me all afternoon and by the time I drop her off that evening, we’ve put a big dent in my list of tasks.
“No,” I argue, when she says she’ll meet me tomorrow. “You’re not abandoning your guests for me for another day. Plus, I’m going to be at the diner most of the time, while I make phone calls and wait to hear back from insurance about covering a hotel stay. I’ll call you if I need anything, I swear. Just take care of Goblin for a few more days.”
“Don’t worry about her. She’s getting spoiled rotten by Arlow. I might have to get him a kitten for Christmas.”
It’s dark when I return to Lee’s place. The scent of grilling beef greets me as I get out of my truck. My appetite has been nonexistent today, but my stomach growls at the smell.
