Tears pricked my eyes by the time we made it to the foyer, but I turned to her with a rasped, “Thanks so much for that, Lauren. Could you… maybe not tell Stan?”
“I won’t, dear.” I earned another pat to my arm. “Now, come home as soon as you can.”
“I will.” Neither of us mentioned that word.
Home.
Yet we both accepted it.
Which. Was. Insane.
But god, it felt right.
“I’ll make sure there’s some dinner ready for you,” she informed me as I headed for the door. “Stan’s appetite is back. It’s so good to see. You can eat at the dinner table for once. What’s your favorite dish?”
A touch wistfully, I asked, “If it’s not too much… shepherd’s pie?”
“Oh, I love shepherd’s pie. Right, that’s what you have to look forward to, dear. I’ll see you in a little while.”
When she bustled off, I stopped myself from thinking about how I’d like to follow her and have a cup of coffee, preferably with MaandLauren, and instead forced myself to leave.
Luigi confirmed he was waiting for me because he climbed out of the fancy car when I stepped onto the front stoop and let him help me into the back seat.
With every mile that took me away from the house, the frenetic nature of NYC itself, for the first time in my life, felt hostile.
Just a couple nights ago, it had been a relief to know my captors hadn’t taken me out of the city limits, but that had faded.
I already knew the evils out there. Knew that violence was around every corner. Had experienced it in my home. But this was different.Ifelt different. And I hated it.
Shrinking against the seat, wishing Stan were with me, I cursed myself for a fool when I’d repeatedly told him that I didn’t want him to come.
“You idiot,” I grouched.
Unknown Number: Stan said you were going into work? Is that wise?
When my phone pinged, I stared at the unknown number, but my tension lessened once I figured it was Stan’s sister.
Me: This is Aurora, right?
Unknown Number: Yes
I added her to my contacts.
Me: I don’t think they’d believe the state of me if I didn’t give them proof
Aurora: Luigi might not seem like it, but he’s handy with his fists. You have a problem, go to him
Me: As much as my supervisor is an asshole, Aurora, I doubt things will get that far
Me: Appreciate the offer though
Aurora: No worries
Aurora: I wanted to ask you for a favor
Me: Oh?
Aurora: Our very first meeting…
