Riley shrugged. “I forgot. It’s not a big deal. It doesn’t ache anymore, and I’m getting around fine.”
“I have a sneaking suspicion you didn’t plan on returning to the doctor. If you don’t make the appointment, I’ll take you myself,” he said darkly.
“Fine. I’ll call Rebecca now. I told Tara I’d let her know before dinner. Can you call Jared?”
“I’ll do it right now,” he said, assuring her.
Riley dialed Rebecca’s number.
“Hi, Riley,” Rebecca greeted her. ‘What’s up?”
“I want to discuss Kara’s birthday party. Tara said you’re going?” she asked.
“Yeah. We’re happy to take Tara with us,” Rebecca offered. “Jared will be there all night, and Julio assigned twohands to hang around the house. We knew this might be concerning for you, and I’m sure Tara’s dying to go.”
“She’s chomping at the bit,” Riley confirmed. “I want to say yes. She deserves to make new friends.”
“Oh, and it’ll give you and Garrett time alone,” Rebecca determined. “Do you want to come over? I’m sure Rachel has new nighties she hasn’t used. She loves to shop. I’m sure she’ll give you one until we go shopping.”
“I can’t now. What about tomorrow?” Riley said quietly into the phone.
“I’ll call Rachel and give her a heads up. The woman will be overjoyed to dress you like a doll. Do you mind if Delaney comes, too? It’s always nice to have a tie-breaker when you’re trying on outfits,” Rebecca suggested.
“Why not?” Riley checked to see where Garrett had gone before whispering, “She helped teach me all about blow jobs, why not see me in my undies?”
“Trust me, you won’t be wearing any panties if Rachel has anything to say about it,” Rebecca teased. “See you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Rebecca,” Riley said, feeling good about her new friendship.
“You’re welcome. Have a good night,” Rebecca said, hanging up.
Riley smiled to herself. It seemed her sister would get her wish, and she planned to surprise Garrett. Tomorrow couldn’t come fast enough.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Tara bounced up and down as Riley showed her three different present ideas. Rachel offered to go into town and pick it up when she purchased one from her and Matthew.
“Can we afford this?” Tara asked, staring at the screen.
“Yeah. We can use some of the emergency funds. I’m thinking about talking to Amy about her farm stand business. I’m not saying we’re staying permanently, just a little longer,” Riley said tentatively.
“Oh, Riley,” Tara exclaimed. “Please think about it. I love it here.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. We still have bumps in our plan. There’s still a biker gang out there, and Dad. I don’t think he’ll magically disappear. I’m surprised he hasn’t tried to see us again.”
“Yeah, me, too,” Tara said, shutting the computer and turning toward Riley. “It worries me.”
“Dad’s my problem. He’s nothing for you to stress out about,” she assured her sister.
“Where’s Garrett? He’s gone every morning lately. I feellike I don’t see him anymore until dinnertime,” Tara said, biting her nails.
“Stop it,” she chastised. “He’s doing something with Julio and Matthew. I guess they start at the crack of dawn.”
“Do you like him?” Tara asked, watching Riley intently.
“Of course, he’s a nice man,” she insisted.
Tara nudged her. “Come on, you can tell me. I like him. He’s good to you.”
