Garrett stalked toward her, ignoring the fear in her eyes. Riley stood her ground, despite seeing the same expression cross her father’s face before he hit her. “Or did you sleep with meforthe money? Was it worth it?”
Tears gathered in her eyes as she stepped back. Anger built up, and she shoved him from the doorway. The pain in her chest throbbed as if he stabbed her. She slammed the door and locked it.
“I’m leaving for an hour. When I return, I don’t want you here,” he said, swearing under his breath.
The door slammed, making Riley jump. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she yanked the nightie from her body and threw it to the floor. Feeling confused, hurt, and humiliated, she gathered her things and stuffed them inside her pillowcase. Riley entered Tara’s room and grabbed the backpack, stuffing her sister’s things inside. She tossed it over her shoulder, and her gaze landed on the computer. She knew bits and pieces of Garrett’s past, but he stayed guarded. Like her father, a woman inflicted damage to Garrett’s heart. And she refused to pay for someone else’s actions.
Riley sniffed as she walked back to her room, leaving the computer. She took out the piece of paper from the dresser drawer, leaving the clothes he bought her. Taking out theenvelope with the emergency fund, Riley added the items, estimating the cost of food and the computer. Writing an IOU for the remainder, she took out four hundred dollars and placed it on the bed.
She took the pillowcase and picked up Tara’s backpack. When she got to the door, she turned, scanning once more at the cabin where she found love, safety, and connection. It had all been a lie.
She stepped onto the porch and made her way to Rachel’s truck. Each step felt like a punch in the gut, but she refused to stay with someone who blamed them for their past issues. Tara already suffered enough, and if she admitted it, she did, too.
She started the engine and drove away. Her mother always told her to never look back. Riley sobbed as she crossed the entrance to the ranch, where her friends and her future faded away.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Riley sat on the edge of the bed in the cruddy motel right outside Embers. She texted Tara.
I’ll be picking you up in the morning. Hope you’re having a good time. XOXO.
A minute later, her phone buzzed.
I’m having a great time. I met two girls and they want my cell number. Can I give it to them?
Riley’s fingers hesitated, debating on telling her to remember the rules. Tara deserved one more night of fun before she burst her bubble.
Sure.
Her hands shook from shock and anger as she dialed Rachel’s number.
“Hey, Riley,” she greeted. “I’m surprisedto hear from you.”
“Rachel,” she sniffed.
“Riley? What’s wrong?” she demanded.
“It’s Garrett. He came home and accused me of working with Kenny. He started asking me if I did it for the money,” she cried.
“What. An. Asshole,” Rachel seethed. “Wait until I get ahold of his nuts.”
“You’re not touching my nuts when you say it in that voice,” Matthew called.
“We’re not discussing yours,” Rachel called to Matthew. “Garrett fucked up and hurt my friend.” Rachel returned to the phone. “Where are you? You can stay here with us.”
“No. I don’t want him near me,” Riley said vehemently. “I need a favor.”
“Anything. You name it,” Rachel said gently.
“I’m at the Silver Spurs. I drove your truck here and I need you to come get it. Tara’s at the birthday party, and I have to tell her we’re not staying with Garrett. Can you drive me over there in the morning?” she asked.
“Riley, you can’t stay there,” Rachel exclaimed. “It’s a dump.”
“I’m fine,” she assured her.
“We’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” Rachel announced. “Stay there and lock the doors.”
Hanging up, Riley stared at the faded green carpet, the yellow disco lamp, and the grey walls, and cringed. She took out the envelope and carefully counted her funds. After she picked up Tara, they’d get a few groceries. The Taco Shack might hire her back. They always seemed short-staffed and offered overtime.
