“I can’t believe it,” I say, sinking into a chair. “They actually listened to us.”
“They have no choice,” Josie says, stacking chairs. “They need a win. You gave them one.”
Pearl pats my shoulder. “We’ll make it work, honey. We’re good at parties.”
She turns to leave. “I’m going to head back and start a list. You coming?”
“In a bit,” I say. “I need to finish my coffee.”
Dot lingers behind. She watches me with that unnerving gaze of hers.
“You look pale,” she says.
“Just tired,” I say. “It’s been a long week.”
“A headache?” she asks.
“Constant,” I admit. “Tension. It just... won’t go away.”
Dot looks at Pearl, then back at me. They exchange one of those looks that speaks volumes.
“Saramaria,” Dot says, her tone dropping, “are you feeling okay? Aside from the headache?”
“I’m fine,” I say. “Just stressed.”
“You’re sweating,” she points out. “And you’re fidgeting. You’ve been twisting that ring around your finger for the last ten minutes.”
I look down at my hand. I stop twisting the silver band.
“I’m just hot,” I say. “It’s warm in here.”
“It’s not that warm,” Josie says from the doorway. “And you smell... different.”
I stiffen. “Different how?”
“Sweet,” Josie says. “Like... richer? I don’t know.”
Panic flutters in my chest. I try to rationalize it. I’m stressed. I’m tired. I ate too much sugar at the hoedown.
“I’m fine,” I say, my voice rising. “I’m just overtired. My OCD is acting up because everything is chaotic. That’s all.”
“Is your skin sensitive?” Dot asks. “Are you feeling... restless? Anxious?”
“Of course I’m anxious! I found out yesterday someone is trying to sabotage my property!” I snap. “I have a right to be anxious.”
Dot steps closer. “When was your last shot?”
I blink. “My what?”
“Your heat suppressant,” she says. “Are you due for one soon?”
The room goes still.
I think back. I try to remember the date. The schedule is usually in my phone calendar, synced with my Outlook at the firm.
“I... I don’t know,” I say. “I’ve been so focused on the ranch. I haven’t looked at my calendar in days.”
I pull out my phone. I pull up my email app. I type inheat suppressant appointment.
