“You’re being overdramatic.”
“Maybe, but they are suggesting people boycott my shop. Owen’s probably somewhere laughing at me. And Macy—“ My voice cracks. “Macy thought she was celebrating me. She had no idea what she was doing. She just wanted to tell everyone because she was proud of me.”
Jess is quiet for a moment. “So what’s there to be afraid of?”
“Fighting and losing. I’m scared of staying and having them reject me anyway.” I stop, the truth catching in my throat. “It’s hard caring about something this much and watching it get destroyed by people who don’t even understand what they’re destroying.”
“Like your family did.”
“Yeah,” I admit. “Like that.”
Jess lets out a long breath. “Sadie, I love you. You know that. And I will get on a plane right now and help you pack ifthat’s what you really want. Or I’ll just be there while you fight whatever is about to come.”
“I’m scared,” I whisper.
“I know.”
“How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?”
“Fate.”
“Liar. You answered my ad for a roommate.”
“And you didn’t murder me, so clearly we were meant to be best friends.” I can hear her smile. “But seriously, Sadie. What do you want to do?”
“I don’t want to run,” I say finally.
“Then don’t.”
“It’s not that simple—“
“It is exactly that simple.” Her voice softens. “You left California because staying meant letting your family make you feel small and ashamed for doing what you love. You moved to Sierra Rose Ridge, and you built something beautiful. You wrote a book about it. And now some people are trying to make you feel small and ashamed again, and you’re about to let them win.”
“What if I stay and it gets worse?”
“Then it gets worse. But at least you fought for something you love instead of running because you’re scared.”
I stare at the half-packed boxes across the room. “You make it sound so simple.”
“That’s because it is. Besides, I’ve seen enough true crime shows to know how to hide evidence, just in case we need to go that route.”
“We aren’t going to murder anyone.”
“We’ll see.” Then more seriously, “Do you want me to come down there?”
“No. Don’t uproot your life, even temporarily, for this.” I wipe my eyes.
“No matter what, it will be okay. Life is full of messy moments. That’s kind of the point of it.”
“When did you get so wise?”
“I’ve always been wise. You just don’t listen to me.” She pauses.
“You’ll let me know if you change your mind and want me to come out. And call me tomorrow just to let me know you’re okay.”
“I will. Thanks, Jess.”
“Anytime. And hey?”
