After we order, George clears his throat. I’m immediately on edge. Bad news? About the van? Or Mom? “I talked to the insurance company. They’re sending an adjuster out tomorrow to look at the van. But given the age and condition, even if they could fix it, they probably won’t. Instead, they’ll total it out.”
“What does that mean?” I ask. It’s clear as my clay mud mask.
“They’ll write us a check for the value of the van minus the deductible. But it won’t cover a new vehicle.”
“How are we going to get home?” Jonah asks.
It’s the right question under the circumstances, but not the one I’m interested in. This was my chance to get out ofHopeview. My chance to move on from Cassandra’s Cut and Curl. And now, it’s gone?
“We do have some good news.” Mom smiles and pats my hand. “A rental car is included with our insurance.”
Relief floods through me. “Will they be able to set that up…soon?” Before Saturday?
“We’re hoping the adjuster can tell us more tomorrow. Sorry, Viv. I know that’s not what you wanted to hear.”
“Thanks. I appreciate you trying.” I smile, but inside, I feel numb. Everything is falling apart. I can’t see a way to make this work. Even asking Frankie to come get me would take too long. We’re at least eight hours away.
Jonah and I go back to the room, and he lets me take a shower first. I slip into my bed, wishing I had a reason to stay in his. While he’s in the bathroom, my mind goes over the last few days and the futility of everything.
This thing with Jonah wasn’t meant to last. So why does it bother me that it seems to be over? After the trip, Jonah will go back to Mule Creek. I have no idea where I’ll be. Does it really matter? Whether I’m in San Diego or Hopeview or, God forbid, New York with my father, it won’t be the right place. Not if Jonah isn’t there.
I press my palms against my eyes. Less than a week ago, I hated him. And now…I’m in love with him.
I’m in love with Jonah Baker.
My stepbrother.
The door opens, but I cover my face in an attempt to hold everything in.
“Vivian?”
I swallow. “Yes?”
“Can I…? I know you’re still upset, but I don’t want to sleep alone.”
I peer through my fingers. His head is down as if he’s preparing himself for my rejection. As if I could ever push him away. “Come on.”
His smile seems relieved as he slips in beside me. I wrap my arms around him and tuck my head under his chin. This is torture. Our families will never accept us. And even if by some miracle, they do, we’ll never last. We want different things.
But for tonight, I can pretend. I kiss Jonah. Needing this connection between us. Hoping like hell he won’t push me away. He doesn’t. Soon, kissing him isn’t enough. “I want you, Jonah. I’m so tired of thinking. Worrying. I need you to take over. Help me forget everything.”
And my beautiful, strong country boy, who’s so much more than his muscles, takes care of me like I’m the most important thing in the world.
And for a while, it’s enough. Following his commands. Giving him exactly what he needs. Loving him the only way I know how until we’re both spent. I sleep better than I expect, but in the morning, it’s all there waiting for us.
It starts with a summons from my mother.
We meet for coffee in the family restaurant.
“What’s this about?”
“Coffee first,” she says, leading me to the counter so we can order. She nods to me to go first. It’s her way of letting me know she’s paying. That’s fine. Karaoke night took a chunk of my money. When she gives her order, I stare at her. She touches her face. “What?”
“Since when do you drink decaf?”
“It’s easier on my stomach.” But she doesn’t look at me again until we’re settled at a table with our drinks. “What’s going on, Vivian?”
I laugh. “I should be asking you that, Mom.”
