“What do your parents do?”
“My father is a businessman. Mostly imports and exports,” I say vaguely. “My mother does various charity work around the city.”
“Do you enjoy being a therapist?” she asks thoughtfully. “It must be a tough job.”
“I really do. It’s challenging but also very rewarding. If I can help just one person, then it’s all worth it.”
Fourteen
Ryan and I got back to Emerley just before noon. I’ve spent a lot of time with him this week, but this was the first time we talked about anything of substance. I find myself enjoying getting to know him. Combine that with all the touching last night at the bar and waking up in his arms this morning, and I’m feeling a little out of sorts. I know it means nothing in the grand scheme of things, but there’s this tiny piece of me that wonders if it could. Could a man like Ryan ever be interested in me? We’re so different. What did he mean when he said I’m a “temptation he can’t afford”?
I had just enough time to shower and get ready before I had to drive over to Hannah’s cabin for book club. Calling it that is a bit of a stretch. Claire originally started it as a teenager as an excuse to get out from under her strict parents’ thumb once a week. For three years, they kept up the ruse.
It went on a brief hiatus while Hannah was away at university and Claire was travelling around the country with a camera and a backpack. She brought it back to life when she returned to Emerley unexpectedly pregnant with her son, Ben, and back living in her parents’ house again.
Sure, we all read and talk about the books we love, but we mostly use it as an excuse to hang out, eat good food, and catch up. It’s also our code word when one of us is in crisis.
This happens more than one would think.
When I roll up to Hannah’s cabin on Crystal Lake in Nana’s old car, everyone is already here. There was no way I was showing up empty-handed, so I made a quick stop at the bakery on my way and picked up assorted donuts and cookies. Aunt Maggie already had a box ready for me when I arrived. We’ve never had a conversation about how bad my financial situation really is, but she knows. I worry endlessly that I am taking advantage of her kindness. When I get back on my feet, she’ll be the first person I pay back. I’m keeping track of what I owe her. I hope she knows how much I truly appreciate her love and support.
“I’m here. I hope I haven’t missed anything juicy,” I call out, juggling baked goods as I walk through the door, almost dropping them as I slip off my shoes.
“I’ve got you.” Meg comes and unloads my arms, placing everything on the counter. Her curly auburn hair is up in a high ponytail, and her freckled face is makeup-free. “I’m making tea. Do you want some?” she asks, pulling pottery mugs down from the open shelving. “Or there’s wine.”
“Tea would be perfect, thank you.” I’m not hungover, but I’m pretty sure I have reached my alcohol quota for twenty-four hours and longer.
Hannah comes into the kitchen and pulls me into a hug. “Hi, pretty lady. I heard you had a tough week. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for you.”
“You don’t need to apologize.” Releasing her, I give her a reassuring smile. “I got through the worst of it. Things are turning around.”
“Don’t worry, Hannah. Beck had lots of help.” Meg winks at me as she pours hot water into the teapot.
“Yes, I did,” I agree, narrowing my eyes at her before looking back at Hannah. “Carson lent me his nana’s car, so I still have wheels.”
“That thing must be ancient,” Claire calls from her place in the corner of the large sectional. She has wrapped herself in a heavy fleece blanket, and she is holding a mug in both hands.
“Beggars can’t be choosers, and it will get me where I need to go,” I say as I sit down on a cushion in front of the fireplace. “Are you okay?” It appears like she hasn’t had a good night’s sleep for days.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she says dismissively. “I have a headache.”
“How’s Ben feeling? Does he still have a cold?” The poor kid missed a few days of school earlier in the week.
“He’s much better. Riot is staying with him this afternoon. They are having a Marvel movie marathon. I think Carson and Logan are going to hang out with them.”
Riot is five-year-old Ben’s uncle. He stepped in to support them both when his brother, Ransom, decided he wasn’t interested in becoming a father. We kind of hate him. He doesn’t know what he’s missing. That kid is amazing.
Hannah and Megan join us in the open concept living room with tea and goodies.
“Why don’t you get your truck back from Braden?” Hannah asks as she places a charcuterie board loaded with donuts, cookies, and a variety of nuts, chocolate, and strawberries in the middle of the coffee table. “You pay for it, so why should he get to drive it?” she says, sitting on a cushion beside me.
“It’s not that simple,” I say, breaking off a piece of cookie and popping it into my mouth.
“It’s been months. As long as he has your truck, he controls you.”
“I know how long it’s been, trust me,” I grumble. Taking a calming breath, I ask, “How has your week been? Are you and Logan working things out?”
“Yeah, we’ll be okay.” She grins as she takes a scrunchie off her wrist and ties her blonde, curly hair up into a messy bun.
