Page 127 of Already Home

True, she thought, letting her eyes fall closed. But how did heknow?

“Thank you,” she whispered, right before she drifted off tosleep.

The arm around her tightened slightly, then released.“Everything is going to be okay now, Violet. Trust me.”

Oddly enough, she thought she just might be able to dothat.

* * *

Jenna glanced up as Violet walked into the store. Thebruise on her face was fading, and for the first time since Cliff had attackedher, Violet looked relaxed and rested.

“Good night?” Jenna asked.

Violet hesitated, then nodded.

“I’m glad,” Jenna told her. “This has all been rough foryou.”

“The memories are taking longer than I thought to go away,”Violet admitted, then crossed to her. “Dragon stayed with me. Nothing happened.He wanted to help me sleep, so he spent the night. It helped me not be scared.”She bit her lower lip. “Are you mad?”

Violet and Dragon? It made sense. He’d been asking about herwhen Jenna had visited Napa. As long as he wasn’t moving too fast, she thought,knowing he was tough enough to press hard to get what he wanted.

“You’re mad,” Violet said. “It’s okay. I won’t see himagain.”

Jenna shook her head. “No. Don’t. I’m not upset at all. I thinkit’s great. I can really see you two together. I was thinking that he could bepushy when he sees something he wants and I don’t want him to push you.”

“He didn’t,” Violet assured her. “Like I said, nothinghappened. I don’t know where this is going—if anywhere. I need some time to healand I’m not even sure he’s interested. I just wanted you to know where he waslast night.”

Jenna smiled. “I don’t usually keep track of Dragon.”

“I know, but this is different.”

“I’m glad he helped. I’m glad you slept.”

“Me, too.”

Jenna studied the woman she’d hired. A few months ago, they’dbeen strangers. Now they were friends—much more so than the women she’d known inhigh school.

“Thank you for everything,” Jenna told her. “For your help withthe store and with my family. I couldn’t have gotten through all this withoutyou.”

“I want to say the same thing,” Violet said. “You’ve been sogenerous.”

They hugged, then stepped back.

“I’m not going to cry,” Jenna said, sniffing. “If I do, mymascara will run and I’ll look like a raccoon.”

“Not attractive.”

They busied themselves with setting up. Serenity had anothervegan cooking class that day and the sign-up sheet was full.

A little after ten, Beth came in.

“How is everyone?” she asked, sounding cheerful.

“Good,” Jenna told her. “Are you here for the class?”

“Yes.” Beth sounded defiant. “Serenity was telling me lastnight that if I went vegan, I wouldn’t have to worry about my weight ever again.It sounds so healthy and I love all the food she’s cooked.”

Jenna raised her eyebrows. She had a feeling it wasn’t alifestyle her father would embrace.

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