Page 33 of Freedom to Love

“Yes. She was kind enough to clean my wound.”

“Oh?” He looked shocked, disappointed. “I didn’t know—I thought—”

“I know I should’ve called. I didn’t expect you so early.”

“No, it’s no problem.” He began returning items to the fridge. “I’m glad you have help. God knows I can’t be here twenty-four seven. And Margie, with her mama and the dementia…”

“You know I appreciate you and all you do, Murph.” She felt bad; he was obviously hurt.

“Yeah, I know.” He closed the fridge. “She, uh, this woman, she staying with you?”

He glanced at her bare legs and large T-shirt as she ran a hand through mussed hair.

“Ye—last night—yes.”

“Oh.” He crossed back to the door slowly. “So no on Margie at noon?”

“Tell her thanks, but I’ll be fine.”

He reached for the doorknob. Gunner licked his hand and wagged his tail.

He turned. “There’s no car in the drive.”

Kat nodded. “I know.”

He looked at her, then his face fell. “Don’t tell me…” he started.

Kat held up a hand. “Murph don’t.”

“Brynn Williams? It’s her isn’t it?”

Kat started to speak, but Brynn stepped into the kitchen, surprising them both. “It’s me,” she said with a sad laugh. “Surprise.” She forced a smile. “Don’t worry. I should be going anyway.”

“No,” Kat said.

“I honestly didn’t mean to interrupt—whatever this is,” Murph said, opening the door.

“I came to get my stuff, that’s all. So call off the soldiers. Vander didn’t do anything wrong.”

Kat looked at her. “You don’t need to protect me, Brynn. It’s okay.”

“Brynn?” Murph said. “So you are on a first-name basis?” He shook his head. “I’ll call you later, Vander.” He closed the door behind him, and Kat crossed to lock it as if that would somehow erase his presence and all that had transpired.

“I’ll just get my things,” Brynn said. She turned and hurried after her duffel.

Kat called after her and followed. “You don’t have to go.”

Brynn walked toward her, duffel in hand. “I really do. I have things to straighten out at home. You need to rest, to heal. Your friends are looking out for you.”

Kat wanted to stop her, to reach for her arm. She wanted to tell her to stay, that she wanted her to stay, but the words wouldn’t come. Her throat was too tight with fear. Fear of rejection, fear of Murph and what he thought and what that meant. Fear that she cared what he thought.

“Brynn, you don’t even have a ride.”

Brynn slid into her shoes. “That won’t be a problem.” She held up a piece of paper. “Phone number. Ex-girlfriend.”

Kat stepped back, startled. “Girlfriend?” Despite her desire and her fantasy regarding Brynn, she hadn’t given serious thought to the fact that she might be gay until her words in the bathroom. Maybe it was because she wasn’t known to date, too caught up in running the Williams family to care. But here it was. She was gay and she was throwing it in her face, trying to shock her or create a reaction. And it was working.

“Yes,” Brynn said. “I like women.” She stuffed the paper into her pocket and headed for the door.

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