Page 4 of Johnathan

“What I understand is that I’m a grown woman, Sam, and you are not my father, or my husband. And even if you were, you wouldn’t have a say in how I cope with what happened.”

“I’m the man of this family, Abby. And I run this ranch.”

She stood, dusting the dirt from her pants. “Thanks for making my decision to move out that much easier. I’m heading into town to look at rentals today. Wish me luck.”

“What? Where?”

“Emma told me about a building Seb was renovating into apartments. I can afford the rent on my salary, and it’s what I was planning on doing when I moved back to Bell Ridge.”

“I don’t think you’re ready…”

“Sam, if I don’t go, I’m going to throw Mom’s tarot cards into a fire, and then I might just throw you in too.”

He laughed. “Jesus, Abby. I get it. Promise me you’ll let me look at the paperwork before you sign a lease.”

“Fine. I think I can handle that level of protectiveness.”

“I want a key to the apartment, too.”

“Nope. Too far.” She patted Sam on the back before turning towards the house. “I know you are just trying to keep me safe, and even though it’s totally overbearing and suffocating, I get that it’s coming from a good place.”

“You’re an annoying, mouthy little sister, Abby, but I love you.”

“Love you too, Sam.”

“Hey, babe. The usual?” Emma’s bright smile greeted her as she walked into Sprinkles, the cozy bakery and coffee shop in Bell Ridge.

“For coffee, yes. Can I get a double chocolate muffin today with my blueberry lemon one?”

“A woman after my own heart. Of course you can. I need you to take a bite and tell me what you think though.”

Emma slid the chocolate muffin across the counter and Abby moaned as she bit into it. Crisp top. Gooey center. Oh god, they were orgasmic.

“This is incredible, Em. Honestly. The only chocolate thing I’ve ever had that tops these is Daisy’s brownies.”

“Son of a bitch.”

“What?”

“I’m trying to figure out what’s in her secret recipe. We’re supposed to be best friends, and she will not tell me what makes them so good! I don’t get it. Why can’t I replicate it?”

“Well, if it’s any consolation,” Abby bit into the muffin again, sighing at the way the chocolate danced across her tongue. “I think you’re really close.”

“Is there a particular reason we are going with chocolate this morning, too?”

Abby looked around. The bakery was busy, but everyone was minding their own business. She pulled at the fabric around her neck.

Abbyneverwent anywhere without covering her neck. In the Texas heat, it was horrible, but what was even more horrible was the way she knew everyone would look at her if her scar was on display. It was worth the near daily heat stroke to keep people away.

“Another nightmare?” Emma’s eyes were filled with empathy and just the slightest shimmer of guilt. She shouldn’t feel bad for one second about what happened to Abby, but she knew Emma did. It was her past that came knocking and, unfortunately, found Abby first.

“Yeah. Took a two hour run this morning to get my mind right. I’m going to indulge in some carbs and sugar and chocolate goodness to finish off the self-therapy session.”

“You need to chill on the runs. You’re turning into skin and bones.”

“Em—”

“Nope.” Her friend held up her hands. “I tell it like it is, Abs, and I’m starting to worry about you. It’s not healthy. I mean, exercise is fine, but not this extreme. And you’re not talking about what happened. Not to Sam. Not to me. You still don’t want to talk to a professional, right?”

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