The basics of what RJ does
Poker
Acting
Self-defense
My starter list settled, I shift on my seat, worried that whoever took that picture might be outside the window right now.
But I’m not going to cower. I’m going to gain control of this situation.
And I won’t feel shame.
I pick up the photo on the counter, staring at the tableau of the three of us. And despite everything, I wish there were two more figures in that photo.
“Might as well earn the title of whore,” I say to myself as I take another sip of my room-temperature sludge.
Under a pile of blankets I scavenged from around the house, I’m splitting my time between texting Emma and watching video tutorials on poker. No time like the present to learn new skills. Even if my body feels like a wet sponge from lack of sleep.
Walker gave me a key to his room before he left, so I stole one of his blankets and tucked it right on top of me on the couch, his familiar scent making me feel a little safer while amplifying my exhaustion. Sadly, my subconscious knowsthat I’m alone and can’t be tricked into letting me rest. Learning to take control can’t happen soon enough.
A video call request from RJ comes through a little after noon, and I scramble to answer it.
“Hi!” I say, a little too excited to see RJ on my screen.
“Hi, sugar. How’s your morning going?” The camera on his phone misses the gold highlights in his eyes, but the kindness still shows.
“Okay. I’m watching poker tutorials and texting Emma. So, not terrible. Even if I’m exhausted.”
His chuckle warms me more than the blanket pile ever could. “But you made it through the night. Be proud.”
I shrug. “I probably only slept three hours.”
“And you’ll sleep more tonight, I’m sure. But you stayed. You did it. Celebrate it. Healing takes time, Clara. Give it to yourself.”
Damn him and his reasonable words. “I’ll try.”
“I’m calling with a purpose, though. I know we weren’t doing gifts, so it’s not that, but I got you something. The delivery notice just popped up. Go to the front porch.”
My fear spikes at the prospect of opening the door. “Is there a door cam now?”
“Nah. It’s easy for the police to find a reason to get their hands on doorbell cams. Plus, Trips is weird about cameras. But I’m right here. And the package is just outside the door.”