Page 66 of Grump and Grumpier

“As you wish.” Derek opens both the passenger and back doors on his car. Where would you like to sit?”

“I’ll take the back. Thank you.” Of course, it’s comfortable and luxurious in the backseat, even for a sports car. I lean against the headrest and close my eyes as Derek drives out of my neighborhood. One of them puts soothing jazz on, and I’m very grateful to them for respecting my wishes and allowing me to ride in peace.

Derek makes good time. His car has better pickup than mine, and he drives faster than I would have, though not fast enough to make me nervous. As darkness falls, I text Marissa and fill her in on everything that’s happening with Stella. Meanwhile, Stella calls to tell me that she and Jessie are occupying themselves at a bookstore that’s open until nine, and asks me to meet them there.

Derek and Jansen are quiet the whole way, except to check on my comfort and ask if I’d like to stop for food or a bathroom break. For my part, I try not tonotice how good they both smell, and I try not to remember how they taste as good as they smell.

I think back to this morning, which feels like a lifetime ago, and remember how I was planning to confess that I was falling for them and talk about whether we might have a future together. The whole idea is so sad and painful now.

I don’t want a relationship with men who think they can control me, but the realization that I may never feel their hands on me again makes me ache.

They treated me terribly today, and yet, I still care about them. I definitely let myself get in too deep, and I’m not sure how I could have prevented it.

CHAPTER 52

ANA

Itext Stella again just before we arrive at the bookstore, and she meets us in the parking lot.

Jessie throws herself into my arms, in what is definitely the highlight of my day. “We’re coming to stay with you, Auntie Ana!”

“I know! I’m so excited!”

“Look! I got two new books.” Jessie climbs into the backseat of their car and shows me a book with a pink cover that’s about a ballerina, and a classic rhyming story from Dr. Seuss.

“Those look great. Can we read those together sometime soon?”

“You bet!” She climbs into her carseat and starts looking at one of the books while I finally get a chance to give Stella a hug. My friend’s eyes are red, but she looks better than I’d feared. I’m sure she’s been putting on a brave face for Jessie.

“You okay?”

Stella shrugs.

I introduce her to Derek and Jansen, who give her nods that are serious, but not unfriendly. I texted Stella on the way to let her know they were coming with me. She was full of questions, but I told her we’d talk later.

“Where are all of your things?” I ask. “In the trunk?”

“There isn’t much,” Stella says in a low voice so Jessie can’t overhear. “I tried to go back inside to get the rest of our stuff, but my mom locked the door and wouldn’t let us in.”

“What?”

“At least I got Jessie’s favorite stuffed animals and a few of her toys.”

“We’ll go get your things,” Jansen says gravely.

“No, don’t do that,” Stella says quickly and quietly. “They’ve both been drinking. Who knows what they’ll be like. It’s not worth it.”

“We can get the police involved,” Derek suggests, but again, Stella shakes her head.

I look at the men and give them a shrug. It’s nice that they’re offering to help, and I also appreciate that they’re not trying to impose their will on her.

“I brought a bag in case you want to spend the night at a hotel before we make the drive,” I tell Stella.

“We should be able to drive straight through, if it’s okay with you. Jessie will probably fall asleep after a little while.”

“Does anyone need snacks for the road?” Derek asks, gesturing with a nod of his head toward the convenience store that’s across the parking lot.

“Snacks!” Jessie cries from the backseat. “I could use snacks!”

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