Page 121 of Always Be an Us

His stalking was reframed as a couple's spat that wasn’t a big deal because we were in the process of getting back together.

I shiver a little at the memory and close my eyes. I don't think I'll be able to go to sleep anytime soon. But soon enough I find myself relaxing to the sound of Declan's heartbeat. It blocks out the sound of everything else.

And then before I know what’s happening, I’m gone to the world.

I gape in shock when I arrive at the Tiki Bar the next day.

It's barely opening time, yet a bunch of people are sitting inside, and they all look up when I arrive.

"What are you guys doing here?" I ask looking around. I recognize Poppy and her hunting team, then Hal Rojas, Buck Shoreton, and Pastor Allan. Rick and Yule are behind the counter with Carly whose pigtails bounce when she waves.

"We came to help you out," Buck says. "Rick told us that someone broke into your grandpa's place. He also said you planned on cleaning the place up today, and we thought we could help."

I glance at Rick who shrugs. "We didn’t want you to do it alone."

"But what about the bar?" I ask.

"We're closed for the day," Rick says. "You need us more than it does."

I feel tears stinging my eyes, emotion nearly overwhelming me. Although I told Declan I didn't want a bunch of strangers piling into my home, this is different. These are people I know and grew up with. My pseudo-family. And they want to help me.

Oh, I’m so touched I could cry.

Even Poppy, who I initially thought was mad at me, smiles when I look her way.

"I had some free time," is all she the explanation she gives and my heart twinges again

"Carly, don’t you have to study for a test?" I ask.

She shrugs. "I can always study later. There’s no way I’m letting you clean up by yourself. Not after everything you and Grandpa have done for me."

My Grandpa gave Carly a job despite the town's prejudice against her family. Her dad is a well-known drunk and her mom is also known to have sticky fingers, despite being a devout member of the church. Additionally, the woman has a bad temper which led to frequent screaming matches at Carly’s house.

Carly slept over at our place a few times when her folks became too much for her to handle.

"I think I'm going to cry," I say.

"Please don’t." Poppy claps her hand rising to her feet. "Alright folks, we're burning daylight. Let's ship out and get to work."

But before we can leave, the restaurant door opens with a creak, and we all turn to stare at the newcomer.

My heart stops again.

It’s Xavier.

He strides in wearing yet another of his cashmere sweaters, full of confidence.

"Who the devil are you?" Poppy asks, hostility pouring from her tone.

Xavier's easy smile falters again and he slows apprehensively.

Rick must recognize him because he growls, "What the hell is he doing here?"

"I don’t know," I say, my heart racing.

"Do you want me to get rid of him?" Rick asks, loud enough for Xavier to have heard him.

Truthfully, yes, but if I get rid of him, I have a feeling Xavier is just going to keep showing up. He's stubborn when he wants to be, and clearly, he wants to talk to me. I can’t keep running away.

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