Page 7 of Open Arms

I shrugged, fighting the urge to curl into myself. “I didn’t want to be a bother. I’m still new here and I didn’t think anyone could help, besides, it’s my issue to deal with?—“

“Nonsense,” Eryn cut me off, her hand on my arm. “We take care of our own in Whittier Falls. Let me see what I can do to help, okay?”

“Oh no, you don’t have to. You’ve done so much already by giving me a job. I’ll be fine once I get my first paycheck.”

“Well, first I’ll get you an advance.”

Relief and gratitude washed over me. “Really? Thank you,” I whisper, blinking back tears.

Eryn’s amber eyes widen in shock as if she’d just processed something. “Wait, you said motel? Tell me you’re not staying at that old motel on Route 9? Oh honey, no wonder you’re worried about money.”

I bit my lip, embarrassment flooding through me. “It’s not so bad,” I mumble, but even I didn’t believe it.

“Chloe,” Eryn said softly, her hand on my shoulder. “That place is a dump. It’s not safe. You can’t stay there.”

I shrugged again, forcing a weak smile. “It’s all I can afford right now.”

Eryn’s brow furrowed, determination sparking in her eyes. “Not anymore. I think I know someone who might be able to help.”

My heart skipped a beat. “Wait. Really? Who?”

“A friend,” she said, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Come on, let’s go.”

I hesitated. “But my shift?—“

“Consider yourself on a break,” Eryn winked. “This is important.”

As we headed towards the door, my mind raced. Who could this mystery person be? And why would they want to help me? The idea of being a burden on someone slashed into my gut like barbed wire.

“Eryn,” I started, my voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know if I can?—“

She turned, her smile warm and reassuring. “Trust me, Chloe. Sometimes the universe has a way of providing exactly what we need, when we need it most.”

I took a deep breath, trying to quell the anxiety bubbling in my chest. “Okay.” I nodded, following her down the hall and out into the sunshine. “Lead the way.”

The warmth of the afternoon sun enveloped us as Eryn and I strolled down Main Street. Whittier Falls was picture-perfect, with quaint storefronts and flower boxes bursting with color. It was a stark contrast from the city I had left behind.

“So, Chloe,” Eryn said, her voice light. “What brought you to our little slice of heaven?”

I tensed, my fingers twisting the hem of my shirt. “Oh, you know . . . just needed a change of scenery.”

Eryn’s sideways glance told me she wasn’t buying it. “Mhmm. And you picked Whittier Falls because . . . ?”

“I, uh, followed Sunshine Acres on Instagram. And you, of course,” I admitted. “It sounded peaceful. I thought maybe . . .”

“Maybe what?” Eryn prodded gently.

I swallowed hard. “Maybe I could start over. Leave the past behind.”

She nodded, understanding in her eyes. “We all have our reasons for seeking a fresh start.”

As we rounded a corner, Eryn’s face lit up. “Oh! Here we are!”

I followed her gaze to a large Victorian home in the heart of downtown. She pointed to the back, and the corner of a charming little guest house could be seen nestled against the treeline. It was all weathered wood and climbing roses, like something out of a storybook.

“It’s beautiful,” I breathed.

Eryn beamed. “Isn’t it? It belongs to Mason Bridges, the manager over at my husband’s ranch, Red Downs.”

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