Page 39 of Open Arms

The door to Eryn’s place swung open before I even knocked,spilling warm light onto the porch. “Chloe, you made it!” Eryn greeted me with a hug that felt like being wrapped in sunshine.

“Wouldn’t miss it,” I managed, my voice steadier than my nerves. Girls’ night at Red Downs Ranch was the last place I ever expected to find myself. But here I was, being social.

“Come in, come in! Caroline and Sutton are already wreaking havoc in the kitchen.” Eryn’s laugh, as always, was infectious and I found myself smiling despite the turmoil of emotions still churning within me.

“Hey, Chloe!” Caroline called out from where she stood, precariously balancing a tray of White Claws. “Catch!” She tossed one my way. My hand shot out, more reflex than skill, and snagged it from the air.

“Nice reflexes,” Sutton said, her grin mischievous as she stirred something fragrant on the stove. “Maybe we should draft you for the town’s softball team.”

“Ha, right.” I popped open the can and took a sip. “Because what every team needs is a player who’s more likely to hit herself in the face than the ball.”

Laughter bubbled up around me, and I felt the weight on my chest lighten just a bit. These women, with their easy banter and open hearts, were becoming the family I hadn’t known I needed.

“Okay, ladies,” Eryn announced, clapping her hands together. “Tonight is about fun, relaxation, and all the wine and White Claws we can responsibly consume.” She winked. “Responsibly being open to interpretation.”

“Speaking of wine,” Caroline chimed in, waving a bottle of Pinot Noir, “I need someone with actual upper body strength to uncork this. Any volunteers?”

“I’ve got it,” Sutton said, sauntering over with the swagger of a woman confident in her cork-popping abilities. “Prepare tobe amazed.”

We gathered in the living room, a riot of throw pillows and laughter, each of us claiming a spot on the cozy sectional. Eryn poured the wine with the grace of a sommelier, while Caroline distributed the snacks like they were prescriptions for happiness.

“Here’s to friends,” Eryn toasted, raising her glass. “The family you choose.”

“Cheers to that,” I said, the sound of our glasses clinking a melody of solidarity.

“Okay, spill it, Chloe,” Caroline said after a sip, her doctor’s intuition kicking in. “You’ve got that look. Like you’re trying to solve a puzzle inside your head.”

“Is it that obvious?” I asked, tracing the rim of my glass.

“Only to those of us who care enough to notice,” Sutton said with a soft smile.

“Let’s just say . . . work was interesting today.” I hesitated, but there was something about being in this circle that coaxed secrets to the surface.

“Was it Pete again?” Eryn asked, gently.

“Got it in one,” I replied, the details tumbling out now. “I had to let him down. I just hope I didn’t hurt him too much. He’s a good guy.”

“Wait, Pete Dillard asked you out?” Sutton asked, trying to catch up.

“Ah, he’s asked me out a few times,” I confessed, feeling the familiar twist of discomfort just thinking about it. “Today, again. And it’s just—I don’t know, it’s awkward.”

“Awkward like how?” Sutton inquired, leaning forward, her dark curls spilling over her shoulders.

“Like, wishing I could be swallowed by a sinkhole level of awkward.” My words drew a round of knowing nods.

“Did you tell him you’re not interested?” Caroline’s practical tone laced with sympathy.

“Sort of. I’m not very good at confrontation, and I get so flustered I feel like I just lose consciousness and don’t remember what I say.” My voice was soft, the weight of guilt still pressing on my chest. “I hate hurting people’s feelings. But it’s like he didn’t get it? Or didn’t accept it before.”

“Sounds like Pete needs a reality check,” Eryn muttered.

“Or a new hobby,” Sutton added, earning a snort from Caroline.

“Maybe both,” I said, smiling despite the twinge of empathy for Pete’s bruised heart. “I think I got the point across this time . . . I hope.”

“Stand your ground,” Eryn said firmly. “You’re kind, Chloe, but don’t let that kindness trample over your own comfort. Let me know if I have to step in officially.”

Caroline nudged Eryn. “Yeah, call HR here and shut it all down. And if he keeps bothering you, we can always arrange an intervention. The Sunshine Acres style.”

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