Page 16 of Flawless Lyric

Is someone trying to break in?

I slowly back away from the door when I hear, “Dammit.” Oh, thank god—it’s Ruth.

“Ruth, what are you doing here?” I flip the lock and open the door.

“I was driving by and noticed your car was still here. I tried texting you, but you didn’t answer so I was worried.”

“I’m so sorry. I can’t find my extra phone charger and my battery’s dead. Did you need something in the office?”

“No, just checking on you, sweetie. It’s been a long day. Let’s go home.” I second that. “Since you worked late tonight, just open the office at one tomorrow. With the new schedule you sent there’s no point in being here early.”

“Thanks. I could do with a good night’s sleep.” Unlocking my car door, she turns to me.

“Chamomile tea works like a charm. Stop on your way home and grab yourself a box. It’s well worth it. I might stop by on Friday afternoon if the schedule doesn’t change again.” With that she bids me good night. We both know the schedule will change by morning.

I don’t stop for the tea since I just want a bath and a good night’s sleep. Even a glass of wine doesn’t tempt me tonight. Just being in my own bed and to sleep for ten hours straight would be wonderful.

I’m surprised when I open the garage and Novalee’s car is there. I thought for sure after I set her straight last night that she’d stay at Jeff’s. Well, she better be on her best behavior because I’m not in the mood for her lies and manipulation tonight. I’m too damn tired.

Walking into the house, I set my bag on the table. Reaching inside, I grab my phone and plug it into the charger. Ruth’s message pops up and so does Micah’s. Oh, be still my heart. I skip Ruth’s and go straight to Micah’s.

Micah:You are the reason I’m going to fall asleep with a smile on my face. Good night, Beauty.

This man knows all the right words and has all the right moves. How can I not fall for someone who is so thoughtful and sweet? I read it several times before closing my apps and shutting down my phone. Time for my bath.

Novalee’s door opens and we almost bump into one another. “You’re late,” she says. “I wasn’t sure if you were coming home tonight.”

“And I wasn’t sure if you’d be sleeping in your own bed tonight.” As far as my daughter’s concerned, less is best. She’s a smart girl, let her figure it out.

Brushing past, I head straight for my room. I’m not in the mood for an argument so I bite my tongue. Apparently she is.

“Gracie and I decided to drive to Stanford instead of flying. We’ll be leaving in a few weeks, so we have plenty of time to get there.” I want to scream “Over my dead body” but since I’m biting my tongue, I don’t.

Walking back the way I came, I ask, “What are your father’s thoughts on you girls driving there?”

“We just decided to do it tonight, so I haven’t mentioned it to him yet. You’re the first to know, but Gracie’s supposed to talk to her parents about it tonight too.” I’m sure they’ll be overjoyed at the thought of two teenage girls on a road trip of three thousand miles.

I know I am.

“Let’s sleep on it and see how Gracie makes out before discussing it further. I’m going to take a bath.” I keep on walking down the hall while she keeps talking.

“Theres nothing to discuss. I’m going with or without her.” Pick your battles, Lyric. Just walk away.

And I do.

Walking into my en-suite, I regret not grabbing a glass of wine when I came home. After that short conversation with Novalee, I need something to settle my nerves. Maybe I should have stopped at the store to pick up that chamomile tea that Ruth mentioned. It would be safer than popping open a bottle of wine every night. At this rate, I’ll need to restock my wine fridge on a weekly basis. Well, I might be exaggerating since it holds thirty bottles at a time, but you get the picture.

As I run the bath, I pour a good amount of lavender bubble bath into the piping hot water. Hoping that its calming properties will work for me tonight. God knows I need all the help I can get.

After stripping off my clothes, I throw them in the hamper. Then I very carefully sink down into the luxurious bubbles that envelop me. The heat from the water melts away my aches and pains. This is exactly what I needed tonight. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of self-pampering every now and again. Something I very rarely do but will start making my top priority.

I’m half asleep when there’s a knock on the door. At first, I’m disorientated until I feel the tepid water surrounding me. Reminding me that I’m in the bath. Thank goodness I didn’t fall asleep.

Novalee’s holding a little package when she sticks her head inside. “This was on the front porch, and it has your name on it. I’m going to Gracie’s since her parents want to talk to the both of us.” A package? I didn’t order anything.

“Okay, but please text me if you’re staying the night.” Stepping out of the bath, I wrap a fluffy towel around me. “Just leave the box on my bed.” With that she shuts the door and I spend a few minutes toweling off and putting on some comfy jammies.

After removing my makeup and brushing my teeth, I walk into the bedroom. Curious, I sit on the bed and pick up the little box. There’s no address on the label, just a stamp that has the name of a local store downtown. Weird. I’m almost afraid to open it since I don’t know who dropped it off. Should I call the store to let them know I didn’t order anything? That they might have the wrong address?

---