Page 18 of Finding Her Strength

“Sorry, it’s usually best to answer Mom when she’s calling instead of putting her off.”

“I can absolutely see that about her.” Ignoring Alice Jackson seems like it would be a terrible idea. My phone starts ringing, and a laugh pops out of my mouth when I see who’s calling.

I hold my phone to show Levi, and he laughs, as well. “Hello, Mrs. Jackson,” I answer.

“Hi, sweet Hope. I am calling to invite you to dinner. Does Tuesday work for you?”

Surprised by both the invitation and the demand, I pause before answering. Glancing at Levi, his smirk tells me he knows exactly what I’m dealing with right now. “Um, sure. Tuesday is fine.”

“Great! I will send you our address. Talk to you later, dear.”

I realize she hung up before I could respond, which shouldn’t be a surprise. Claire was right, she definitely used my phone number.

“So, I’ll see you at dinner on Tuesday?”

“How did you—”

“She invited me to the same dinner. More than likely, Cooper and Quinn, as well.”

“Right. That makes more sense than you being a mind reader.”

Levi laughs. “Not a mind reader, but I wish I could be sometimes.” His gaze is intense as if he’s trying to do it now. Thank God, he truly can’t.

“I should go,” I say, standing from the table and gathering my trash. I need to step away from this insane pull I feel and attempt to organize the swirling thoughts running through my head. My brain is telling me to protect myself just in case I’m wrong about Levi. To stay far away from the potential danger, but my heart is longing for the deeper connections I’ve read about. The one where you can’t get enough of the other person, no matter how much time you spend together. It’s absurd and absolutely perilous to be feeling this way, but I can’t help the need that’s suddenly taken root.

It seems fate is going to make it harder to resist the temptation, as well. Between the random run-ins and Alice Jackson, I believe I’ll be seeing Levi around a lot more frequently.

Whether I want to or not.

11

HOPE

“You can do this. You know everyone who will be there. There’s no reason to be nervous.” A deep sigh falls from my chest.

And now, I’m talking to myself. I hate how my fear of the unknown creates this unsettled feeling in my gut. Logically, I know there’s no reason to still have a fear of uncertainty, but it’s been something I’ve lived with for so long, it’s hard to stop despite how much work I’ve put into doing just that.

Being nervous about going to dinner at the Jacksons’ house feels silly. Cooper and Quinn have started to become friends, and Alice, while a force to be reckoned with, is a truly genuine person. They’re great people who have never given me any reason to feel this way, but the voice in my head keeps whispering for me to be careful.Don’t be seen. Don’t be heard.The mantra I’ve repeated every day since my grandmother died plays over and over in my head. Even though I don’t have to live my life afraid anymore, the instinct is still ingrained in me. It’ll be a long time before I’m able to completely relax in my new life.

I sort through my closet, attempting to find something appropriate to wear. T-shirts are my comfort zone, and Iwear them every single day. I rarely have a reason to wear anything else, so my wardrobe lacks anything nice for an event like this. Maybe a shopping trip to get some new clothes would be helpful. Especially now that I have the closet space.

Pushing through my nerves, I send pictures of the two shirts I’m debating on to Quinn. She’s been texting me regularly since I moved into the house. Mostly checking on me, making sure I’m settling in okay. She’s been so incredibly kind. If I could come out of my shell a little bit, she could become a good friend.

Me texting her first this time is a step in the right direction. I hope.

Me: I can’t decide what to wear to dinner. Thoughts?

To my surprise, she responds right away.

Quinn:The green one. It’ll look beautiful against your skin.

Me:Thank you. I’m nervous.

Quinn:You have nothing to worry about. I was nervous for my first dinner, too, but the Jacksons are incredibly welcoming and kind.

Me:Thanks for your help.

Quinn:Anytime! See you soon!

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