Page 77 of Until the Ink Dries

Just thinking about Tierra made my blood boil. Every time I thought about her being in the wind after what she did, I got angry all over again. I fully understood that addiction was a disease, but it was out of control at this point.

Where was she?

Was she lurking around a corner, waiting to pounce at any time?

Was I now on her radar since she’d watched us at Benny’s old place?

I had so many questions and not enough answers about that woman. Since he told me she was on drugs, I wondered where her friends or parents were when she first started using. Even if she didn’t want to be a mother, she still had a life that was valuable. Somebody should have helped her.

“Well,” Shirah said, clasping her hands. “I’m all for you moving back. I miss my bestie. We have so much to get into. You know… when you aren’t with Benny and Charlie.”

“And when you aren’t with Jordan.”

She pointed at me. “You play too much.”

“I match energy.” I playfully mushed her head before turning to my parents. “Sooo… Mom. Dad. I know I have to go back to Sterling Point to get my affairs in order, but when I get back, you think I can stay here until I find a spot?”

My mother frowned. “Why are you even asking us that? This is your home, Willow. You never had to leave.”

I was happy to hear that.

This decision came right on time. My lease was up next month. While I’d been prepared to renew, now I didn’t have to. I’d already booked my flight back and was set to leave in a few days. Knowing that the next time I’d be back here was for good almost had me ready to leave tonight.

Dinner was over after another hour or so. My mother and Aunt Lilith settled in her reading room with a bottle of wine. Daddy and Uncle James headed out back to smoke cigars, and Shirah and I ended up in my bedroom. I’d done a huge load of laundry and needed to sort it and put it away.

Since I was coming home, I decided to leave everything here, so it was less I had to bring back.

“Sooo…” Shirah said, throwing herself across my bed.

“So, what?”

“You told Benny you’re moving back yet?”

I looked up from the socks I was pairing. “No. I don’t want him to think I’m moving back because of him. I’m gonna tell him, though. I mean, I haven’t even told him I’m leaving in a few days.”

“Better get on that.”

“I am.”

I pulled out my phone and sent Benjamin a quick text.

Me: Hey, are you busy later?

Benny: Not too busy for you, love.

Me: Can I see you?

Benny: Sure. You mind coming to me, though? Charlie had therapy today and she’s a little sad. I just wanna be close in case she needs me.

Me: Of course. Give her some love for me.

Benny: I will. If I tell her you’re coming, she’s gonna try her hardest to stay awake. You’ve stolen my baby’s heart.

I smiled as I typed a response.

Me: She’s stolen mine. I’ll see you later.

Benny: See you later, love.

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