Page 7 of Inevitable Dream

“Gertie, Sadie’s probably resting,” I hear Kailyn say.

“I heard Rebel’s voice earlier. Besides, I just want to see if they liked my soup,” Gertie replies innocently.

“Oh, Gertie, what am I going to do with you?” Kailyn huffs.

“You have to love me. It’s my rule,” Gertie says.

I turn to Sadie, raising my brow and giving a sly grin. “Warning, babe. Gertie’s a force all on her own.”

“I look like hell,” Sadie says, putting her hand on her cheek.

“Family comes in all shapes and sizes. Gertie’s really sweet, and Kailyn is good people.” The vigorous knocking on the door cannot be ignored. “Here we go,” I say and yank open the door.

Chapter4

Parental Interruption

Sadie

Rebel wasn’t kidding when he said that Gertie is a powerful force. She is that, and also sweet and kind and loving. She’s motherly too, and the second she lays eyes on me, Gertie sits next to me, her lips pressed together and worry lines on her forehead.

“Who would do this to an angel?” Gertie says in dismay.

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” I tell her, suddenly very aware of the scrapes and bruises on my face.

Gertie veers her gaze sharply in Rebel’s direction. “You find out who did this and you make him pay. Do you hear me?” she says angrily, wagging a finger at him.

“Rebel has to take it easy. He’s still recovering. Remember?” I remind her.

Gertie will not be swayed. “Fine. I’ll sic Falcon on them.”

Kailyn steps in. “Gertie, you’re scaring Sadie. You’ve only just met the girl, and you’re ordering Falcon to find one mugger in a city full of thieves.” She pats Gertie’s hand.

Gertie drops the subject, and the room goes quiet.

“I want to thank you for the soup. It was the best I’ve had since home,” I say.

Gertie’s eyes light up and Kailyn gives me a smile. “What brought you to us, dear?” Gertie asks.

“Mom and Dad had me later in life. I was a wonderful surprise, that’s what Mom says. It’s just me, no brothers or sisters. Mom and Dad were great advocates of independence, and I took after them. When I finished school, my parents wanted to retire, and I’m just starting my career, so they bought a hobby farm in Arizona, and I made the decision to come here,” I explain.

“Why here, of all places?” Kailyn asks.

“You’re going to think I’m nutty. I grabbed a map of the country, closed my eyes, and decided that wherever my finger landed, that was where I was going. I applied to several places and got the job with Nurses on Call. Henrietta, the owner, knows I’m waiting to get into a local hospital as an ER nurse, but who knows, I may continue to do some part-time work for her as well.”

I glance over at Rebel, who is standing across from me with his arms crossed over his chest, a glint of humor in his eyes and a smile on his face.

“That’s bold, sweetie,” Gertie says. “Something I would have done when I was younger. Much younger.” She laughs.

“I think that’s pretty cool,” Kailyn adds. “I did the same, but for different reasons.” Rebel already mentioned that Kailyn’s husband died. “In my case, I was coming home, though. My family are great people, but what they wanted for me wasn’t what I wanted for myself.

“Parents can do that, but I’m sure it was all out of the love they have for you,” I say.

“Enough chatter. Sadie needs rest. We’ll come by again tomorrow. We’ll have tea,” Gertie announces as she gets to her feet. Kailyn gets up as well.

Rebel walks them to the door, then clicks it shut behind them. I’m feeling weary, and Rebel notices immediately.

“You need to sleep,” he says. “Come on, I’ll walk you back to the bedroom.”

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