Page 85 of A Dash of You

Her face drops into something unrecognizable. “It’s been two days, Sora. Don’t let this prick do this to you. He’s probably only trying to intimidate you. There’s been no sighting of a crazed husband roaming around town. So, get out of this funk and out of this bed.”

Something drained my courage. Haven’t been able to function properly for the last forty-eight hours. I’ve also been ignoring Logan’s texts, his calls, his visits. I laid everything out on the table, embarrassment marring my entire being now. He must think I’m a complete sociopath. I’m married and didn’t tell him.

“I’m with you in this. Logan too. Which, by the way, that poor guy has been moping around because you won’t answer his calls. He also came by this morning. Stop freakin’ ignoring him.”

That makes my guilt weigh heavier.

“Look, I know this is the last thing you want to do, but the pub is having a small get together to celebrate Mr. Campbell’s retirement. Come out with me tonight. It’ll do you some good.”

The last thing I want is to be in a large crowd, in a public setting. But I look and feel a mess. I haven’t gotten out of bed, and I called off work the last two days. Good thing I made extra desserts and stored them in the freezer.

“Going out to a bar when my husband is on the loose doesn’t seem like a good idea.”

“Yeah, well, fuck him. Don’t let him see he’s won. Nothing says fuck you like going about your normal life—the one you’ve built here.”

My chest warms.The life I’ve built. “Yeah, you’re right.”

Lana’s face flashes with a wide grin. “Good. Now take a shower. Do your hair and pick out something hot to wear tonight. I have your back. We all do.” I’m not sure Lana knows what she’s getting herself into. She still sees the apprehension on my face. “When you’re ready to tell me everything, I’ll be here to listen.”

When I told Logan everything, my shoulders grew lighter. Relief flooded over me. For someone else to know what I went through was… in a way, comforting. And not so alone.

I pick at the bedding and grab Lana’s hand, pulling her to sit back down. “You deserve to know and I’m ready to tell you, but please don’t freak out.”

Her eyes narrow with concern as she grabs a pillow, hugging it to her body.

I start from the beginning, leaving nothing out. Everything I told Logan is what I tell Lana. She’s my best friend, and it’s only fair to her to know why I disappeared when I was a teenager. Why I lost contact. Besides, I trust her with my life.

By the time I’m finished, tears are streaming down her face.

I cup her cheek. “Don’t cry for me. It wasn’t all that bad. I had a roof over my head. Clothes. Food. I got to lie out by a swimming pool that’s bigger than the trailer. Don’t you dare feel sorry for me.”

Lana curses and lets out another sob. “And don’t you dare make excuses for him, Sora. You were sold like a piece of jewelry. Locked away like a prisoner. He led you to believe he was giving you the best life. Don’t you see…” She wipes more tears away. “He’s the biggest piece of shit and I can’t believe I didn’t know. I can’t believe I didn’t figure it out. Oh my God! I should have known.” Lana gets up, throwing the pillow on the floor and me rising to stand near her.

“You couldn’t have possibly known, Lana. How could you have?”

“My best friend suddenly meeting an older man at seventeen and getting married. I should have fucking known. You’re spontaneous, but not an idiot.”

I sigh, adding a smile to it. “Come here.” I move her into a hug, my shirt getting damp from her tears. “You had your own shit you were going through. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.”

“This isn’t about me right now.” She lets out a frustrated groan. “I hate him and if I ever see him, I’ll… I’ll—”

“You will do nothing. That’s what you’ll do.”

“Sora…” Lana pushes out of my embrace. “You’re going to the police, right? I mean, this man should be in prison.”

“It won’t matter. It’ll only make things worse for me. We don’t go to the authorities. Promise me.” I grip her shoulders, burying my stare into hers.

“I hate this,” she whispers.

“Me too. That’s why after tonight I’m going to leave. Not let the people I care about get involved.”

Lana shakes her head. “Absolutely not. If you leave, I’ll be so pissed at you. I’m already involved. So, you leaving will be for nothing. If he shows up again, we’ll handle it. Together.”

I smile. That’s why I love her.

I honestly don’t know what I’ll do. Leaving seems like the only possibility, but there’s nowhere to go. And Lana would huntme down and bring me back, anyway. If Jason does shows up again… I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.

My soft curls let loose as I run a comb through them. I finish putting on earrings and swipe on a dark shade of red lipstick. My mood is far from seeking fun, but Lana’s right. I can’t let him depress me or cause me to remain locked up and afraid to step foot in public again. If he has eyes on me, he’ll see I’m not afraid, even though deep down, I am. I’ll get out completely. I just need more time—more money so I’m finally able to take him down.

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