Page 31 of Pick Yourself Up
Her smile flashed. “I am. I was waffling before this. Now, I can’t stop picturing how they’ll look once they’re done. The building is amazing. It’s got so much heart and charm. The rooms will each have their own unique style and themes. It’s going to sparkle, Gray.”
“Just like you.”
And then they were kissing again.
Chapter 8
Something's Up
For her turn at cooking for the group, Amber put together one of Fox’s favorites. Pork chops, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and a salad. It was a comfort meal, and she hadn’t made it in years.
Probably because she hadn’t had anyone to cook for. Working at the hotels meant she’d had easy access to delicious foods prepared by experts.
Cooking for one was never fun, so she’d relied on the restaurants for almost all her meals.
Her skills were more than a little rusty, but she’d also spent time working in the kitchens with the various chefs. Learning from the experts was always great. As manager, she needed to know how every job in the hotel worked. She’d done laundry, cleaned rooms and windows, chopped onions, and dealt with demanding guests regularly.
This was better. Cooking for family. Sure, it was her turn and therefore her job, but it was for family.
Knox, Thea, Jolie, Ford, and Gray.
She’d love to see Lawson and Burke at the table. Maybe she should send them a photo of the meal to entice them. As long as everything turned out well enough. Burned chops wouldn’t lure her brothers here, but it would make them laugh. She’d send a photo either way.
Boomer snoozed on his bed in the kitchen corner, making Amber smile. She wondered if she’d feel safe cooking alone in the kitchen without him. Doubtful. She was glad she didn’t have to find out.
She supposed she should be embarrassed for being such a coward. Lots of people survived trauma far worse than hers and returned to normal life without a problem.
But the nightmares had been too intense for her to handle. The police and the doctors had recommended Doctor Kate. She’d hooked up with the woman before the doctors had released Amber from the hospital.
Knowing she was probably alone until she rang the dinner bell, Amber pulled out her phone and put in a video call. If the doctor wasn’t available, she’d leave a message.
Dr. Kate picked up the phone before the second ring. “Amber. It’s so nice to hear from you. How are you?”
She smiled. “Good. I’m doing well.”
“Did you make it to the apple farm?”
“I did. It’s a wonderful place and with Boomer’s help, I’m mostly coping with the newness.”
“How’s Boomer doing?”
At the sound of his name, Boomer rose from his bed and stretched. Then he trotted over. Amber slid to the floor, and he came to sit beside her and check out her phone. At the sight of Dr. Kate, he woofed softly in welcome, making them both laugh.
Amber hugged him. “He’s enjoying it here. I was just thinking that I might not be comfortable cooking alone in the kitchen without him. That made me think of you, and I thought I’d check in with an update.”
“I’m glad you did. You both look well. Any nightmares?”
Dr. Kate never pulled punches. Amber had learned to appreciate her directness and tried to always tell her the truth. “A few. Nothing that’s left me screaming, though.”
Dr. Kate nodded. “Is your room private enough to allow you to get a deep sleep?”
She shrugged. “Not really, but I think it’ll be fine, eventually. There’s a second house on the property that I’m planning to turn into a B&B or an inn. It’s an old building and requires a ton of work, but it’s going to be fun. I think I’ll get one room there ready first. That way, I won’t disturb anyone else if I have nightmares. Knowing no one will hear me should help me fall into a deep sleep.”
Kate studied her. “Will you feel safe in a building by yourself? You’re used to being in big buildings, but those have always been filled with people.”
Amber sighed. “Good question. I’m going to have to think about that. Having privacy would be a tradeoff for losing the comfort of having my family close by. And the safety they provide.”
Another nod. “Don’t rush the decision. Ensure it’s what you want before making a move. It sounds like you could easily try it to find out. It doesn’t have to be a permanent switch.”
