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Reaching onto the table next to the bed, Bridget pulled over a book and handed it to Jerica. “She brought me a couple books, but I can’t say I’ve ever been a reader like her.”

Jerica flipped the book over and read the back. It was Bridget’s not-so-subtle hint to figure out if Eli’s suspicions were right or wrong. She wanted to know if this woman was as interested in women, but Bridget didn’t have the radar that Eli did. She needed verbal confirmation.

Handing the book back, Jerica made eye contact. “I like Ruby Scott’s books. I’ve read a lot of her romances. I usually need something nice and light after what I deal with daily.”

It was close to a confirmation. Bridget pressed her lips together hard, trying to get enough guts to just ask outright. The more Eli had talked about it, the odder Bridget thought it was that Jerica kept visiting, and this second visit confirmed that. No one else had checked in on her from the hospital.

“I’d never heard of her before Eli brought the book over.”

“Is your friend a lesbian?”

Bridget snorted. “Oh yes, and she’ll be proud to tell you that. She’s dating a big time musician. Sadie Bade.”

“Oh! I’ve heard of her.” Jerica’s eyes lit up. “I’m not a huge fan of her music, but that’s mostly because I don’t listen to that style very often.”

Bridget was going to be hard pressed to admit that she loved Sadie’s music, and she would never admit that to Sarah or Eli. “Anyway, Eli is kind of all things lesbian, hence the books.”

Jerica smiled. “It’s good she’s proud of who she is and that she’s got friends who accept her. Not everyone has that.”

Bridget’s stomach dropped, and she stared at the plate of food in front of her, suddenly not hungry. She couldn’t even fathom what it had been like to grow up in Eli’s house, so accepted. She’d never had a chance like that, and she’d known it from the start. Coming out to her parents would have gotten her kicked out of the house, or worse yet, thrown into some kind of conversion therapy. They would have found a way for it even if she’d been an adult—she was sure of that. It had gotten to the point that, after Eli had come out to her family and Sharon and Edward had found out, that Eli wasn’t allowed anywhere near Bridget.

They’d thrown a loud fit down at the school board when two of the teachers had come out and announced they were dating. They’d lost, but it still hurt that she had to face the fact she was related to two of the biggest bigots in town.

“Bridget, did I say something?” Jerica caught Bridget’s attention.

“Oh, no. I think the pain medicine is finally kicking in and making me groggy. Sorry.”

“I should probably let you rest, then. Did they say when they’ll release you?”

“I think the current plan is in a day or two. I’m not entirely sure. I think it depends on how well I can move without help.”

“Makes sense.” Jerica’s lips curled upward. “I hope you get out of here sooner rather than later. It’s always easier to recover at home in my opinion.”

“I won’t be going home,” Bridget mumbled. “Can’t get in and out of my house. Too many stairs.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s split level, so there’s stairs to get to the door, then stairs up or down as soon as you get inside. It won’t be easy for me to do that on my own.”

“Oh.” Jerica’s face turned down. “Where will you stay then?”

“I haven’t figured that one out yet, so I guess only time will tell.”

“With your parents?”

Bridget’s previous thoughts came rushing back. “I hope not. We don’t exactly get along.”

“Ah.” Jerica touched her hand against Bridget’s. “Well, I hope you find someone kind to stay with.”

“Me too.”

“I’ll see you around, Bridget. I’m glad you’re doing so well.” Jerica stood up and walked out of the door without another word. Bridget leaned back into the pillows, staring after her. She still couldn’t figure out why Jerica would want to visit someone like her. Bridget was no one special. In fact, she was the complete opposite of special. She was broken.

* * *

Her heart raced and her fingers gripped the wheel tightly. Bridget clenched her eyes shut as the crunching sound of her vehicle breaking apart pierced her ears. She panicked. Every nightmare she’d had about dying in the line of duty came rushing back.

Her hands were covered in sweat as she tightened her grasp. She tried to turn away from the sound, from the danger, but she was locked into place. The seatbelt was tight against her hips, her chest, and she couldn’t move. Clenching her jaw, Bridget waited for the impact, for her to be sliced in half by whatever was coming at her.