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Chapter Seventeen

The television played the evening news while I curled up on Rebecca's sofa. Hot tea sat on the end table beside me next to a plate of fresh chocolate chip cookies. I hadn't touched it yet while I scrolled through my phone. An email delivered a digital copy of the protective order that Rebecca filed on my behalf once she learned that my mother would be released on parole. The stay-away order had no end date, but the terms of her parole barred her from contacting me. I read it a few times, and swiped at a tear that trickled down my cheek.

I knew she would eventually be released, that thirty years was a lofty sentence to expect, but all of it still came tumbling down on me. For what she did to me, she was awarded freedom to live the rest of her life, while I had to live the rest of mine bearing the burden of her actions. I tucked my phone in the pocket of the fluffy Sherpa robe, and turned my attention back to the news.

Rebecca checked on me often, and I let her dote. I must've fallen asleep because when I opened my eyes to the delicate caresses on my leg, Sam crouched in front of me, a warm smile curving her painted lips. She still wore her blue work scrubs, and clutched the purse on her shoulder.

"Someone sent me a flower today," she whispered, then set down her bag. "Any idea who that could've been?"

A smile tugged at my cheeks immediately, washing away the feelings of numbness that flattened my emotions. "Did you like it?"

"I loved it, my sweet." She took my hands in hers. "I sent you a text, but Rebecca called me before I heard back from you."

"I fell asleep. I'm really happy that you liked the sunflower." I reached for her and she pulled me into a hug that lifted me from my spot on the sofa. I latched on to her, burying my face against her neck when she turned to sit with me in her lap.

"I'm sorry, honey," she whispered, her palm holding my head to her shoulder. "I know you're sad."

"You make me feel better," I told her, confessing the truth. "It was inevitable, but I have you and my family."

"Yes, you do." She pressed her lips to my forehead when I gathered my hands against her chest. "Tell me what you need, baby. What can I do?"

"Just hold me like you are. Eat cookies and cake with me," I said, smiling a little with it.

"I'm all for holding you while eating cookies and cake." She chuckled and brushed her lips over my knuckles. "I'm off until Monday."

"I think I might call out again tomorrow or work from home." I toyed with the hem of her scrub top near her clavicle.

"Good. Call out Friday, too. We can spend the next four days lost in lust and junk food. Speaking of, when do we start on the cookies and cakes?" she said, offering me a sugary smile.

"I like that plan. And how about right now?" I lifted one of the cookies Rebecca made from the plate beside the sofa and held it between us. Sam laughed as we took a bite together.

"Wow." She licked her lips and her brows lifted. "Why is this so good?"

"Rebecca's recipe. She puts magic in the chocolate chips." I snickered then held the cookie to her for another bite. She accepted with a grin.

"This is new," she said, glancing toward the entryway. "And at your parents' house. You remember that I'm kinky when you're naughty, right?"

I laughed and nodded while squeezing her with my thighs. "Yes."

"And you need a distraction, baby, don't you?" She tucked my hair behind my ears and I nodded again. "I can tell."

I leaned into her touch and rested my forehead against hers after we finished the last bites of the cookie. We grew quiet and doted on each other with soft touches and nuzzles. Our breath calmed and synced in a manner that brought me solace. My insides cooled, and I allowed myself to relax in her arms. When we spent time together, everything else seemed less painful and overwhelming.

Sam broke the quiet when she said, "I loved that you've sent me flowers twice now, Rosie. It's been a decade since anyone cared to do such things for me."

"You deserve lovely things every day," I said, and she caught me in a swift kiss after.

Our delicate make out session continued, with Sam's caution at an all-time high. She kept ending our kisses to glancing toward the entryway, and when Rebecca swept in, Sam broke our connection with her body tensing.

"Okay, lovebirds. Dinner is ready," she said, clapping her hands once. "It's just us girls until Steve gets home. Jay's in class."

"Thanks for cooking for us, Rebecca," I said as I stood from Sam's lap. I slipped out of the floppy robe and left myself in baggy sweats. Sam took my hand and gave it a squeeze before we followed Rebecca, the two of them sharing a knowing smile. What they knew, however, was lost to me.

"Always, sweet girl." Rebecca smooched my cheek before ushering us to the table filled with her best Italian cooking, which also happened to be my favorite.

"Wow." Sam's eyes widened when she observed the spread. "Rosie, can we come here whenever you have a bad day?"

I laughed hard and hugged her around the middle. "I think we could plan for that."