Page 23

L ana groans. “Stop moving the house.” She rests her forehead on her arm that lies on the kitchen table. I’d say it’s the aftermath of all the shots we drank, but something tells me it goes deeper than that.

“I hate to break it to you, but the house isn’t moving.” From the cabinet, I grab a mug for Lana after filling my own with this morning's brew.

“Ah. So it’s only my humiliation swirling and waiting to devour me whole. Got it.” She gives a thumbs up while burying her face in her arm once more.

Last night started as fun but ended badly. I slide one of her silly mugs filled with liquid gold next to her. The aroma of dark roast causes her to perk up instantly.

“I’m sorry.” Regret fills her voice.

“Don’t be sorry, Lana. I feel like we’ve been apologizing way too much lately. You were just sticking up for me.” I smile because she was, and her friendship went to a whole new level. Like superwoman mode.

“Between the alcohol, Crew, and seeing Mark, I lost all control over my compulsions.”

“You did. But I must admit, seeing you slap Mark was insanely satisfying.” I laugh.

Lana smacks her hand on the table. “Right?! God, that sure felt good. I’ve been wanting to do that since we broke up.”

“Thanks for having my back.”

“Always.”

When my butt hits the chair, I take a sip of coffee and study Lana’s frowning face. “Hey. You okay?”

Her concerning eyes lock with mine. “I can’t help but think Mark is just the appetizer of what’s coming.”

I swallow. Because I know where this is going. “Are you talking about Jason?”

“Yes. Yes, I’m talking about Jason. Sure, he’s left you alone this long, but don’t you think he’s going to want to find out where his wife ran off to? Don’t you think about him eventually finding you, Sora?”

Every second of every day.

“Of course I do. It’s on my mind when I wake up. When I walk to my car. When I’m driving home. He consumes my thoughts every waking moment and, yes, it terrifies me. But I’m trying to not let him control my life anymore.”

Anymore.

There’s a tick of silence before Lana adds, “I’m not stupid. You obviously had reasons for just picking up and running from him, but if you’re in danger, Sora, you should take it to the police.”

In any other circumstance, that’d make sense, but not in mine. And not being able to tell her destroys me.

I shake my head. “I told you. I can’t go to the police.”

“Why not?”

“Because I just can’t, okay? Lana please, drop it. Everything will be okay. First sign of trouble and I’m out of here. I would never put you in danger.”

“Ugh. Sora, I don’t give a fuck about that.” Lana tilts her head. “We’re in this together. You are my family. You’ve always been my family. So, whatever is to come, I’ll be ready to fight alongside with you.”

My chest tightens. While it warms my heart knowing Lana has my back in every way, shape or form, it hurts me to think about something bad happening to her because of me.

“You’re the best non-blood sister I’ve ever had.” A tear threatens to escape, but I swallow it down.

I won’t cry.

A sad smile lifts from her mouth. “You deserve to be happy. And I wish we can put him in the past for good.” She pauses, watching me intently. “Who is this man, Sora?”

I sigh, peering out the window, and watch as a blue jay perches itself on a branch. “He’s purgatory.” At least in hell, you are where you’re supposed to be. But he trapped me, unable to escape.

After a full day’s work, Shelby turns the open sign to close, locking the doors.

“Woo wee. That was a busy day.” She sighs and I can’t agree more.

My feet are killing me. “Sora, honey, I almost forgot to tell you. This silly old brain of mine. The café will be closed all next week. Me and the Mr. are taking a week off to go see our granddaughters.”

I slump with exhaustion into a chair while Shelby hands me a glass of water. “Thank you,” I tell her, accepting it from her. “I didn’t know you had grandbabies.” I take a sip, letting the coldness soothe me.

“Yep. Two girls. Ten and thirteen. We go every summer.”

“You don’t look old enough to have grandkids that old.” She doesn’t. Not really, anyway. Despite her real age, Shelby seems only fifty or so.

She bursts out into high pitch laughter. “That’s kind of you. But I’ll be seventy next month.”

I cough, almost choking on my water. “Sorry.” I dab my mouth with a napkin. “I was just not expecting that.”

“I’ll remember this conversation when I give you your raise.” She smiles and laughter escapes me.

“At least I know my skills in flattery are top-notch.”

Shelby throws her head back in laughter, following mine. “I’m sure glad you’re around. Gives this place a livelier atmosphere.”

“And I’m glad to be here.”

This is becoming more than just a job. The fact I can bake and be myself warms every inch of me. If I ever have to say goodbye, my heart will shatter.

“I hope you use next week to your advantage. Have fun. I don’t know what you kids are doing nowadays but seize the darn day.”

I giggle. Mrs. Stevens almost swearing is a whole different experience. “Thanks. I will. But I’m thirty years old, Shelby. Sipping wine and reading a good book are my ideas of fun.”

“Then do that.” She pats my hand, then wanders off to the back to clean up.

Mmm. I am going to use the time wisely.