Page 9

Chapter Eight

ARIEL

“Y ou sure there’s not anything else you need?” Callie asks, leaning against the wall as I sit on my new bed and sheets, gliding my palm over the pretty floral pattern. I haven’t had sheets this soft and pretty since before my mom passed away. It feels much longer than a year. I’d been so systematically torn down, everything I loved stripped away until I had nothing. Now, I’m determined to surround myself with all the things I love and miss, including the items Kodiak and some of the other bikers in his club brought to my new place.

Tears burn my eyelids, but I won’t let them fall. Not for Perry. Or Ricky. They don’t deserve them.

“Yeah, I think so,” I reply, releasing a ragged breath as I meet Callie’s gaze. I won’t let this drag me down into depression again. I lived that way for months. The horrid past was behind me, and I intended to keep it there.

“You’re tough, Ariel. You’ve got this.”

“Yeah, I do,” I reply with confidence. A week ago, I wasn’t capable of thinking or reacting this way, but now, free from the abuse and horror of my living conditions and Perry’s control, I feel like a new woman.

Callie beams a bright smile. “I think you’ve got everything you need for your new job, too.” She gestures to the stack of shirts on my dresser. “You know, we should exchange numbers.”

Oh, right. With all the money from Perry’s place, I bought bags of supplies, toiletries, and essentials. The best purchase? My new cell phone.

I pick it up from where it has been charging on my nightstand and check the power level. One hundred percent. I unplug the cord and tuck it away for later use before turning to Callie. “You’re my first contact!”

Callie squeals with delight and rushes to my side, entering her information. “You know, I’m going to add Chomp too. And Kodiak. You should have their numbers in case of an emergency. It’s a good idea to have your boss’s number as well.”

Good idea. “Okay.”

“Call me and I’ll add you.”

Once her phone rings, she clicks off the call. “Got it. I’m so excited! Now we can text whenever you want.”

“I’d like that.”

“I’m going to leave you to it, but I think we should meet up on Friday so we can have coffee and treats at Beanie’s. I wanna know all about your first few days working for Chomp.”

I can’t help smirking. “You just want to hear any gossip.”

“Of course!” she laughs. “I’m hoping it’s everything you want and then some.” She winks and tugs me into a hug. “I’m here for you. You need someone to talk to, reach out. Anytime. Okay?”

“I will. Thanks.”

The house is quiet after she leaves. Michelle, Or Chelle as she insists I call her, ran out to pick up groceries and a few other items, stating she’ll return in a couple of hours. For now, I have the place to myself.

And boy, do I need a few minutes alone to process all this. It’s been a hectic day, but one that will live in my memory for a long time. And that’s when I decide I need to keep a journal and maybe a scrapbook too. I’ve always loved crafts and sewing. My mom got me started on it when I was young. Maybe this healing process will be smoother if I can sink my free time into things I love and enjoy and find my happiness again.

And that’s what I decide I’m going to do. Reclaim my joy. I’ll start with taking photos of all my favorite things, places, and moments. With a grin, I slide across my phone and open the camera, snapping my first shot. It’s my new bed with the sheets. The next? My new room.

I’m so full of restless energy that I decide I’ll go for a walk and check out Yukon Bluff with fresh eyes. I’ve got plenty of snacks and drinks from my shopping trip with Callie, so this is more exploratory than necessary. Still, I slip some cash in my pocket just in case I see something I want, since money’s no longer an object. Kodiak told me that once Fang had all the information, he’d either give my stuff from the bank to Callie or bring it by himself. I briefly glance at the information packet that he dropped off for my new job but decide that can wait until later on.

Mom, things are looking up!

The guys set up the hutch along one of the walls in my room, then took the sewing cabinet and made a sewing nook for me. My fingers itch to go through the totes of fabric they brought, but I push that off as well. I know I have Sundays off, and only work half a day on Saturdays to check in any campers or folks who are there for a tour on the lake with Chomp. My hourly pay is more than enough to cover my room, as well as my cell phone bill, although I want to talk to Chelle about pitching in for the internet and ask if I can pay for a few streaming services. I have so many shows to catch up on, and thanks to the huge television the guys brought then mounted to my wall, I’ll be able to do so.

Contentment settles in my soul. Realistically, I know I’ll probably need to seek professional help, but that’s also a problem for future Ariel. Present Ariel wants to explore since she doesn’t have a car. Thankfully, work is within walking distance, so not only will I get exercise, but I’ll also get plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Yukon Bluff is definitely a hidden gem with little to no crime, or the environmental pollution that seems to permeate most major cities these days.

I grew up in Mercy Falls which is the closest neighbor to Yukon Bluff. I spent nearly as much time here as in Mercy, so I know enough of the landscape to feel confident I won’t get lost. There are beautiful mountains here, but also the prettiest lake. Trees stretch as far as the eye can see and dot the landscape with pops of color, proving spring has reached Yukon Bluff. I smile as I glance over and see my plants around my room. When Callie and I went to get my bedding, she found a gorgeous stand that now sits in front of the window in my room and is heavy with my plants. She also found the cutest little watering can which matches my decor.

I’m not walking long before I reach the pier that’s a bit of a tourist attraction here, if you can call it that in such a small town, but the locals love it too. It’s the lake framed by the mountains that’ll sometimes draw people to Yukon. The view is breathtaking, and I soak it in, basking in the rays of soft sunshine. It’ll be dusk soon, but until then, I want to find a bench and snap a few pictures.

From what Callie has shared, the club has started businesses to bring people to Yukon Bluff. In addition to the kayak shop, they also have ski lifts further up in the mountains that are very busy once the snow falls. Thankfully, that’s months away from now, since the beautiful flowers are permeating the air with their scent. I can hear the buzzing bees and grin, knowing that we need them.

As long as you don’t mess with them, sweetie, they won’t hurt you, my mom’s voice whispers in my head. A memory from long ago pops into my mind; I was maybe six and got scared when a bee buzzed rather close to me. She explained that we needed bees because they helped pollinate the plants and trees that kept life as we know it going. While I’ll never be a beekeeper or anything, I respect the tiny creature who plays an important role in the environment.

I use the camera on my phone to document my first adventure and use the panorama mode to get the whole horizon. The sun’s rays sparkle on the water like diamonds. It’s so beautiful and serene, I can almost forget the recent past. Focusing on the present, I make a pact with myself to stay in the moment. I can’t change what happened to me, I can only take what I’ve learned and grow, even if it comes at the cost of a few tears along the way.

“Callie will help me,” I murmur, smiling. When I was younger, before Mom got sick, I had several close girlfriends, but by the time she passed, I was already under Perry’s thumb. It wouldn’t matter anyway, because a lot of the people my age moved away, wanting the excitement of a bigger, busier lifestyle in the city. Not me, though. I’ve always enjoyed the quieter, simpler life that living in Mercy Falls and now Yukon Bluff provides.

That thought brings me to Chomp. I haven’t thought of him much since I left earlier today. But he’s been in the background of my mind, lingering and waiting, proving he’s forever patient where I’m concerned. I decide to send him a text, letting him know that Callie gave me his number. I know he’ll want mine and this enables us to have open communication for work purposes.

Me: Hey, Chomp. It’s me, Ariel. I got a new phone today and wanted to give you the number. I thought this would help if something comes up with work.

Chomp: Hi. Already saving you in my contacts.

Chomp: Btw, don’t think I won’t text you outside of work concerns, Ariel. Did you get settled in okay?

I smile at his words since I can practically hear him saying it to me.

Me: Pretty much. I think Callie and I bought out the stores, but with the stuff that your brothers brought to me, it’s definitely homey looking. And thank you for the bed and television.

Chomp: You’re welcome. As your mate, it’s my privilege to take care of you, Ariel.

Warmth fills me at his words. He’s been above board and honest with me from the get-go, and there’s a part of me that wishes we had met before Perry ever walked into my life. I’m so disgusting and damaged now that there’s no way Chomp will want me, regardless of whether or not I’m his mate as he claims.

Me: What time do you want me to come in tomorrow?

“Smooth, Ari, real smooth,” I mutter. Could I have been any more obvious about changing the subject?

Chomp: Does nine work?

Me: That’s perfect. And jeans with one of the company T-shirts, right?

Chomp: Yes. See you tomorrow.

It’s a quiet evening once I’m home. Michelle is dating a guy who works construction, so I don’t see her for more than fifteen minutes when I arrive home. We’re quick to exchange numbers as she spies the cell phone in my hand.

“Could I get the wi-fi code? I’d like to catch up on some shows.”

She lightly smacks her forehead and laughs. “I should have done that already.”

Once I have the info jotted down, I nod. “Thanks.”

“I’ll be out late.” She gives me an apologetic smile. “We need to plan a day to hang out and get to know one another.”

“I’d love to,” I say, and I mean it.

I wave from the doorway as she grabs her purse and dashes out, rushing to her car. It’s cute. Michael, her boyfriend, sounds like he’s a nice guy, and I’m sure I’ll meet him soon. Flipping the lock, I ensure I’m safe for the night, and head into the kitchen. I need snacks.

It’s odd to have the evening to myself. I don’t have to rush to cook or clean for someone else or worry that I’ll be hit or kicked during the process. After my popcorn is ready, I take it into my room with my Diet Coke and settle in for the night.

Just when I’m getting sleepy, I hear my phone vibrate with an incoming text. Since there are only a handful of people who have my number, I decide to look. It might be important. Before I can swipe across the screen, another text follows. I smile when I see who sent it.

Chomp: Goodnight, Ariel.

Chomp: Sweet dreams.

Me: See ya later, Alligator.

It’s impulsive. I don’t know what possesses me to send that text or the smiley face emoji after it.

I don’t have to worry Chomp won’t like it. His response is quick. A laugh emoji first, then his comment.

Chomp: In a while, Crocodile.

I’m grinning so damn wide, and it’s silly, but I love it. I turn off the TV and shut off the lights, and when I close my eyes, there aren’t any nightmares to greet me.