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twenty-one

Meadow

One Month Later

Life has come back to be as normal as possible. The girls and I have decided we are going to rent a cabin on the edge of town with a huge, heated pool and hot tub.

Elle is getting very close to her due date and this is something she can join in with us.Olivia, Ronny’s ole lady, also confirmed her attendance.

I even invited a few people from work. Sarah and I have become close friends and she mentioned inviting Nurse Jenny while I invited Dr. Ramirez.

She had been out of town recently for a family emergency, so she probably needs a girls’ night out.

I wave excitedly as bikes pull up into the cabin’s driveway, the roar of engines filling the air. One by one, the girls dismount, kissing their men goodbye before heading toward me with overnight bags in hand.

Sarah arrives in her own car, Nurse Jenny riding shotgun. They both look eager for a night of fun and relaxation. I’m glad Sarah felt comfortable inviting Jenny, she needs this break as much as any of us.

“Dr. Beckham!” Jenny calls out, waving enthusiastically. “Thanks so much for including me. This place looks amazing!”

I smile warmly at her. “Of course! And please, call me Meadow. We’re off the clock.”

As the last of the bikes rumble away, I do a mental headcount. Everyone’s here except…

“Sorry I’m late!” Dr. Ramirez’s voice rings out as she hurries up the path, suitcase in tow. “Traffic was a nightmare.”

“No worries,” I assure her. “We’re just getting started. Come on in, everyone!”

I lead the group inside, giving a quick tour of the spacious cabin. There are plenty of bedrooms for everyone to spread out, a fully stocked kitchen, and, of course, the main attractions: the huge, heated pool and the bubbling hot tub visible through the back windows.

“All right, ladies,” I announce once we’re all settled. “Swimsuits on and then meet me by the pool in fifteen. The party starts now!”

Excited chatter fills the air as everyone disperses to change. I head to my own room, slipping into the new bikini Mason insisted on buying me for the occasion. The deep blue fabric contrasts nicely with my skin tone, the cut accentuating my curves in all the right ways.

As I step out onto the back deck, I’m greeted by whoops and whistles from the girls already in the pool.

“Damn, Meadow!” Sarah calls out. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were trying to make us all jealous!”

I laugh, striking a playful pose. “What can I say? My man has excellent taste.”

“In more ways than one,” Elle adds with a wink, lounging comfortably on a pool float. Her baby bump is proudly on display in a cute maternity swimsuit.

I grab a bottle of wine and some glasses before joining the others by the water. As I pour drinks—sparkling cider for Elle—a sense of contentment washes over me. This, being surrounded by friends, laughing and relaxing, is what we all needed.

“A toast,” I say, raising my glass. “To new beginnings, and to the strength of women who lift each other up.”

“Hear, hear!” the group cheers, clinking glasses. I hear another round of bikes and car doors slamming.

“Is this everyone?” Sarah asks, and I shake my head.

“We have the Devils Souls princesses coming.”

As if on cue, a chorus of laughter and excited chatter fills the air. I turn to see a group of young women making their way toward us, overnight bags slung over their shoulders and swimsuits already on display.

“The Devils Souls princesses have arrived!” Vanessa announces with a dramatic flourish, her dark hair gleaming in the sunlight. As Alisha and Techy’s daughter, she’s inherited her mother’s flair for the dramatic and her father’s quick wit.

Tiana follows close behind, her athletic build and confident stride marking her as Lane’s granddaughter and the enforcer’s daughter. Her eyes scan the area with a practiced ease that belies her young age.

Cassandra, the president’s daughter, carries herself with an air of authority that reminds me so much of her father. Her piercing gaze softens as she takes in the relaxed atmosphere, a rare smile gracing her features.

Mia, her arms laden with medical textbooks despite this being a vacation, offers a shy wave. “Sorry, I have an exam next week,” she explains, looking a bit sheepish. “But I promise to relax too!” Her dedication to becoming a pediatrician is admirable, and I can’t help but feel a kinship with her passion for medicine.

Trixie, Jackson’s daughter, is already eyeing the pool with eager anticipation. Her scrubs are peeking out of her bag, hinting at the long shift she likely just finished at the hospital.

Tiffany, Lane’s daughter, saunters over with an easy grace. Her eyes light up at the sight of the wine bottles, and I make a mental note to keep an eye on her intake. Lane would have my head if anything happened to his little girl.

Lastly, Gabby, Travis’s daughter, brings up the rear. Her artistic soul is evident in the intricate tattoos adorning her arms and the sketchbook tucked under her arm. “I hope you don’t mind,” she says, gesturing to the book. “Inspiration strikes at the oddest times.”

“Ladies!” I call out, raising my glass in welcome. “Grab a drink and join us! The water’s perfect.”

The newcomers waste no time integrating themselves into the group. Vanessa and Tiana immediately start a splashing war with Sarah and Jenny, their laughter echoing across the water. Cassandra settles into a lounge chair next to Elle, the two quickly falling into conversation about the club’s latest charity drive.

Mia hesitantly sets her books aside, accepting a glass of wine from Tiffany with a grateful smile. Trixie cannonballs into the pool, sending up a spray of water that has everyone shrieking and giggling. Gabby finds a quiet corner, her pencil already flying across the page as she captures the scene before her.

As the Devils Souls princesses settle in, I notice a few more familiar faces arriving. Leah, Aiden’s daughter and Reid’s sister, strides confidently toward us. Her long blonde hair is pulled back in a messy bun, and her toned physique speaks to the hours she spends training at the gym. Despite her tough exterior, there’s a gentleness in her eyes that reminds me of her father.

“Sorry I’m late,” Leah calls out, dropping her bag on a nearby chair. “Had to finish up some paperwork at the garage.”

Not far behind her are Michaela and Trinity, Tristan’s daughters. The sisters couldn’t be more different, Michaela with her fiery red hair and outgoing personality, whereas Trinity is more reserved with her dark curls and thoughtful demeanor. Yet the bond between them is evident in the way they move in sync, finishing each other’s sentences as they greet everyone.

“Dad said to tell you all he expects us back in one piece,” Michaela jokes, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Trinity rolls her eyes good-naturedly. “As if we’d let anything happen on our watch,” she adds, her quiet voice carrying a hint of steel that marks her as a true protector.

As everyone joins the festivities, I can’t help but think of the younger girls who couldn’t make it. Arianna, Maverick’s daughter, is probably buried in schoolbooks right now, her dedication to her studies rivaling even Mia’s. Konrad’s daughter, Loretta, is likely at dance practice, perfecting her routines with the same intensity her father brings to his role in the club.

And then there’s Oaklyn, Walker’s daughter. At just fifteen, she’s the baby of the group, but already she’s showing signs of the strong woman she’ll grow to become. I make a mental note to plan another gathering soon, one where all the girls can attend.

The energy shifts as everyone mingles, conversations flowing as easily as the wine. Leah and Tiana start up an impromptu arm wrestling contest at the edge of the pool, their competitive spirits on full display. Michaela joins Vanessa and Sarah in their splash war, while Trinity gravitates toward the quieter group with Elle and Cassandra.

I watch as Mia tentatively approaches Trixie, the two bonding over their shared experiences in the medical field. Gabby’s sketchbook is making the rounds, each page eliciting oohs and aahs from the group.

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the scene, I feel a sense of pride swelling in my chest. These women, from the seasoned club members to the youngest princesses, are a force to be reckoned with. Strong, compassionate, and fiercely loyal.

“Hey, Meadow!” Leah calls out, breaking me from my reverie. “You gonna join us in this arm wrestling tournament or what?”

I laugh, setting my wineglass down. “You’re on, Leah! But don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because I’m a doctor.”

As I make my way to the edge of the pool, I can’t help but marvel at the scene before me. Women from all walks of life, bound together by the ties of family, friendship, and shared experiences. The air is filled with laughter and chatter, punctuated by splashes and the occasional squeal as someone gets dunked.

Leah grins as I settle in across from her, her blue eyes sparkling with challenge. “Ready to get your ass kicked, Doc?”

“Big words from such a little princess,” I tease back, clasping her hand.

Trinity steps up to referee, her quiet voice carrying surprising authority. “All right, ladies, I want a clean match. No cheating, no biting, and absolutely no powers of healing allowed.” She winks at me with that last bit.

As Trinity counts us down, I feel the familiar rush of adrenaline. Leah may be younger, but I’ve got years of experience on my side. Plus, all those hours of helping Mason work on his bike lately have given me some serious upper body strength.

“Go!” Trinity shouts, and the match begins.

Leah’s strength is impressive, her bicep bulging as she immediately puts pressure on my hand. But I hold steady, gritting my teeth against the strain. Around us, the other women have gathered, cheering us on.

“Come on, Meadow!” Sarah calls out. “Show these youngsters how it’s done!”

“Don’t let her intimidate you, Leah!” Vanessa counters. “You’ve got this!”

For a long moment, we’re locked in a stalemate, neither of us giving an inch. Sweat beads on my forehead as I push with everything I’ve got. Leah’s face is a mask of concentration, her jaw clenched tight.

Just when I think my arm might give out, I see an opening. Leah’s grip has shifted ever so slightly, throwing her off-balance. With a surge of effort, I twist my wrist and slam her hand down onto the pool’s edge.

The group erupts in cheers and groans, depending on who they are rooting for. Leah sits back, shaking out her arm with a rueful grin.

“Damn, Doc,” she says, impressed. “Remind me never to arm wrestle you for real stakes.”

I laugh, feeling the pleasant burn in my muscles. “Hey, don’t sell yourself short. You nearly had me there for a minute.”

As we climb out of the pool, I’m immediately surrounded by the other women, all clamoring for their turn to challenge the champ. The night stretches on, filled with more contests, games, and plenty of laughter.

As we settle into our cozy puppy pile, surrounded by snacks and the warm glow of friendship, I can’t help but notice Dr. Ramirez hanging back. She’s perched on the edge of an armchair, her posture stiff and uncomfortable. The flickering light from the fireplace casts strange shadows across her face, accentuating the pallor of her skin.

Something’s off. Dr. Ramirez has always been reserved, but this goes beyond her usual quiet demeanor. Her eyes dart around the room, never settling on one spot for long. Her fingers twist anxiously in her lap, knuckles white with tension.

As I watch, she reaches for her water glass with a trembling hand. The ice cubes clink against the sides, drawing a few curious glances from the others. Dr. Ramirez notices the attention and forces a brittle smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.

“Are you feeling all right?” I ask softly, not wanting to draw too much attention.

Dr. Ramirez startles at my question, nearly spilling her water. “I’m fine,” she says quickly—too quickly. “Just tired from the drive.”

But her words don’t match the tightness around her eyes, the way her gaze keeps flicking toward the doors. There’s a faint sheen of sweat on her forehead despite the cool evening air.

As Vanessa launches into a hilarious story about her latest misadventure at the clubhouse, drawing laughs from everyone else, I notice Dr. Ramirez’s jaw clench. Her eyes narrow, a flash of… is that anger? It’s gone so quickly I can’t be sure.

I try to catch her eye, to silently communicate that she can talk to me if something’s wrong. But Dr. Ramirez avoids my gaze, suddenly very interested in picking at a loose thread on her sleeve.

The contrast between her rigid posture and everyone else’s relaxed sprawl is stark. While the rest of us are in various states of dishevelment—hair mussed from the pool, cheeks flushed with laughter and wine—Dr. Ramirez looks like she’s bracing for impact.

As the night wears on, her discomfort seems to grow. She barely touches the snacks, despite not having eaten all evening. When Tiffany offers her a refill, Dr. Ramirez flinches away as if burned.

“No, thank you,” she mutters, her voice tight. “I think I might turn in early, actually.”

Concern gnaws at my gut. This isn’t just social awkwardness or fatigue. Something is seriously wrong with Dr. Ramirez. The way her eyes keep darting to her bag, the tension radiating from every line of her body… it’s almost as if she’s afraid of something. Or someone.

She flashes a look over at Nurse Jenny but she turns away from Jenny before the nurse can look at her.

“How have you been after everything?” Elle asks Sarah, her face soft with compassion.

I watch her leave but I turn my attention back to Sarah, who has been so strong through all of this. It’s heartbreaking, the trauma she went through.

She smiles slightly. “I’m okay, and I will be okay. Peterson is a dead bastard and I take great pleasure in that,” she gloats, and we all nod in agreement.

Thank fuck he is dead.

Suddenly, Jenny jumps up from her seat, her movements exaggerated and clumsy. “Oh no!” she says, her voice pitched unnaturally high. “I’m so clumsy!”

In what seems like slow motion, her beer bottle tilts, amber liquid arcing through the air. Sarah, caught completely off guard, doesn’t have time to react before the beer splashes over her, drenching her from head to toe.

The cold liquid seeps into Sarah’s hair, running down her face in rivulets. Her white t-shirt is instantly soaked, clinging to her skin. The acrid smell of beer fills the air as Sarah sputters, wiping futilely at her eyes.

“Jenny!” I gasp, jumping up to grab some towels. “What happened?”

Jenny’s face is a mask of faux concern, but something in her eyes doesn’t quite match her words. “I’m so sorry!” she gushes, reaching out as if to help, but not quite touching Sarah. “It was an accident, I swear!”

But as I hand Sarah a towel, I catch a glimpse of Jenny’s face. For just a moment, a satisfied smirk plays at the corners of her mouth. It’s gone in an instant, replaced by a look of contrition, but the image burns itself into my mind.

Sarah, still dripping, looks up at Jenny with confusion and hurt in her eyes. “It’s… it’s okay,” she says hesitantly. “Accidents happen, right?”

The other women rush to help, offering dry clothes and sympathetic words. But I can’t shake the feeling that what just happened was no accident at all. As Jenny fusses over Sarah, her movements seem calculated, almost performative.

The atmosphere in the room has shifted, a current of tension running beneath the surface. Elle catches my eye, her brow furrowed in concern. She’s noticed it too.

As Sarah excuses herself to change, I watch Jenny carefully. Her eyes follow Sarah out of the room, that same satisfied glint flickering in their depths. Whatever is going on here, it’s clear that the night has taken an unexpected turn.

I give Jenny a side-eye as I leave the room and go to find Sarah to make sure she is okay.

She is standing in the bedroom we are sharing together, as she didn’t feel comfortable sharing with girls she didn’t know.

“I’m sorry that happened,” I apologize, and she shrugs.

“I’ve spilt beer more than once in my life.”

I laugh with her, but I don’t want her upset. “How about I make some hot chocolate for you and you take a warm shower?”

She sighs. “That’s a good idea.”

I leave her to herself and go into the room that we gave Dr. Ramirez. I knock on the door before entering.

To my shock, she is in the corner of the room, almost like she is hiding. “Oh my God, are you okay?”

Dr. Ramirez jumps at the sound of my voice, her eyes wide with panic. She’s huddled in the corner, arms wrapped tightly around herself as if trying to disappear.

“I… I’m fine,” she stammers, but her trembling voice betrays her. “Just needed some quiet.”

I take a cautious step into the room, keeping my movements slow and nonthreatening. “Dr. Ramirez… Maria,” I say gently. “Something’s clearly wrong. Please, talk to me. I want to help.”

For a long moment, she’s silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. Then, so quietly I almost miss it, she whispers, “I shouldn’t have come.”

“Why not?” I ask, careful to keep my tone neutral. “What’s got you so scared?”

Dr. Ramirez’s eyes dart to the door, then back to me. She swallows hard, her throat working.

She opens her mouth to speak, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. The words seem to catch in her throat as she struggles to voice whatever terrible secret she’s been carrying. I lean in, heart pounding, knowing we’re on the precipice of a revelation.

Suddenly, the door opens with a bang that makes us both jump. Jenny stumbles into the room, her laughter echoing off the walls with an almost manic edge. Her eyes are too bright, her movements exaggerated as she staggers forward.

“Oh my God, you guys!” she exclaims. “You won’t believe what Vanessa just?—”

Jenny’s words cut off abruptly as she seems to register the scene before her. Her laughter dies in her throat, replaced by an expression of concern that doesn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Dr. Ramirez?” Jenny starts, her tone dripping with false sweetness. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”

Dr. Ramirez shrinks back, her eyes wide with what I can only describe as terror. She opens her mouth as if to speak, but no sound comes out.

Jenny takes another step into the room, and I notice how Dr. Ramirez flinches at her approach. There’s something predatory in Jenny’s stance, a calculated gleam in her eye that sends a chill down my spine.

“Maybe you should lie down,” Jenny suggests, reaching out as if to help Dr. Ramirez up. “I could get you some water, or maybe something stronger to help you relax?”

The way she says “relax” makes my skin crawl. Dr. Ramirez shakes her head frantically, pressing herself farther into the corner as if trying to meld with the wall itself.

I step between them, my protective instincts kicking into high gear. “I think Dr. Ramirez just needs some quiet,” I say firmly, meeting Jenny’s gaze. “Why don’t you go back to the party? I’ll make sure she’s all right.”

For a moment, something dark and ugly flashes across Jenny’s face. It’s gone in an instant, replaced by a bright smile that doesn’t look genuine. “Of course,” she chirps. “Just wanted to check on her. Let me know if you need anything!”

As Jenny backs out of the room, her gaze locks with Dr. Ramirez’s one last time.

The door clicks shut behind Jenny, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. I turn back to Dr. Ramirez, whose breathing has become rapid and shallow. Whatever was about to be revealed before Jenny’s interruption seems to have retreated behind walls of fear once more.

I don’t want to press her any more but I don’t like the fact that it seems Jenny is a secret bully.

I swallow hard to keep back the anger and not make any rash decisions. Jenny is in the kitchen drinking a bottle of water. “Are you okay?” I ask her.

She shrugs. “I’m not a good drunk person, and I feel bad that I spilled my drink on Sarah. Sometimes I try too hard to make people like me.”

I feel some sympathy for her in that sense.

I nod in understanding at Jenny’s words, though I can’t quite shake the unease I felt earlier. “It’s okay, accidents happen. Why don’t you take it easy on the drinks for a bit? Maybe have some water and snacks instead.”

Jenny smiles brightly, but there’s something off about it that I can’t put my finger on. “That’s a great idea! I’ll just grab some chips and head back to the party.”

As she bustles around the kitchen, I can’t help but notice how her movements seem exaggerated, like she’s putting on a show. It’s as if she’s playing the role of “tipsy party girl” rather than actually being one.

I’m about to head back to check on Dr. Ramirez when Sarah appears in the doorway, her hair damp from her shower.

“Hey,” she says softly. “Everything okay out here?”

I force a smile, not wanting to worry her. “Yeah, just getting some snacks. How are you feeling?”

Sarah shrugs, wrapping her arms around herself. “I’m fine. It was just beer, after all.” But there’s a vulnerability in her eyes that breaks my heart. She’s been through so much already, she doesn’t need any more stress or drama.

“Listen,” I say, lowering my voice. “If you’re not feeling up to rejoining the party, why don’t you go keep Dr. Ramirez company? I think she could use a quiet night in.”

Sarah’s brow furrows with concern. “Is she okay?”

I hesitate, not wanting to betray Dr. Ramirez’s confidence. “She’s just feeling a bit overwhelmed, I think. Maybe you two could watch a movie or something?”

Sarah nods, relief evident on her face at the prospect of a low-key evening. “That sounds perfect, actually. I’ll go check on her now.”

As Sarah heads toward Dr. Ramirez’s room, I turn back to find Jenny watching us intently. The friendly smile is still plastered on her face, but there’s a calculating look in her eyes that sends a chill down my spine.

“Everything all right?” Jenny asks, her voice syrupy sweet.

I nod, plastering on my own fake smile. “Just fine. Sarah’s going to keep Maria company for a bit. Why don’t we head back to the others?”

* * *

One by one everyone seems to drift off to bed after midnight. Maria is in my room now along with Sarah and Elle.

I’m lying in bed next to Elle, who is fast asleep holding her stomach, and I grin at the sight.

There is a slight knock on the door and I wait for whomever it is to walk in, but they don’t.

I yawn and slide out of bed, my bare feet sinking into the plush carpet. The moonlight filters through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room. Elle shifts in her sleep, one hand protectively cradling her pregnant belly. Sarah and Maria are curled up together on the other bed, their breathing soft and even.

Another gentle knock sounds at the door. Curious, I pad quietly across the room, careful not to wake the others. The floorboards creak softly under my weight as I approach the door. My hand hesitates on the cool metal of the doorknob for just a moment before I turn it.

The door swings open silently, revealing the darkened hallway beyond. For a heartbeat, I see nothing but shadows. Then my eyes adjust, and my breath catches in my throat.

Jenny stands before me, her face a mask of cold determination. The overhead light bulb glints off the barrel of a gun, pointed directly at my face. Her finger rests on the trigger, steady and sure.

“Don’t make a sound,” Jenny hisses, her eyes glittering with malice. “Or I’ll blow your pretty little head off right here.”

My heart pounds in my chest, blood rushing in my ears. I open my mouth, but no words come out. Jenny’s lips curl into a cruel smile as she steps forward, forcing me back into the room.

“That’s right,” she purrs. “Nice and quiet. We wouldn’t want to wake your friends, would we?”

The door clicks shut behind her with a finality that sends ice through my veins. I’m trapped, staring down the barrel of a gun, with my sleeping friends just feet away.