Page 102 of Through the Storms

Carol frowned. “How come you never told me?”

“I was embarrassed. Ashamed.” Lana looked down at her desk. “I thought she was keeping her options open.”

“No way. I can’t believe that’s true.”

“I found out tonight it isn’t. She didn’t think she was good enough for me, not until she did somethingbig,as she called it.”

“The Oakanator.”

“Yep. That stupid car. And I lost my shit on her when she brought it home.” Lana sighed. “How can two people who love each other so damned much get it so wrong?”

“Give yourself a break. It happens. But now you know, which means now you can fix it.”

“Do you think so?”

Carol smiled and stood. “I know so. You look like you’re going to tip over.” Carol walked to where Lana sat and put her hand on Lana’s shoulder. “You’re coming home with me.”

Lana glanced at the time. “But I need to be back here in a few hours.”

“That’s exactly why I’m taking you with me. My house is a lot closer. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day if the experts are right.”

“I’m convinced they are.”

“And you have a big decision to make, and you need a clear head for both.”

Lana looked up at Carol. “I’m not going to argue. I’m exhausted.”

CHAPTER 38

Riley pulled the T-shirtdown over her head and looked into the mirror. Too bad she didn’t wear makeup. If she did, maybe she could cover the dark circles under her eyes. Even after her shower, she looked rough.

She’d tossed and turned all night, always waking with the same thing on her mind.Chloe.She’d racked her brain for a way to fix things. If only she could call a do-over and never fall into bed with Chloe.

“Would you?” she asked her reflection. The answer was more complicated than she expected. While she wanted the horrible pain in her chest to go away and for the chasm between them to be gone, would she be willing to give up the magic she experienced that night?

Fuck.Riley wanted it all. The magic. The friendship. The laughter. Chloe.

Angrily, she turned away from the mirror. She needed to get her head on straight, or she’d ruin today. If the stormsmaterialized like Oakley thought they would, she needed to be alert.

Because of the forecast, Oakley had set the start time for eight o’clock, which was earlier than previous days. Riley needed to get a move on.

She glanced at the clock as she grabbed her bag. She’d have enough time to grab a coffee and a breakfast bar. Not that she was hungry, but she needed to eat something. When she reached the door, she turned and looked at the drab motel room. The décor was brighter than the hotel in Wichita, but without Chloe’s presence, it felt cold and dark. How could someone she’d just met have created such an impression on her?

When she exited her room, she slammed the door a little harder than was necessary. Self-consciously, she glanced around, but she was alone. She didn’t need to wake someone because she was feeling sorry for herself.

Riley slipped in and out of the coffee shop next to the motel and pretended not to notice Chloe sitting with the sisters at a corner table. As soon as the barista put her sack on the counter, Riley snatched it and practically sprinted out the door.Mature.

Chloe had been seated too far away for Riley to determine how well Chloe had slept. Did it matter? If Riley were being honest with herself, it did. Not that Riley wanted Chloe to feel as awful as she did, but she wanted her to feel something.

The Two Trees vans were parked at the far end of the parking lot, and some of the group had already gathered, so Riley made a beeline to the convoy. As she walked, she noticed what looked to be three other groups of storm chasers. Oakley had warned that with this type of activity, they’d likely encounter more, including amateurs.

Britt had the hood open and was leaning inside when Riley walked up.

“Good morning,” Riley said.

“Morning.” Britt turned and held up a dipstick. “Just checking the fluids.” She patted the van. “We need her to be in tiptop shape for today.”

“No doubt.” Riley smiled. “Is Oakley around?”