Page 49

Rain

I t’s been a week since Dennis was taken into police custody. He didn’t have a lawyer at first, so it took a few days for him to find someone to represent him.

In the meantime, I met with Cunningham and went over every detail I could remember from that night. While we talked, it hit me—I’d saved the bloodied clothes I wore.

For some reason, throwing them away never felt right.

Maybe I needed the reminder—to never forget.

Cunningham said having those clothes was huge. Anything that helped to paint a clearer picture of what happened—and the history that led up to it—could strengthen our case.

Dennis’s lawyer formally requested a settlement conference.

Today, I’m going back to Azalea Creek to get the things I saved. It’s also a good chance to check on the diner—and maybe remind the town I’m still here. Thriving.

Even though I’m a mess of anxiety on the inside.

“Hey, hey, everyone,” I call as I step into the kitchen.

“Chef!” Blair shouts from the chopping station, where she’s observing one of the new hires.

“How’s everything going?” I ask, slipping on an apron and heading to the sink to wash my hands.

She shrugs. “Good. Just the townies are coming these days.”

“I heard the hotels will be packed for winter break. Hopefully that’ll bring in more traffic.” I pop a piece of fried okra from a tray—crispy, juicy, perfect.

“Is there anything any of you need while I’m here?” I ask, loud enough for the whole kitchen to hear.

Everyone shakes their heads and keeps moving.

It’s a good thing. I remind myself. If they don’t need me, it means I’ve done my job well— managing the place from a distance .

“Okay, you guys know I’m just a call or text away,” I say as I peek out the diner door, looking for Granny. Only a few of the usual gentlemen are out there, huddled over coffee and pastries.

Untying my apron, I toss it in the hamper by the back door. Blair walks over as I’m opening it.

“I just wanted you to know—you are the most badass woman I’ve ever met,” she says. “I’m honored to work for you. And on behalf of the entire staff, we’re with you. We’re proud of how courageous you are.”

Her words hit like a balm, settling my nerves.

“Thank you, Blair. All of you.” I glance around the kitchen. Everyone’s watching, eyes steady, kind. “It helps to know I have such an amazing group of people supporting me. I’ll keep you posted.”

With a wave, I disappear through the door.

Next stop is the orchard before I head back to Raleigh.

Even though Xander is away for the rest of the week, I don’t want to stay here. Something might trigger unwanted memories.

Besides, being surrounded by Xander’s stuff when he’s gone comforts me. The smell of his clothes helps me sleep better at night.

When I step into my family’s home, the silence is loud.

Even when it’s just Mama and Granny around, there’s usually music playing or chatter coming from the kitchen.

“Mama? Granny?” I call out.

Nothing.

“Hmm, interesting.” I pull out my phone and text Ruin.

Rain : Do you know where Mama and Granny are?

Ruin : Oh, hi Raindrop. They’re with me in NYC. I wanted to give them their Christmas present early.

Damn, she took them to New York City? And here I thought getting them cozy slippers and their favorite skincare was a solid present.

Rain : How fun! You guys enjoy *heart emoji*

Ruin : Wait, are you home? Did you need them? I’m sorry I didn’t give you a heads up.

Rain : No, I just stopped by the diner to check everything was okay and wanted to know if they were home. But I’m on my way to Raleigh now. It’s all good.

Ruin : Okay, let me know how things go at the settlement conference. Love you!

I pocket my phone and head upstairs.

Honestly, it’s better this way. I won’t have anyone asking questions about what I’m getting from the attic.

I pull down the ladder from the hall ceiling. A cloud of dust explodes into the air, and I cough as I climb.

The attic is still, like time stopped here. White sheets drape old furniture. The light is dim, the air is thick.

“Alright, Rain. There’s no time to dwell on the past,” I mutter. “I just need to get the box and head back to Raleigh. Chop, chop, Rain. You can do this.”

My eyes land on an old wooden wardrobe. Daddy’s clothes are still there. His LP collection too.

I glance at the ceiling and smile softly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t share this with you, Daddy. But I knew if I had, you would’ve done something that might’ve taken you from us even sooner.”

I close my eyes and try not to think about the day he passed. I felt like a sword had sliced my heart into little pieces.

I spot the box in the corner, right where I left it—buried under old costume bins Ruin used to play dress-up with.

Box in hand, I head downstairs and out to my car.

It’s time to go home and rest.

Cunningham : The judge set the settlement conference for tomorrow at ten in the morning. Please see if Xander can make it. Otherwise, I’ll petition for a delay until he can get back home.

“Fucking hell,” I mutter.

Xander is playing tonight, and has another away game in two days.

The thought of not telling him, just going by myself, crosses my mind for a millisecond. But then I remember the vows we exchanged.

Rain : Hey Hotshot, are you ready for tonight? You know I’ll be watching in my favorite jersey *wink emoji*

Xander : Hey babe, I was just thinking about you and how much I miss you. And yes, I’m ready and locked in for tonight. Please tell me you’ll send a picture of you wearing only the jersey in our bed *praying hands emoji* *hot emoji*

Aww, this man melts my heart every single time.

Rain : You know I will! * heart emoji*

Rain : So Cunningham just texted me, the settlement conference was arranged for tomorrow at ten in the morning. He says he can ask to push it back until you can make it home.

Xander : Ok, hold on.

I bite my thumbnail, nerves climbing again.

I know he has to speak with his coach and the general manager. It could take a while.

Curiosity gets the best of me, and I open the memory box to kill time while waiting for Xander.

Everything’s still there: my white tank top—now yellowed and stiff. The flowery skirt that I was so happy to wear that night, now stained with blood. I thought I looked so pretty in it. Felt so free.

A few pieces of jewelry fall out—gifts from Dennis. A dainty gold necklace, a couple of rings, the earrings he said made my eyes look like stars. I kept them, along with a few of the letters. He wrote how much he loved me and that we were destined to be together forever.

I roll my eyes. How could I have been so stupid to fall for such a dickhead?

As I sift through the stack, a folded piece of paper slips out—something I don’t remember.

When I open it, Daddy’s handwriting hits me with the force of a million bricks.