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Exhaling, I glanced around. I felt like an enormous jerk, but I also had to remind myself that I’d had no way of knowing that his wife was dead.
That he was a widower, and he was still clearly reeling from it.
I was only standing for what was right, and I hadn’t meant to hurt him.
I got into my car and drove away because I needed to get out of there, away from the feeling that had bubbled up from the depths and climbed into my chest.
It was best to end things then.
Before it got messy.
Before I cared.
I checked into the same motel where I’d stayed my first few nights after I’d arrived in Time River before the whole trespassing debacle.
It was on the outskirts of town, an old-style two-story with exterior doors.
Basically a dump, but it didn’t bother me much considering I’d spent most of my life living in those.
Freshly showered and dressed in a long-sleeved tee and sleep shorts, my wet hair twisted in a towel, I climbed onto the bed. Sitting cross-legged, I dragged my bag closer.
Hope and dread and anticipation drummed at my ribs.
I drew the zipper down then dug beneath my clothes to where I’d hidden the leather-bound journal at the bottom.
I pulled it out, and my heart slugged in a wave of grief and worry. I ran my fingertips over the imprint on the front before I opened it to the first page. My gaze traced the words that I’d read at least a thousand times, though I still had a hard time discerning what they really meant.
If I was off base.
If I was making a huge mistake, putting hope into something when there was no hope to be found.
But for Jessica, any chance was worth it.
JOURNAL ENTRY
I know that I was overstepping, but I couldn’t help it when I saw her in the store today. She was in line in front of me, and I could just…tell that something was off. Could feel it radiating off her pores like a disease.
I tried to strike up a conversation with her.
She barely smiled in return.
It was brittle.
Nervous.
Afraid.
I followed her out, took a chance, and gave her my card. She seemed almost terrified as she stuffed it into her purse, her attention darting around like she was worried someone might be watching.
She drove away without saying anything else.
I hope she calls, even if she just needs someone to talk to. My heart hurts because I doubt it will happen, but I have to believe that sometimes people are put in our path for a purpose. That there’s a reason they’re there. It’s what this life is about, isn’t it?
Helping?
Supporting?
I know it’s on others to accept it or not, but I can’t help this feeling in my gut. Maybe I’m wrong this time. I wish I was. But unfortunately, I rarely am.
EIGHT
SAVANNAH
The clatter of dishes and the drone of voices filled the dining room of the café. It’d been crazy busy at breakfast, but we were finally having a lull before we would get hit with the lunch rush.
“Is it always like this?” I asked as I set my tray on the metal counter in the server’s station. It might have only been my second day, but since I’d kept up with my three tables yesterday, Beth had promoted me to five tables in my station.
It meant I’d been running.
But I…liked it. I liked the people here. The vibe. The energy.
Everyone seemed genuinely kind, and it felt good to see the smiles on their faces when I set their meals in front of them. Plates piled high with eggs and bacon and toast. French toast topped with fresh fruit and a slew of different flavors of pancakes. Not to mention today’s special that I’d served at least a hundred times, an Eggs Benedict, done Sonoran-style with green chilis and a side of refried beans.
Dakota knew her stuff, that was for sure.
Beth laughed. “Always. Tell me you aren’t complaining.” A tease lined her voice, though her dark brow was lifting.
“Definitely, no. I like to keep busy.”
“Good. Because if you were considering walking out on me right now, I would have to hunt you down and drag your cute butt back here.” Brown eyes gleamed with amusement. “You finally have us with our heads above water. Don’t think I won’t.”
“I have no question about that.” There was no keeping the chuckle out of my response.
“Just so we understand each other.” She winked.
Tinkling laughter sounded behind us, and Dakota edged in, restocking napkins in the bin as she glanced between us. “Are you giving Savannah a hard time?”
“Who, me?” Beth touched her chest in feigned innocence. “Never. I was simply telling her that she can never leave.”
Dakota laughed harder, and her grin slid to me. “Sorry to break it to you, Savannah, but once Beth claims you, that’s it. You’re ours forever.”
