Natalie packed and put her suitcases in her car, then went back inside and made a cup of chamomile to wait on Sheila to tell her the news.
Sheila strolled through the front door like clockwork with a “Yoo-hoo, it’s me!” at 5:25.
“In here,” Natalie called from the sunroom. “Want a cup of tea?”
“Tea? Make mine wine.”
Natalie had already poured a glass of wine for her. She wanted one herself, but she never drove after even one drink, which was why she was drinking tea.
She met Sheila in the hallway with the wine.
“Thank you.” Sheila slipped her hand beneath the goblet in one swift move, then plopped down in the chair, lifting her feet onto the ottoman. “How was your day?” She took a long sip.
“The best one in a long time.”
Sheila sat up—her feet on the floor now. “You went to see the detective today, right? Did they finally make some progress? I hope it’s good news.”
“It is, but nothing to do with my case or my stuff. I think those hopes are drying up.”
“Oh.” She settled back in the chair and took another sip. “It’s rotten that it happens so often, and these same men just keep getting away with it.”
“I agree, but I’m taking control of my situation. I’m done focusing on what I lost.” Maybe moving out of town would help her get closer to the day she’d be strong enough to take that stand and go public.
“About time. Not judging.” She lifted the glass in the air. “Just saying.”
“I also came to a realization today.” Natalie’s mouth was suddenly dry. It had seemed like a perfect plan while she was stocking up on snacks to take, but now as she began to spell it out a wave of nerves came over her.
No turning back. I promised myself.
Natalie flexed her fingers and forged ahead. “I still own Jeremy’s cabin in the mountains. I’m going to move up there for a while. Kind of get a fresh start.”
Sheila sat there staring at her for a long moment.
“You remember it, don’t you?”
She blinked and set down her wineglass. “Yeah, absolutely.I remember now that you mention it. You went fishing there. Rustic man cave and all that. But I don’t want you to leave. You know you’re welcome here.”
“I know, but I also know I need to move forward, and staying with you is enabling me to live on the hopes that they’ll find all my stuff when I should be working toward tomorrow.”
“I think…” Sheila cocked her head. “I understand. I do.”
“I’ve been in neutral, waiting for something to roll back time and undo this mess I got myself into. I want to get moving. Get my feet back under me. Restore my confidence.”
“I get it.”
“But?”
“It’s in the woods. And winter is coming.”
“So?”
“You are not that kind of girl.” Sheila laughed.
“What kind of girl?”
“You know, rugged. Going without a manicure. Building a fire. I don’t know. What mountain skills do you have?”
“None, how many do I need?”
