She is still eating but it’s slow. Something is bothering her. Probably the altercation she just had with Amber.
I want to tell her that my sister was just being vindictive, but I can’t bring myself to say that. I lost Claire and almost lost my mind. I can’t even imagine what the loss of Amber’s baby is doing to her.
Instead, I reach out and tug at my girl’s curls.
“You don’t like the food?” I tease softly. “I can make you something else.”
She smiles at me. “I’m okay. I’m just not hungry.”
“You sure?”
“Sure. Um, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I say, then gesture toward the sink. “I need to process everything, and then I can figure out a game plan.”
“Okay. If you need something, please tell me.”
I stand and then bend to kiss her other cheek. “Of course. Thank you. How about I wash up? That way, I can head to thesite with Ryker once he comes back. Take your time eating. He takes pretty long showers.”
At least that earns me a bigger smile from her. It’s almost hilarious that I’m the one who got my heart obliterated this morning, but even now, I still want her to be okay.
“How long have you and Ryker been friends?”
“I think Ryker would be better versed to tell you that. We were working as carpenters back then, working on a project near the lake, and all I remember is us getting drinks together, and the rest is history. We have basically worked together since.”
“Must be nice.” She spears another piece of sausage and brings it to her mouth. “Wren and I are that close now, but I wish she had moved to town sooner, you know? Growing up with a best friend around just makes everything easier.”
“Yeah. I like that you have her now.” Then I stare at her, making sure she sees the seriousness of my next statement. “And you have us now, Norah.”
“Thanks.” She blushes a little, swallowing her food and then taking a sip of juice. “I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I know you guys were close; I could tell when we were working at the café. You were always around. A part of me always hoped it was because you were coming by to see us.”
She looks me up and down and then, biting her lip, says, “It didn’t hurt seeing you around.”
That makes me smile. Even on the hardest day I’ve had all year, she manages to make everything feel a little bit normal. “Glad to hear that.”
She freezes. “Shoot. I forgot my phone in the truck. I need to tell Miss Thea I’m running late.”
“You were on your way to see Miss Thea?” I ask, concern flaring back up again.
“Yeah,” she says, already heading toward the door. “I’ll be right back.”
I turn to the sink, scrubbing plates harder than necessary, muttering under my breath about Ryker using every dish in the house. The work keeps my hands busy, my thoughts from spiraling.
Minutes pass.
Too many.
I dry my hands and glance toward the door. “Norah?”
No answer.
Unease crawls up my spine. I step outside, and the sight that greets me steals the breath from my lungs.
She’s crumpled beside her truck, knees drawn to her chest, arms wrapped around herself as she shivers violently in the snow.
“Norah,” I shout, sprinting toward her. “What the fuck? Norah!”
