“You won’t be with Madi?” I asked, knowing he was extra protective after she’d almost died in a fire.
“She offered to keep your grandmother company.”
When did she do that?“Tell her I said thank you.”
Matt nodded. “She’ll take good care of her.”
I felt better knowing Madi would stay with Nana Sue.
“Will you be with them?”
“I’ll be outside, keeping everyone safe.”
I guess that made sense. He wouldn’t see anyone coming if he was inside.
“Ryan and Austin will be here with Jay and Cate.”
“Ryan can handle things here; I’ll be with Nina,” Austin corrected Jack.
“You don’t have to worry; we have a state-of-the-art security system, so no one will get anywhere near the house without us knowing,” John said.
“I’ll be there,” Austin said, his tone sounding final, even to my untrained ears.
“It’ll be the safest place in Weatherford,” Meg said.
“Oh.” Again, I shouldn’t have been surprised, but intrigue, mercenaries, bodyguards, and security systems weren’t part of my life.
They arenow.
“You should go,” Austin said softly, his warm hand offering comfort when it rubbed the back of my shoulder. “I know it seems counter-intuitive but a night out will help your nervous system relax.”
This side of Austin made me believe that if I curled up in his arms and cried, he’d hold me close and comfort me. He’d promise to protect me and take care of me.But not forever.
When this was all over, Austin would leave. Just like everyone else had.
“How can I relax?”
Thoughts swirled in my mind like a tornado. Every noise made me jump out of my skin. Every stranger felt like a threat.
I have so many unanswered questions.
“Trust me, a night out with friends, in a safe environment, will help you more than sitting at home and letting this stew in your head.” He gestured towards the files, evidence, and laptops covering the table.
I wanted to argue that I wouldn’t be stewing, but my parents taught me lying was wrong.
Maybe he’s right. “As long as Nana Sue is okay.”
I tried convincing Nana Sue that I should stay home with her, but she was feeling well and insisted I should go out with my friends after dinner.
When arrived at the same time as Jack and Meg.I wonder why they’re late?I’d expected us to be the last to arrive thanks to my endless hesitation.
After a quick greeting on the porch, Jack opened the door.
The energy in John and Mary’s house wrapped around me like a bear hug.
Nathan said hi to everyone as he rushed to Ashley’s side.
Mary beelined for Meg and picked up her granddaughter. As she lifted Natalie in the air, Mary cooed, “Who’s my favorite oldest granddaughter?”
