“I’ll be right there. Don’t leave her alone.”
“I won’t,” I promised, hanging up as I got in. “Ryder’s going to meet us at your house.”
“God,” she moaned, tossing her head back against the seat. “This is so bad.”
“No, it’s not,” I reassured her. “He understands, and he wants to be there for you.”
“Yeah, but how many times can he leave work or stay home with me?” she cried.
“As many as he needs to. He loves you, Ellie. I saw it with my own eyes when you were missing. He would have given anything to get you back.”
She swiped at her face, staring out the window as we drove through town to her house.
I had never been great friends with Ellie. We’d talked a lot about being women and owning businesses in a small town, but we didn’t hang out. I regretted that now. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel like I was only being nice to her because of what happened.
Thankfully, as I pulled into her driveway, Ryder was already there, pacing as he waited for me to come to a stop. The second we did, he was tugging Ellie out of the car, holding her close as she cried.
I didn’t know if I should stay or follow, but I figured Ryder might need some context, so I lagged behind, waiting for a signal if I should stay or go.
He held up his hand like a phone and mouthed,I’ll call you.
Giving a wave, I headed back to my car and waited for them to get inside before backing out and driving away. I still had grocery shopping to do, but right now, all I wanted was a drink.
12
SAM
I flungthe door open to The Beaver and Boot, immediately looking around for Michael. Instead, I found Cassidy, sitting at the bar, drinking shots like a sloppy drunk.
“People suck,” she slurred, shoving her shot glass to Lizzy across the bar.
“Trust me. I’m well aware.”
“I really, really fucking hate those bitches.”
“Girl, everyone in this town does.”
JR strode over, snagging the bottle out of Lizzy’s hand just as she was about to pour Cassidy another shot.
“I think that’s enough for tonight.”
“Aww, you’re no fun,” Cassidy pouted. “Josie told me you were like this. All mean and big and growly.”
Sighing, I made my way over to the bar and leaned against it as I watched Cassidy prop herself up on her elbow, only to slip and nearly fall off her stool.
“See? Too much to drink,” JR muttered.
“This is still my bar, and if she wants another, I’ll give her another,” Lizzy snapped.
“She’s hammered!”
“You’re just upset because she’s friends with Josie, and if Josie hears that her friend got drunk at the bar all alone, she’ll be pissed, and you’ll be in trouble,” Lizzy smirked.
JR glanced at me, his jaw clenching hard as he stormed away. I had no doubt his worries were valid, but Lizzy was right. Cassidy had every right to get drunk.
Even if this was taking it a little far.
“Pour me another, barkeep!” she said, slamming her hand down on the counter with a snort. “I always wanted to say that.”
