She stands. “Wait. I’ll see you to your car.”
If Sammy and I were legit friends, I’d have a few parting words for Mark. But we’re not there. So I settle for a threatening glare. “I hope you have a safe trip back to LA. If you've got questions about the fire or the progress of the investigation, ask Sammy. She'll answer them.”
Mark smirks. “I’ll let her know if I have any.”
Outside, the sun has dipped behind the Baretooth Mountains. There’s a part of me that’s very satisfied to hear Mark’s got a girlfriend and Sammy’s seeing his true colors.
It means if she moves back to LA, it wouldn't be for asshole Mark. It’d be for her safety. And it might be the best thing for her.
“I’m sorry you had to hear all that about Mark and Gabriella,” Sammy says as we descend the porch steps.
“It’s none of my business.”
We stop next to the Telluride. “I got a text yesterday from one of my friends, one of my best friends. Or she was. We lived a block away in Manhattan Beach. Now she and Mark are seeingeach other. She sent me the text before he told me. It’s been a mess.” Sammy bites down on her lip. “Honestly, I’d expect that kind of thing from him. But not from her.”
“That must’ve been horrible.”
She folds her arms. “I’m going to send Lara back to LA with Mark. She’ll get a week in LA to catch up with her friends and her grandparents. I’ll do some soul-searching about the retreat. She’s my everything. I don’t want anything to happen to her.” Tears form in Sammy’s eyes.
“That means protecting yourself, too. She needs you.”
Sammy nods. “I’ve got a lot of thinking to do. I’m sorry tonight is out for drinks at Winkles.” She brightens like she’s come up with an idea. “But how about Italian night at Pines Diner tomorrow? I never do well when Lara goes to Mark’s. Honestly, I know I’m being selfish. But I could use the company.”
“Sure,” I say without hesitation. “Italian night is one of my favorites.”
“Yeah?” She smiles, and I get warm all over. It’s the first smile I’ve seen from her today. I didn’t realize how good it’d make me feel.
“Great, then. I’ll see you tomorrow.” It occurs to me that Sammy no longer has a car. “Should I pick you up?”
“That’s probably a good idea.” She laughs dryly.
“How about seven?”
“Sounds good.”
I barely notice the pain through my hamstring as I get into the car. I wave goodbye before pulling out of her driveway.
Damn, I’m psyched for tomorrow. But I can’t let myself get carried away. Sammy might be the next one heading to LA.
For her to stay, she needs to feel safe in Whispering Pines. That means the police need to figure out who set the fires at Bearclaw Lake. For her sake, and for all our sakes, that person needs to be found.
Nature alone gives us dozens of wildfires each year. We can’t have some asshole madman adding even one more.
Chapter Seven
Bradyrestshisarmon the console as he pulls out of my parents' driveway. Damn, if he was my boyfriend, I’d claim that hand. Play with those big, round knuckles. Check out the fireman calluses and the baseball calluses. Kiss the center of his palm.
I needed a distraction tonight, and he fits the bill. I’m already worrying less about Lara. Mark’s been good about sending pictures every time I ask. I got one of them on the plane and another when they arrived back at his place. I even got an unrequested picture of Lara having dinner with my former in-laws.
“How are you hanging in there?” Brady asks.
“I’m doing okay.” I tell Brady about Lara arriving safely. “I think this week will be good for the two of them. It gives them a chance to get reacquainted. They haven’t spent an entire week together just the two of them since he took her to Hawaii in June. She’s grown up since then. Coming here and starting anew school has matured her. I think they’re going to relate to one another differently. It's good for them.”
“I can see that.” He nods understandingly.
I get a touch of embarrassment. “Sorry I’m divorce-unloading. I shouldn’t be doing that to you.”
“You can unload. I don’t mind.” The way he says it, I believe him.
