Page 20 of Tempting Fire

“You are out of your mind, you are not taking Chloe to Dallas!”

“She needs some time away.” Zarek’s voice rumbled like low thunder.

“She needs her family,” Trenda countered.

“Like we’ve been any help,” Zoe said. “She’s locked us out of her life. Literally.”

“I don’t care what you say, she’s coming home with me.”

It was funny hearing Zarek use such a commanding voice with Trenda. When he used his steely voice with her, it was always laced with more caring and kindness, with Trenda it was razor sharp.

“Zoe shouldn’t have called you,” Trenda said. “We’ll take care of her. We’ll get her into counseling. We’ll get her fixed.”

With that last phrase, Chloe felt like she’d been gut shot. It hurt to think that her sister saw her as something that needed to be fixed, like a broken piece of furniture.

“For the love of God, listen to yourself,” Zarek roared. “Chloe needs time, space and care. She needs somebody with her who understands her and will listen to her, not someone who thinks she needs to be fixed!”

“I didn’t mean it like that. She’s been hurting for so long, and I just want what’s best for her.”

“Zarek, don’t yell at Trenda. You know she’s only trying to help. It just came out wrong,” Zoe intervened.

“She’s coming to Dallas.”

Chloe went back to the bed, and slipped under the covers, holding her wrist.

Dallas, it was something to consider. Maybe it was a way to escape.

***

“Chloe?”

She looked up and saw Zoe standing at the door to the bedroom, she looked guilty. Her sister was so easy to read.

“Can I come in?”

Chloe reached over and turned on the bedside lamp.

“Can I come in too?”

She nodded at her oldest sister. Both women sat down on the bed beside her. For just a moment she flashed back to the days when they all lived together in their family home. Usually there was Maddie and Evie on the bed too. Chloe didn’t want to think too much about that.

“Zarek thinks you should go to Dallas with him,” Trenda said baldly. “I think it’s a bad idea.”

“Yeah, you think I should be fixed,” Chloe said bitterly.

Trenda winced.

“How much of that did you hear?” Zoe asked.

“I don’t know,” Chloe admitted. “I got up when you were arguing and listened to some of it, then I went back to bed. I needed to think.”

“I’m sorry you heard me say that.” Trenda reached out to grasp her hand and Chloe jerked it away.

“I can’t even hold your hand?” Trenda asked softly, the hurt was clear on her face.

“I’m sorry,” Chloe said reaching out and grabbing her sister’s hand. “It was reflex.”

“Honey, you need help. We need to get you into counselling. It helped me after I was held hostage. I made an appointment with my therapist, she’ll see you the day after tomorrow.”