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Hearing this makes my heart hurt, and I wish I could punch Justin’s face in for not spoiling her like she deserves. “You’re going to love it. There are so many games and books to keep you occupied.”
“I’ve had a smartphone, but this is a totally different level of entertainment.”
“Yeah, it really is. I’ll show you how to use it if you want.”
Tatum is like a kid on Christmas as she opens the iPad box. “Justin got me one years ago. It was his way of buying my forgiveness and silence after one of his rages, and I stupidly bought into it. But it felt so dirty, I never wanted to use it.”
Somehow, that doesn’t surprise me. It’s typical narcissistic behavior.
“Well, this one comes with no conditions. I promise.”
“I know. I’m not used to that.” She shrugs, and I can tell she doesn’t want to keep thinking about it.
“My favorite part is peeling the plastic off,” I tell her.
She carefully lifts the tablet and sets it on the counter. “It looks so fancy. The quality has really changed since I last used one.”
I smile at her excitement but also feel sadness and anger that she spent years being with a man who didn’t treat her well and manipulated her instead.
“You can use my Apple ID to log in and have access to all my apps and books. Just don’t look in my adult folder.”
She looks up at me with wide eyes.
“I’m joking.”
She holds her stare.
“Okay, well maybe not.” I wink, then log in my email and password so she can get started setting it up how she wants.
I take the laptop out of the bottom of the box and find a few accessories. An extra-long cable for me and a charging cord for Tatum, a pencil for her tablet, and a few cases. She plugs it into one of the extra outlets on the side of the breakfast nook, then carefully peels the plastic from the top. “Yeah, that was pretty satisfying.”
“Told you,” I tease.
“Will you please give Piper a million thank-yous? This will help distract me for a while, at least.” She smiles.
“I think she’d be happy with just one.” I grin. “But yes, I will.”
“Well then, make it a million and one.”
I accidentally drop the cable on the floor, and Tatum jumps again, but I can’t ignore it this time. “You okay?”
“Yeah, sorry. Just paranoid, I guess. The windows could give anyone a view inside. You have no idea how insane my ex is.”
I stand and close the blinds to make her a little more comfortable for the moment. Considering he burned down my shop, I kinda do.
A side smile sweeps across my lips. “Don’t apologize. It’s fine. Just know that this place is very secure. Outside cameras cover every angle of the house. Each window has a sensor, and an alarm will go off if it’s broken or left open. The doors do too. This house is built like a fortress, and there are alarms for everything. If something happens or anyone tries to break in, we’ll know, and the authorities will be alerted right away. You’re safe here, Tatum. I promise.”
She swallows hard. “Thank you. That helps to know. I still have a lot to work through, and seeing him brought it back to the surface.”
“A shitty chain of events for sure, but at least you’re in good company.”
She chuckles. “Thanks for listening. Though I love my sister to death, it feels good to talk to someone else.”
“I’m always here to listen.”
Before I open the laptop, I FaceTime Piper. As soon as she picks up, she giggles and smiles wide.
“So on a scale from one to ten, how surprised were you?”
“Uhh…ten. As was Tatum. She told me to tell you thank you a million and one times.”
“She’s so welcome! I hope she enjoys it. There should’ve been a gift card in the box for her to load it up with games, movies, books—whatever she wants!”
“Shit, I didn’t see that,” I say, looking in the box again. “Found it.”
I hand it to Tatum. “That’s too much. You’re going to make me cry.”
“You’re going to need stuff to do while you’re stuck with Easton for God knows how long.”
“Thanks,” I deadpan.
“I mean, I love your brother and thought he was hot as hell, but he’s not that entertaining.” Piper shrugs unapologetically.
Tristan mumbles something in the background.
“Seriously, though, thank you. I needed this so much. Tatum is super appreciative as well.”
“Just promise if you need anything else, you’ll call. We’re happy to help you get your life back together.”
“I will.”
“Okay, now go fall in love or something.”
“Bye, Piper,” I say firmly between gritted teeth since I know Tatum heard that. Piper has no idea how I’ve always felt about Tatum. It’s something I’ve kept buried deep inside. After learning more about her situation, getting into a new relationship could complicate her life even more.
