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“Probably.” I avoided his eyes and slunk down in my chair. “I mean, I guess so.”
“You guess so,” he scoffed. “Well, luckily, they caught her. Matt arrested her about an hour ago.”
“Her?” I exhaled ten different sighs of relief all rolled into one big ass puff of air as I deflated further in my chair and took a huge swig of my iced mocha. “They caught her?” A massive smile split my face as I slapped a palm on the table. “Who was it? Tell me.” Maybe I was okay. Maybe he hadn’t tracked me down here in Sweetbriar and I could be normal for a little while longer. Either that, or I had acquired another stalker. I wrinkled my nose at that unpleasant thought.
He shook his head, grinning at my odd reaction but didn’t question me about it since I was, indeed, an odd duck, and by now he was used to it. “It was a woman named Bethany Rhodes and I’m not even getting into the gossip surrounding her—you can ask around town if you want to know. She thought your Range Rover was Violet’s.”
“As in Cade’s big sister? Coffee shop Violet? Who would ever want to hurt her? She’s awesome.” I held my drink aloft as evidence. “This coffee is a freakin’ masterpiece of caffeination. Jeez.”
He shot me a look. “Her husband’s ex-mistress-slash-ex-fiancé, for one.”
“Ohhhh, snap.” I guess when you avoided people, you also avoided the gossip about them. I had no idea Violet had been through something like that.
“Yeah. Well, she says she didn’t want to hurt anyone . . .” He rolled his eyes and sipped his coffee.
I was indignant. “She tailgated me right into a freakin’ tree. She forced me get up close and personal with my ex-husband before I was emotionally ready.” I stood and waved an angry finger in the air. “I’ll sue her ass off. Plus, that car was new, Brody. And let’s not even get into the fact that she scared the ever-loving shit out of me. And, god, I hope the tree is okay. I have always loved that big ol’ tree.”
He chuckled. “Hunter is on his way to tow your Range Rover back to the shop. You can ask him how the tree is doing when he gets here.”
“Ugh.” I slunk back into my chair. “Junk the car or donate it to someone who needs a free car. I never want to see it again.”
“Do you want a loaner? Or you could take your old Jeep. It’s in the garage. I brought the keys just in case.”
“Thank you, Brody. This is fantastic. I’m going home.” I grabbed my coffee and stood, holding my hand out and wriggling my fingers for the keys. “Tell Dad bye for me.”
He huffed a laugh. “No way. You tell him. Better yet, go park your butt back on the couch. Let’s not get the argument started.”
“Fine, but only because I don’t want to fight. And Deacon is bringing my stuff anyway. Plus, that soup smells delicious and Dad told me to put you all to work. Now what else can I make you do for me?” I teased.
His eyes softened. “Baby sister, you know we’d all do anything for you. I’m glad you’re okay. And I’m even more glad you’re here for a while. Who knows? Maybe we can convince you to stay this time. And what about Trent? Is he coming out for a visit too? I miss that dude.”
“Maybe sometime next month. If he can take time off from work.”
“Awesome. Speaking of work, I have to get a move on and go help Dad.” He ruffled my hair and kissed the top of my head as he passed, heading to the back door. “Love you. Now get back to that couch.”
Gosh, I had the best brothers ever. “I love you too, Brody, and I’m glad I’m here. I missed you guys.”
My pocket vibrated and I quickly snatched my cell.
Trent: I’m okay. What’s happening? Are you okay? Bonehead Douglas is having lunch at Mickey D’s right now. You’re still good.
Charlotte: Nothing. Just a fender bender. I’m awesome now. I got worried over nothing. Talk more later.
With a smile, I went back to zoning out in front of the TV. Looks like I’d be enjoying more down time in good old Sweetbriar.
