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Hanging up, she dropped her phone onto the coffee table and turned the television on, the volume up to drown out any memories that dared try to surface again. Ann had done what she could from such a distance, and while it would have been so much better if she was there in person, the phone call had done wonders for Heidi’s flashbacks.
Staring at the light coming from the television, Heidi zoned out. She tried to think of anything other than what had happened to her as a child and what had happened to Makenzie. She had no idea how long she stared blankly at the television, but eventually, she fell into a light and disturbed sleep.
CHAPTER9
The drive home was quiet.Lila could tell that something was bothering Ann. She hadn’t specified why she had to leave early other than some emergency had come up, apologized profusely, and started packing. It was barely even dawn before they left, grabbing food to go that Elijah had made and running out the door.
Whatever it was, it must have been bad. The tension riding in Ann’s shoulders was strong. Lila had attempted to massage it out the night before, but she was pretty sure it was all back. Ann pulled up outside Lila’s apartment. Lila leaned over the center console and pressed her lips to Ann’s.
“Call me if you need something, really. I’m here for you.”
“Thanks,” Ann muttered, the hard look in her eyes not fading.
Lila’s heart nearly broke. Whatever it was, it must be bad, but the fact Ann refused to share worried her. She couldn’t keep it all a secret forever. It would only hurt her in the end, even if Ann’s partner wanted it to be a secret. Lila knew better than that. She’d kept things a secret once, and it hadn’t resulted in anything good for anyone.
Curling her fingers around Ann’s cheek, Lila stared directly into her dark brown eyes. Sadness swam behind the look Ann gave her, but there was also a touch of fear. She wished she knew what Ann was about to walk into, what she was going to face down. “I wish I could be there for you.”
Ann gave her a wan smile. “Next time perhaps, but not for this one. I need to be there for her, not the other way around.”
“Right. But when you do need someone, come find me. Okay?”
“Okay.” Ann nodded so slightly Lila almost missed it.
“I’m serious, Ann. I don’t want you to try and handle something on your own when you don’t have to. That’s what I’m here for, to help take care of you.”
“I know.” Ann’s lips curled slightly. “And thanks. I’m really sorry about this weekend.”
“We had one good day.”
“Kind of.” Ann drew in a sharp breath. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“I know you will, but don’t worry about doing it anytime soon, all right? We’ll figure it out when we can.”
Ann’s look turned somber. “I best get going.”
“See you soon.” Lila leaned in for another kiss. Retreating, she got out of the car and grabbed her small duffel from the back seat. She stayed on the steps to her building as Ann pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the highway.
Once she was inside her apartment, Lila dropped everything and flopped onto her couch. That had not been what she thought it would be. But life was life, and she was glad Ann felt comfortable enough to leave when she needed to. Since she suddenly found herself with extra time, she wondered about Heidi. They’d spoken only briefly the night before, but the conversation had brought her so much hope.
Lila wouldn’t deny that she was attracted to Heidi. Something about the petite woman, the vulnerability she seemed to carry with her everywhere she went, beckoned Lila to dig deeper and find out even more. The fact that they had the instantaneous connection of two survivors only added to that. Lila liked her. She had hoped it would turn to more, but when Heidi had spoken of her partner, Lila hadn’t dared to think beyond friendship, but now…now there was a chance.
Grabbing her phone, Lila dialed Heidi’s cellphone. They could have a quick fun and flirty conversation while Lila figured out what to do with the rest of her weekend now that her plans had changed. Perhaps Heidi would even be able to join her for some of it.
“Hello?” Heidi’s voice was gruff, broken, scratchy.
Furrowing her brow, Lila narrowed her gaze. “Hey, Heidi.”
“Lila.” A rush of relief echoed through the line.
“Is everything okay?” Lila asked.
“Oh…it could be better.” Heidi sniffled.
Lila couldn’t figure out if she was crying or not, and she wasn’t entirely sure how to ask that question without offending Heidi or stepping into something she wasn’t sure either of them were ready for. “Want to talk about it?”
“Can’t.”
“Work related then?”
