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“That’s what I’ve been saying.” Sonya pointed at her chest.
“What if he triggers horrible memories?” Baker argued, her voice rising. “Look at what finding out that bastard got out of jail did.”
Unease filtered through my brain. And the two of them bickering didn’t help matters.
Muriella looked at me with understanding eyes. “I know—it’s beyond difficult.” She seemed to struggle to find the words. I didn’t know what she’d been through but something in her tone made me think she related to me more than I could’ve imagined. “If I hadn’t opened myself up to Stone, which was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, I’d be missing out on so much right now.” She touched her stomach.
Vivian slipped an arm around Muriella and put her head on her shoulder.
“Every time I hid away, the past won,” Muriella said. My eyes stung at her honesty. “I’m not insinuating you should rush into a relationship. Just . . . don’t slam the door on the possibility permanently.”
I gripped the counter. Hadn’t I already stuck one foot through that door? I’d gone on a date with Andrew. That was huge. I’d not only survived, but I’d enjoyed myself.
Muriella was right. We didn’t need to go at warp speed. I could set the pace. I had the freedom to choose everything I wanted now.
I didn’t want to stay locked up in a cage forever. Especially not one of my own making.
One day at a time, I was learning to live again. I had friends. Family. A daughter I adored more than anything. A business. And when I was ready, I could have the one thing I’d never really had.
Love.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Andrew
“Who the hell are they?”
I double-checked twice to make sure I had the right food truck but already knew I did. So far, I’d counted four men who looked like they barely had room to move in the confined space. There was no sign of Trish. Tendrils of jealousy snaked around my heart and gripped it tight.
I was pissed she’d run again, but more than that, I was worried.
And now this.
Her food truck had been abducted by the faces of GQ magazine. I sharpened my gaze, pretty certain I was seeing things.Is that Stone Jacobs?The heartthrob of Hollywood?
Apparently, there was a lot I didn’t know about Bright Side. I was going to find outeverything. As soon as I could figure out how to reach her.
I’d barely unclenched my jaw when I approached the window.
“We’re out of the chicken roll-ups and mini-pot pies.” The man behind the counter with black hair and eyes to match seemed to analyze me acutely. He needed a lesson from Trish on customer service.
“Where’s Trish?” I demanded.
Those eyes darkened, his expression thunderous.
“Not here.”
He could take that threatening gaze and shove it. “Then where?”
“That’s none of your concern. If you’re not here to order, I suggest you move along.”
I banged my fist on the counter, both of us looking at it in surprise. When had I become a possessed man who made outbursts? I preferred diplomacy and an even temper to solve problems. Trish made me crazy with worry to the point of losing control.
I tried to get my temper under wraps. “I apologize. I’m Andrew Dixon.” I held out my hand. The man studied it for a second before shaking. “Do you have a second to talk? I’m going crazy with worry about Trish . . . as you can probably see.”
Black eyes stared at me. I felt like I was being sized up.
Eventually, he turned to another of the men and said something I couldn’t make out. Then he faced me again and pointed at the front of the truck. “Over there.”
