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“After everything with my parents contesting the will and selling the house, I scraped up enough money for a motel for a few nights. Then I called the shelter, which is on a first-come, first-served basis. I got a bed for two nights, then had to stay in my car for a night, then back to the shelter. Rider found me last week after I spent a few nights in my car.”
Tessa’s hand covers mine, and tears sting my eyes from whatever kind thing she’s going to say.
“I’m so sorry you were dealing with all of this and I had no idea. If I thought for a second you were homeless–”
“I know. You would have insisted I stay with you and Hawk or set up a spot for me at the Savage Saints clubhouse,” I finish for her.
Tessa nods. “So why didn’t you say anything?”
I shrug, staring down into my hot chocolate. “It’s one thing toknowsomeone will theoretically help you when times are tough, and another thing entirely totrustthem.” I realize how that must sound, and immediately backtrack. “Not that I don’t trust you,” I rush to say. “It’s me. I’m broken. I can’t… I can’t trust anything. It doesn’t make sense to get something for nothing, especially when I’m such a burden.”
“Sutton, I’m not mad at you,” she reminds me gently. “I’m worried because I care. It’s not a burden to be there for you or to share my resources. You’re not a burden for simply existing.”
I sniffle back a few tears and nod. She’s right. I know she’s right. Rider has told me the same thing over the last few days.
Oof, just thinking his name has my stomach churning and my breath catching in my throat. As if sensing my shift in thoughts, Tessa readjusts in her seat to face me, letting the blanket fall from her lap. I gather it up, needing this little protective shield for the question I know she’s about to ask.
“So, Rider, huh?”
My cheeks heat, and I shrug, unsure what else to say.
“You know, he’s been into you since he first introduced himself.”
A smile spreads across my lips despite the pain tearing at my heart. “He told me the same thing,” I murmur. Then I remember hearing Blade shout about Rider being thrown in jail, where he’s already spent some time. “But he lied to me. Why didn’t he tell me he spent time in prison?”
“Why didn’t you tell me about the house?” Tessa counters.
I blink at her, not expecting that question. “That’s not the same thing at all,” I start.
“Maybe not, but do you know why he went away the first time? Or if it was his fault?”
I continue to stare at my friend. That thought never crossed my mind.
“You know how awful my dad is,” Tessa continues. “And he was the sheriff. Can you imagine what all of his little cronies are like, especially now that there’s a power shift?”
“Not his fault,” I repeat. “Like, he was set up?”
Tessa shrugs. “I don’t know all of the details, but yeah. My father confessed to putting several Savage Saints in prison for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Still, he didn’t tell me. We shared so many things, and he knows my greatest vulnerabilities, so why couldn’t he trust me with his?”
“Why couldn’t you trust me with yours?” Tessa asks, flipping the tables on me once more. My shoulders drop, and my stomach twists. My friend scoots closer to me on the couch, taking the empty hot chocolate mug from my hands and setting it on the table before resting her arm around my shoulders. “I didn’t mean that to shame you. I simply wanted to remind you what you told me a few minutes ago. You said it wasn’t because ofmebut because you struggle to trust anyone or anything. Could Rider have the same feelings? The same insecurities?”
“Well…” I trail off, knowing she’s right.
“I’m always on team Sutton,” Tessa tells me, giving my shoulder a squeeze. “Whatever you want to do about Rider, I’m here for you. If you want, I can probably get Hawk to punch Rider in the balls if that would make you feel better.”
I snort out a laugh at my bestie’s suggestion.
“But I wanted to give you a different perspective,” Tessa says, more softly this time. “Other than finding out about Rider’s past in the worst way possible, how have you felt being with him the last few days? Is he good to you? Does he make you feel safe?”
“Yeah,” I say with a nod. “He’s so sweet to me, and he makes me feel like I’m this precious gift. He told me he looks forward to coming home to me and my smile. I’ve never had that before,” I tell her, my voice cracking at the end.
“Rider sounds like a good man to me,” Tessa says. “Stubborn and a bit of an idiot when it comes to communicating, but all the best men are.” My friend winks at me, and I can’t help but return her smile.
Just then, we hear a commotion coming from the front entryway.
“Maybe just give her some–”
