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Eva snorted. "Especially from Peter."
That got a little smile out of Abby. She looked between them. "He's been...controlling lately. More so than usual. He's not awake yet, or else he wouldn't be happy that I was over here. He's been accusing me of things, things I'd never do. But he doesn't believe me," her voice broke slightly. Abby lifted her head, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just feel so trapped," she confessed at last. "But maybe it's my fault for upsetting him..."
"No, Abby. This isn't your fault," Eva said firmly.
"Peter's behavior is on him alone," Claire added. "You've done nothing to deserve this treatment."
Abby looked uncertain, as if struggling to believe she wasn't to blame. Eva's heart ached.
"No one should ever make you feel controlled or scared in a relationship," Eva continued, holding Abby's gaze. "You deserve mutual love and respect."
Abby's shoulders shook. "I just don't know what to do. It's like I'll never be able to make him happy or meet his expectations." She sobbed and Claire quickly pulled her into a hug.
When Abby's tears eventually subsided, Claire kept an arm around her shoulders. "It's going to be okay," she soothed. "We'll help you find the resources and support you need."
Eva nodded encouragingly. "You're not alone. We're right by your side whenever you need us."
Taking a few deep, shaky breaths, Abby dabbed at her eyes with her sleeve. "I'm sorry for getting so emotional," she said quietly. "I've just been holding all this in for so long."
Eva shook her head. "Seriously no need to apologize. It's okay."
"We're glad you opened up to us," Claire added.
"Is there anything we can do to help right now?" Eva asked gently.
Abby was silent for a moment, thinking. "I should probably start looking for a counselor, right?" she finally said. "To help make sense of my feelings?"
"That's a great first step," Claire said encouragingly. "My sister Julia sees someone wonderful - I can get you her details."
Eva chimed in, "And if you ever just need somewhere peaceful to take a break, you're always welcome at the cafe."
She glanced anxiously at the clock. "I should get back before Peter wakes up. But thank you again for everything. Both of you." She hugged them both.
They stood in the doorway and watched her walk away.
"I wish we could do more," Eva said. She and Abby had never been all that close, but she still cared about her.
"I know, but we can't," Claire replied softly, wrapping an arm around her waist. "She has to leave Peter on her own terms."
Eva nodded. She knew Claire was right, but it was hard not to go next door and yell at Peter for every horrible thing he'd ever done, not just to her, or to Michael, but also now to Claire and Abby.
"I should probably get ready to go to the cafe," Eva said with a sigh. For once she wasn't looking forward to being at the place she loved. She would have rather stayed with Claire for the rest of the day.
Claire leaned over and kissed her cheek, making Eva blush. "Well, I could come and spend the day at the cafe with you and Michael. I could bring my sketchbook and make a day of it."
Eva smiled and reached over, squeezing her hand. "That would be amazing."
"Then it's settled," Claire said, smiling.
"You're amazing, did you know that?" Eva asked her.
"You're pretty incredible too," Claire told her. "Let's get ready."
Chapter Thirty-One
Michael smiled at them both as they came into the cafe, hands locked together. They kissed quickly then Claire went to a table by the window and took out her pencils. She looked up as Michael brought her an iced coffee and a scone.
"From a secret admirer, also known as my boss," he teased. "But seriously, what are you two doing here? I thought you'd be wrapped up in each other doing something fun."
