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“You as well.” Camilla climbed into her car as Hedra headed through the parking lot toward the grocery store.
Camilla drove past her and waved before leaving the lot. Hedra stared at her taillights before muttering, “If you think I don’t know you want my man, girl, you’re crazy.”
Boone isn’t your man.
She sighed and walked into the grocery store. No, he wasn’t, and she needed to stop wishing he was. He was only interested in fucking her, and it wasn’t his problem that she wanted more.
* * *
“What do you mean you’re not going home for your family birthday dinner?” Chase asked.
Hedra switched her phone to her other hand and got a better grip on the grocery bag before leaving the store. “Mom and Dad are going to be in Bartwell. Plus, Rosehaven isn’t close, so I’d have to ask Boone for Friday off.”
“He’ll give you the day off, especially if you tell him it’s your birthday,” Chase said.
“It’s not that easy. He’d have to take the day off himself to watch his nan,” Hedra said. “Besides, I just said that Mom and Dad won’t even be home.”
“Sure, but your brothers and sister want to see you,” Chase said.
“I’ll Facetime with them,” Hedra said.
“Maybe you’re not going home for another reason,” Chase said.
Hedra sidestepped a little girl of about five who was holding her mother’s hand with one hand and swinging her free arm in a wide circle as they walked through the parking lot. “What do you mean?
“Are you worried about Mateo?”
“No. He doesn’t even live in Rosehaven anymore, Chase.”
“Sure, but he could be living in any of the communities close to Rosehaven,” Chase said. “We have no idea, remember?”
“I’m not worried about him,” Hedra said.
“He threatened you,” Chase said.
“He’s grieving,” she said. “I understand why he’s upset.”
“He’s not the only one grieving, and it doesn’t justify the threats,” Chase said.
“It’s not a big deal,” Hedra said.
Chase made a low growl. “Yes, it is, Hedra, and if Everett, Jack, and Anthony knew that he -”
“Don’t you dare tell my brothers, Chase. I will never forgive you if you do,” Hedra said.
“Hedra…”
“I mean it,” she said. “Mateo is struggling with his grief and his loss, and I feel sorry for him. He doesn’t need my brothers harassing him again, okay?”
“Okay,” Chase said. “But you’re not celebrating your birthday alone. I’m taking you out on Friday night.”
Hedra smiled as she crossed the lot to her car. “Thanks, Chase, you’re the best.”
“Don’t mention it. You tell me where you want to go, and we’ll -”
“Oh my God.” Hedra stared at her car, nausea rolling through her stomach.
“What’s wrong?” Chase asked.
