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Every evening out had to come after a season of utter chaos.
So, if you were in a place in your life where it felt like shit was hitting the fan, it meant there would be a season of change.
Sometimes, that change could take years. Didn’t mean it wouldn’t ever happen.
Because I was not the same Rory who had joined East Harbor, her heart full of dread and hope.
That girl had just wanted to get by. To not make an utter fool of herself and somehow earn good grades, get a comfy job, and disappear into oblivion.
Of course I had made an utter fool of myself. That bit came true.
But I also fell in love. With three of the most wonderful men I could have hoped to find.
Three men who were content to leave me wild while also keeping their homes ready for me.
I met a darling little girl, and she made me remember everything beautiful about childhood.
And I encountered the devil incarnate and made a choice to send him back to his hell.
The Aurora Sullivan of last year would be staring me in the face, going, “Girl, what the hell have you been smoking?”
Aurora Sullivan right now knew this was how her life would go. My calling was more than social work.
It lay in playing detective, righting wrongs, taking chances.
This is my resurrection story.
Evening descended, and lamps cast an amber haze over rolling gardens, manicured and prim.
Row after row of expensive cars, too big for their occupants, were likely pulling in at the front.
I looked at my watch. Abbot had told me he’d pay me a visit at six on the dot. Five minutes.
“Chelsea...”
She nodded. From the look in her eyes, I could tell she was more freaked out than me. It made me love her harder.
“Okay.” She held my shoulders and looked at me with an expression that reminded me of the mother I never had.
“You got this, Rory. You’re brave and beautiful and you broke my nose, but you got this. You’re going to be amazing. If you need anything, I’m gonna be right outside. I’ll rush out later and get the samples deposited. Ali is going to work on them as soon as he can.”
I nodded. “Go, Chelsea. I’ll be fine.”
There was a knock on the door. Fuck, he was a minute early.
“Go.” I ushered Chelsea, and she picked up the bag of drugged food and drinks and ran to the bathroom. I pictured her jumping out the window and couldn’t help but release a wry chuckle.
Okay, time to put on my best act.
I walked to the door, taking care to seem a little tipsy.
Abbot was dressed for the occasion. Armani suit. Rado watch. He looked expensive. A lecherous predator, sure, but an expensive one.
“Sirrr.”
I let myRs roll, feeling a little bit silly. But hey, I was playing a part. “I’m s-so glad to see you! Would you like to go over my speech?”
He stepped into the room. I turned my back to him and pretended to move to the desk, where the bag was.
