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“Thank you, Grif. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without you.”
“Yes, you could’ve. But thankfully, you’ll never have to find out because I’m always going to be here.”
Then he placed a kiss on her neck, before finding her lips and telling her with one passionate kiss how true his words were.
She was not alone. Not anymore.
11
As the day drew on,the nerves and fear that had coiled tight like a snake around her spine slowly ebbed away. It wasn’t hard when everyone made her feel protected. Though having everyone know her business wasn’t something she liked.
Small towns. Now she knew.
Since the moment Griffin dropped her off at work, she’d gotten words of encouragement from everyone who came in. Unfortunately, Chip had called out with a stomach bug and Tabitha had as well. They had attended the same party yesterday, something Eve was grateful Griffin declined for them. Juliet hadn’t attended either, luckily. She manned the kitchen while Eve handled the front counter. They were doing their best to stay sane around the chaos. Eve fearedshewas the reason they were so packed.
There was finally a moment of peace for her to catch her breath. Her mind wandered to all the comforting words from the townsfolk.
“Now that I know you’re not actually blonde, I see you. You’re definitely Evelyn Carrington. Always thought you were so pretty. Still are as a blonde,” Mrs. Donavan had said.
Mr. Pitts’ determined grin had matched every word. “That asshole steps foot in town he’ll be stepping right back out. You got my word if I see him.”
“I always thought he looked like a douche. Real douche smile he has,” Tonya from the salon had punctuated with a severe frown.
“I thought you had looked familiar. I just knew it.” Bob had snapped his fingers, still disgustingly dirty as usual when he came in, making her flinch. “Of course, if I see that jerk, I’ll stand up for you. You’re safe here.”
“I own a gun if you need it. Won’t say a word to anyone. Not even the chief,” Gary from the hardware store had said, leaning in close as he whispered. “Or better yet, I’ll use it for you.”
“We got your back. The whole football team. We’ll crush him for you,” Teddy, the star quarterback had even said.
His comment most of all had warmed her heart. Even the teenagers in town wanted to protect her. She thought she’d picked the perfect town because he’d never find her here. Instead, she found the perfect town that accepted her for her. Not what she represented. Not one person had commented on her money or status. If she could get them a free room in one of her hotels. How she could make them look good in the press. It had all been about how they’d protect her from the evilness that had ruled her life for so long.
“Eve!”
She jumped, putting a hand to heart when she turned to Juliet, who wore a silly grin.
“You didn’t answer me. Sorry,” Juliet said, “I had to scream your name.”
A trembling giggle fell out. “I was lost in thought.”
Juliet’s expression softened. “Everyone been okay? Not too in your face, I hope.”
Oh, they’d been in her face. Chatting and commenting, even if she would’ve protested. While Juliet had looked chagrined for making her work the counter, Eve figured this was Juliet’s way to show her that not only did she, Bryce, and Griffin have her back, but so did everyone else. And she wouldn’t believe it unless she saw it with her own eyes. Well, they were wide open.
“A little bit, but it’s been a good day. I didn’t expect so many people to…” She shrugged. “To care.”
Juliet wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into her side. “Once you’re a part of this community, we stick together.”
“Thanks for letting me see that for my own eyes.”
“I’m glad you’re not mad at me. I wasn’t trying to make you feel bad or out of place.”
They pulled away from each other.
“You don’t have to stick around until closing. I can handle it.”
Eve shook her head. “I got here late. I will close with you. That’s final. How are Chip and Tabitha feeling?”
A sigh of relief hit Juliet’s features. “Much better. They both said they’ll be back tomorrow.”
