Page 217 of Unexpected Heroine

Ah yes. Another inanimate object comparison. How perfectly sugar bear of you.

Sugar Bear:

Can you send me a lock of your hair for non-voodoo-related purposes?

I’m still smiling when Klein returns to the lair a while later. There’s a solid chance I’ll be smiling the rest of the day.

Chapter 38

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

LETTIE

You know that feeling when someone’s following you? You can’t always explain how or why, but you know it’s happening.

Like right now.

The telltale scuffle of feet behind me shoots my pulse through the roof. I spin around and press my back to the wall and my hand to my chest.

“Sorry,” Tina hisses through a tight smile that stretches her cheeks wide. She cups her hands in front of her in a funny bear claw pose. No clue what that’s about, but she’s adorable, so I’ll allow it.

Pulling the single earbud from my ear, I wave her off. “You’re fine, sweetie. That’s what I get for listening to music while roaming the halls.”

I thought I’d be okay with only one earbud in.

Wrong again—the backup title to my forthcoming autobiography.

Without prompting, she slings one arm around my waist for a quick hug. “You’re coming to group session, right?”

I keep her tucked into my side as we meander down the hall.

“Yes. That’s where I’m going now.”

“Yay.” She bounces with joy like she’s got a spring for a spine. “How come you didn’t come to group last night?”

“I was a bit tired. It was a lot to get moved in.”

We stroll in companionable silence, her leading the way. Every time I glance down at her, she beams at me. Sunshine dances from her eyes to mine. My heart almost can’t take it.

Since I arrived yesterday, Tina’s been all over me. Always smiling like I hung the moon and roped the stars just for her. It’s not bothering me to have a little shadow. After all, she’s peach cobbler sweet, and I’m not chomping at the bit to be solo all the time. Being on my own is only good in small doses.

Surprisingly, I did enjoy the time all by my lonesome in my room last night. I kept the television on. Blaring musicals. Old ones. New ones. Nothing but musicals. They’re perfect entertainment when even your shadow frightens you. The cheesiness and lack of jump scare fodder is exactly what I need.

Our half hug has morphed into an odd hand-holding by the time Tina and I reach the group therapy room.

I step past the threshold, and my jaw drops to my chest. “Full house.”

“This is the larger group tonight. Everyone in the facility can come, regardless of why they’re here. Tomorrow night will be the small group with just the girls like us.”

Girls like us. Those who survived the nightmare house.

There are at least twenty-five women gathering. Maybe thirty. Chairs spiral out from the center of the room in two wide circles, one inside the other. A long buffet-style table full of snacks and beverages draws my attention instantly. My mouth waters.

I sure hope Simone can help me overcome my new fear of eating food that isn’t sealed.

Tina gives my hand a tug. “Will you sit next to me?”

“Of course.”

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