Page 40 of Wine, Whiskey, & Lipstick 2

“I don’t?”

“No. You’re too pretty.”

Dillyn blushed. “God, not in high school. I dressed funny, wore glasses, and was much too skinny. But I was always good with numbers and finding patterns in things.”

“Makes sense why you chose to be a digital forensic investigator and can hack things. Me,” Selah’s shoulders sagged a little, “I’m just the Cash brothers emotionally messed up little sister.”

“No. You’re not. You’re amazing, and it takes me back to the point of my story. After spending time with Palmer and her parents, I realized that a person must decide to be a survivor. I decided at fifteen that I didn’t want to be defined by the things that happened to me.”Although I still have ways to make that part a reality.“I’m still a work in progress, andthat’s okay.”

Selah hung on to her every word.

“You have a great support system. Not only are your brother’s here for you, but so are we. It might take some time to get over what happened to you, but remember, it hasn’t been that long. Make the decision not to be defined by this incident and to find that thing inside of you that makes you a survivor. It’s impossible to have brothers like Ben, Lucas, and Wyatt and not have that in your DNA.”

Selah seemed to ponder Dillyn’s words, “Thank you,” she whispered. “Sometimes I just feel like I’m drowning. I don’t want to feel like that anymore, so I came to you. Figured maybe you can help me figure it out.”

“I’m honored you chose me,” Dillyn hugged her hard, “When you feel like that, you just have to breathe. It might take a few minutes, but breathe through it.”

“That’s what my therapist says.”

“She’s right, and know that I am always here for you day and night.”

Selah remained in Dillyn’s arms and allowed herself a good old-fashioned cry. Dillyn rested her cheek on her head and held her the entire time. When Selah was finished, her face was flushed, and her eyes were red. “My brother couldn’t have chosen a better girlfriend even if he’d made you from scratch. I’m so grateful you’re in my life.”

Dillyn was choked up too, “That’s so sweet and if had to choose anyone for a little sister, it would be you. We’ll get through this together. I promise.” Dillyn meant every word.

Dillyn and Selah were still embraced when they heard a knock on the door. “Ugh. Should we answer it?”

Selah nodded yes as she wiped away her remaining tears. “Of course, we should. It could be someone telling us your entire house is falling apart.”

“The way my luck has been going, that wouldn’t surprise me at all.” Dillyn stood and walked over to the door to open it. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Ben on the other side. “What are you doing here? I thought we weren’t meeting until later this evening?”

Dillyn noticed immediately that his face was tense.

“I need to talk to everyone about something important.”

“Everyone? As in Palmer, Cat, and me?” Dillyn pointed to herself.

“Yeah, and Selah. I’ve also asked Wyatt and Lucas to come over too.”

“This sounds serious.” Dillyn turned to Selah, but she had a bewildered look that mirrored her own.

“It is.”

“Well, Cat is not here. She just left to go to the store. Should we wait for her?”

“Actually, I caught her before she left. Cat’s waiting for us in the kitchen.”

Chapter 17

The kitchen was crowded. Even for its size, considering it had been built to host at least eight bed-and-breakfast couples at a time. Dillyn recognized almost everyone, including Mike, but at least four new faces were in the mix. They were hulking and intimidating in stature. However, they stood quietly and stone face. She would hate to get on their bad side.

Dillyn didn’t have a good feeling about this little fireside chat they were about to haveat all. By the looks on everyone’s faces, the consensus seemed that nobody did. Even if Dillyn couldn’t see their expressions, there was no usual banter and back-and-forth chatter between them. She could feel the heaviness and anxiety in the room. It was palpable. Dillyn steeled herself for whatever they were about to learn as she and Selah went and stood next to Palmer, who was doing her best not to glance over at Lucas.

Ben cleared his throat, “I know you’re all somewhat curious about why we called this meeting. However, we invited Mike, whom you know might have clued you in that this meeting involves our safety and security. Therefore, I will step aside and let him take the floor.”

Mike followed Ben’s advice. He moved to stand in the group's center and easily got their full attention. “Afternoon,” He stood tall with his hands clasped behind his back. He had the stance of someone who had once served in the military. “Yesterday, a security team member reviewed some security footage that showed a shadowy figure running across your yard and into the trees.”

“This happened yesterday?” Palmer asked.

---