Page 28 of Nothing to Fear

“Because my inability to trust came from somewhere.” Shifting onto her side, she pushed herself against the back of the couch, imagining the support was more than inanimate. “It’s harder to say the words and not be heard than it is to just not say them at all. When you open yourself up to someone, you want to think it means something.”

“It does.”

“Not in my family.”

“You’re protecting yourself.”

“And so the cycle continues,” she said. “Sorry, this is… I didn’t mean to get heavy.”

“Heavy is kind of the point,” he said. “You can trust me. It means something to me to hear you talk, to listen to your burden.”

“It’s not a burden, it’s just life.” She exhaled. “Thank you for listening, for your time.”

“Any time,” he said. “And I mean that. I look forward to your calls.”

She smiled. “Goodnight, Jacob.”

“Night.”

Opening her mouth, speaking, it did help. She still wasn’t sure exactly what it was that she wanted to say, but being heard meant something. If only there was a way to show the man who’d become her confidante how much she appreciated his patience. Trusting a man she’d never meet in real life, who’d never lay eyes on her, that was easier than witnessing him absorb her words. Someday she’d figure it out. Someday.

EIGHT

WHAT HAD SHE been thinking? Making out with Darroch Breckenridge? Well, with anyone. It was a kiss. What was a kiss? Nothing. No big deal. So why was she still thinking about it?

“Put your name up,” Nessa said.

“My name?”

Right, yes, bowling. All day one game would follow another. Every team paid their entry fee and sponsorship, that money went into the charity pot. A percentage of the bowling alley’s takings also went to the winning team’s charity. Adding up food, drink, the arcade and game room, the prize pot would be heavy by the end of the day.

Sitting at their console, she added her name to the bottom of the list. Bowling wasn’t exactly her forte, but it would be fun. There were kids, families, friends, plenty of happy feeling and positivity.

“Hey, team!”

No, that sounded like—

“What a surprise,” Celeste exclaimed. “A welcome surprise.”

She couldn’t turn around, not if he was there. Why would he be there?

“You’re my team.”

In the corner of her eye, in the lane by theirs, Caber joined Luxe Leathers. And he wasn’t alone, young Astor was with him.

She whipped around kind of hoping to see cute, little Buoy, though wasn’t disappointed to find Dougie. His big brother was a much less welcome arrival.

“Come put your name on the computer, Dougie,” Yvette said. “I’ll show you.”

They approached, forcing her up, out of the way.

Drinks.

Maybe she should go get some drinks.

Yes, drinks.

Everyone needed drinks.

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