Page 23 of Fractured

Friday evening rolls around, and I’m nestled up with Ruby on the couch watching some Disney sitcom about a bunch of very extroverted kids at camp.

“You want some more wine, Kat?” Melanie asks.

“No. I’m good.”

“Well, you’re going to love the costumes I picked this year. You and I are going to dress like black cats. I just got Jake some khaki safari clothes. Oh, and I found a great caterer. We’re doing mini barbeque sandwiches and brisket this year.”

“Oh, that sounds good. Are we sticking with a DJ since the neighbors complained about the band you had last time?” I laugh.

“Yeah. Old battleax. I’m surprised she could hear well enough to call the cops. Every time I’ve ever tried to talk to her, all she says is, “huh?” Just our luck, the one night she decides to wear her damn hearing aids.”

I pat her arm. “It’s okay. A DJ is fine. Do you need help decorating?”

“That’d be great. I asked Jake to make sure you had the day off. I think Dr. Silver and Donovan are working that night.”

“Ah, poor Donovan. Suits me just as well. This way, I won’t have to see him there with Ashley. She drives me crazy.”

“Yeah, Jake said she’s a little possessive.”

“A little? She’s over the top possessive. I hope that doesn’t work out long term. He could do so much better.”

“Jake said he invited Nick,” Melanie adds, waggling her brows at me, a huge smile crossing her face.

“Hmm. That could be interesting. I wonder if he’ll bring a date.”

“I doubt it since the one he seems to want to date is you.”

Unable to stop the grin, I look at my friend. “Mel, I wish I had my shit together. He’s so hot and… well, sometimes he’s kinda sweet. But I don’t want to get him mixed up in my madness right now. Maybe after the Rohypnol test is back, and I have a better understanding of what’s happening. Hey, you don’t think Jake said anything to any of the guys about that date with Mark or my waking up in different clothes, do you?”

“No, Kat. He wouldn’t do that,” she assures me.

I didn’t think so either. But what did that text mean?

“Well, speaking of sleep. Ruby, it’s time for bed. You have a soccer tournament tomorrow and need to be well-rested so you can kick some serious butt!” Mel teases.

“Are you coming tomorrow, Kat?” Ruby asks.

“I wouldn’t miss it, peanut.”

“Yay. Okay, I’ll see you in the morning.” She gives me a big hug before heading toward the stairs.

“I’m going up to bed too, Mel. See you in the morning.” I walk into the guestroom at the top of the stairs to retire for the evening. Once there, I pull out my overnight bag and grab the Benadryl. I only take one as I’ve had several glasses of wine tonight. Luckily, their games don’t start until early afternoon, so I have time for the Benadryl fog to lift. Let’s just hope I can get six hours of sleep.

I awake, forgetting momentarily where I am. As I turn my head toward the window and take in the expensive drapery, I remember I’m staying at Jake and Mel’s place. Looking at my watch, it’s 8:0 a.m..Wow, I must’ve slept hard.I consider whether staying with my friends has relaxed me enough the night terrors were abated. As I sit up, I take in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

“Good morning,” I greet as I enter the kitchen approximately twenty minutes later.

“Good morning,” I hear spoken in unison from Mel, Seth, and Ruby.

“When do we head out for your game?” I ask, trying to plan out my day.

“Their game is at noon, so we have to be there at eleven. If they win that one, they’ll have to play another around two o’clock.”

“Got it. I’m going to hit the shower then.” I pinch Ruby’s cheek as I walk by.

* * *

The day has flown by and it was exactly what I needed. My throat is hoarse from cheering on the kids. They’ve had quite a successful day. They won their first game and managed to squeak out a win in the last few minutes of their second game. I haven’t been able to shake the smile.

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