Page 23 of Boulder's Weight

None of the café visitors seem interested in her, preferring the more social, playful cats.

During my break, I sit near her corner, not making eye contact, just existing in the same space.

After a few minutes, she inches closer, curiosity overcoming her cautious nature.

"That's impressive," Astra says, appearing beside me with two mugs of tea. "Luna hasn't approached anyone since she came to us last month."

I accept the offered tea, watching as Luna settles a cautious three feet away from me. "She just needs time. And space."

"Like someone else I know?" Astra's tone is light, but her eyes are too perceptive for comfort.

I shrug, not taking the bait. "What's her story?"

"Found in a dumpster behind a restaurant. Someone had thrown her away like trash." Astra's voice hardens. "People can be monsters."

"Some more than others," I murmur, images of those DVDs flashing in my mind—the ones I found after Mom died, filled with content so vile I threw up when I realized what I was seeing.

Children.

So many children.

Including ones I recognized from around our hometown.

My own father.

My own blood.

Creating that fucking filth.

The memory makes bile rise in my throat, and I take a hasty sip of tea to wash it down.

"You okay?" Astra asks, too observant for my comfort. "You went pale there for a second."

"Fine," I say quickly. "Just tired. Still adjusting to the altitude here."

She doesn't look convinced, but thankfully doesn't push.

As we head back to work, I notice Astra casually mentioning her husband might stop by later.

The way she says it—offhand but with a pointed look—makes me think it's some kind of test.

To see how I'll react to having an actual club member in the café.

I keep my face neutral, but inside, my anxiety spikes.

The more club people I meet, the greater the chance someone might recognize me from Montana, might connect the dots to who I really am.

Part of me considers quitting on the spot—but where would I go?

What would I do?

Tara arranged this job as a favor through her club connections, and I promised I'd give it a real try.

Plus, I need the money.

My savings won't last forever.

Hell, and in all actuality, I need to be close to the club in case my brothers do actually track me down.

---