Page 76 of Shattered Mind

The vibrating in my pocket starts again and I throw the cloth in the sink and grab my handbag from the cupboard before pulling it out. My brows furrow when I see I have five missed calls from Carter, all within the last few hours.

Shit.

I quickly lock the front doors and switch off all the lights before exiting the café through the back. I lock thatdoor behind me and dial Carter as I walk the short distance to my car.

He answers on the second ring. “I have been trying to get hold of you all day, Liv.”

I blow out a breath. “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been at work all day and only just checked my phone. What’s wrong?”

I start the car and connect my phone to the Bluetooth as I reverse out of my parking space. Carters deep voice filters out of my speakers. “The estate agent came out today. Someone has put an offer in on the house and it’s more than the asking price.”

My heart sinks into my stomach. “What?”

“They can move in within two months. That gives you time to fly home and pack the house up. You need to decide what you’re going to keep or sell. You’ll need to find storage for the things you’re going to keep, unless you plan on taking it back to Rosewater Creek with you.”

Tears burn the back of my eyes as his words sink in.Pack up the house.My throat constricts with emotion.

I knew this day would come. Of course I did. I just didn’t think it’d come this soon.

“Carter, the house has only been on the market for a week,” I say, my voice raspy with disbelief.

A heavy sigh comes through the speakers. “I know, Liv. But people have enquired about this house for years. It’s sat empty until recently, so they’ve jumped at the chance to buy it. Hence the over asking price offer.”

I say nothing, unable to form any words around the tightness in my chest. My hands shake against the steering wheel as my emotions threaten to bubble over. “Look, just think about it, okay? You don’t have long to get back to the agent, so sleep on it tonight and call me tomorrow. If youtake the offer, you need to book a plane ticket as soon as you can.”

I give a teary nod forgetting he can’t see me and hang up the call without saying goodbye. I reach a red light and take a deep breath as I try to keep the tears at bay.

It’s no use and the first tear falls, quickly followed by a second and third before I’m sobbing uncontrollably.

A horn sounds behind me and I put my foot on the throttle, taking a left towards the ranch instead of going home.

I need my best friend. I need her to tell me it’s going to be okay. That I’m doing the right thing. Because right now, nothing feels okay and everything seems wrong.

I know I took the steps to put the house up for sale. I thought I was ready for that. But as my heart thunders in my chest and the thought of closing that chapter of my life sink in, I begin to wonder if I’m ready at all.

“Hey, Siri. Call Savannah,” I say through my tears to my phone and the dial tone sounds throughout the car.

“Hey, girlie,” she answers, her voice chipper and completely unaware of the mental breakdown I’m currently having.

“Sav,” I cry.

There’s rustling, as if she’s sitting up. “What’s wrong?” her tone is serious now.

Rain drops begin hitting my windscreen almost as if the sky is mocking me and I blink rapidly to clear my vision. The streetlights become less and less as I make my way towards the country lanes, and I attempt to calm myself as the road ahead of me becomes harder to see.

“Someone made an offer on my parent’s house. I have until tomorrow to decide,” I hiccup between sobs.

“Oh, Liv. Where are you right now?”

“I’m on my way to the ranch,” I reply.

The rain falls harder, and I turn my wipers on full speed as I sit up straighter and white knuckle my steering wheel. Silent tears stream down my face, reflecting the rain as it runs down my windows and I swipe at them aggressively.

“How far are you?” she asks, her voice full of concern.

“I’m on the-,” movement to my left cuts me off as a deer runs from the side of the road. I let out a shrill scream as I swerve the car to avoid hitting it.

I’m not quick enough.

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