Page 21 of Fight Or Flight

Natalie closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath, then reached her fingers up to dig into her temples. “Look, it seems pretty obvious that you could use some financial help right now. Selling the property would allow you some freedom. You could travel, get yourself a decent car.” She gestured at the dilapidated vehicle down the street. “You said your apartment is small? You could buy a house somewhere, put a film studio or whatever the hell you need in it.”

“A film studio?” she asked with a snort and an eye roll.

“Whatever, I don’t know. The point is, we can both benefit from this and move on with our lives.”

“It just feels wrong.” She looked out across the street, staring away from Natalie.

“It’s an enormous house, Chelsea. I can’t stay. You can’t afford it. It’s just bad timing.”

Chelsea said nothing, just continued staring over Natalie’s shoulder.

Natalie went in for the kill. “I’m sure Elizabeth’s intention was to help us out, the way Robert hadn’t. As long as you’re happy and taken care of, that’s all that would matter to her.”

“Natalie,” Chelsea said.

“What?”

“There’s someone staring at you.”

Natalie turned to look over her shoulder, and sure enough, a young woman was standing across the street, staring at her. She had short brown hair and an armload of binders. Natalie looked away, unsure who it was and not wanting a run-in with anyone. She was about to say something else to Chelsea when she cut her off.

“She’s coming over here.”

“Oh, for the love of—”

Natalie turned, ready for a fight. As the woman got closer, a prick of recognition stabbed into Natalie’s brain.

“Natalie?” the girl asked. “Natalie Monroe?”

Natalie took in the girl. Small stature, shy, a little mousy.

“Amy?”

“Yes! It’s me! Amy ! I can’t believe you’re actually here.”

“Me either. It’s good to see you.” Once the words were out, Natalie actually felt how true they were. Amy had been Natalie’s only friend when she lived in Mapleton. For about six months, when Natalie was at her lowest point in life, they’d been inseparable.

“Do you still live here?”

“Yeah, I went to U of T for school, but I moved back a couple of years ago. What are you . . .” She stopped and blinked her eyes closed for a moment. “Of course. Elizabeth. My mind is in a thousand places right now. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thank you. This is Chelsea. I don’t think you two have met.”

Chelsea gave a little wave. “Hi.”

Amy returned it with her fingertips, but the movement caused her enormous shoulder bag to slip down. “Sorry, I wish I could stay, but I’m already late for an appointment. Are you staying in town for a while? Maybe we can get together and catch up?”

“I think I’ll only be here for a few days. I have some things to iron out before I leave. Maybe we could get together on Saturday?”

“Oh, actually, I’m getting married on Saturday.”

“Whoa, really?”

“Yes. I’m . . . marrying a woman named Jaclyn.”

Natalie felt her whole face split into a smile. “That’s amazing, Amy. I’m thrilled for you.”

“Thanks.” Amy tapped her foot for a moment, looked up the street, then down at the binders, then back at Natalie. “Do you want to come?”

---