Page 73 of Stay With Me
“You’d be surprised. We can also talk to Jess’s therapist at her appointment this week and see if we can ask her for some information without setting her back. Even if you tell them nothing that they don’t already know, hearing it from an insider’s perspective gives little details you wouldn’t think about.”
I feel her nod against my chest. “Okay, but you’ll be there, right?”
I’ll always be with you.
“Let them try and keep me away, Lunabella. I won’t leave unless you want me to.”
“Do you think Sam will watch Jess?”
“Yeah, as long as he isn’t working. Even if he is, I bet he’ll switch shifts with someone.”
“Or Joe and Ann can watch her,” she says, making a babysitting backup plan.
“Or them. Now, let’s get ready for bed because tomorrow, you’re going to call the girls and plan a girls’ night for Friday.”
She looks up at me and smiles, but it feels forced, and I hate that I made her feel even a little sad. “Oh, I am, huh?”
“Yup, I talked to Luke on the way home. The guys and I will watch Jess, and you’re going to relax.”
She stretches onto her tiptoes and kisses the underside of my jaw. “Whatever you say.”
“Damn right, baby.” I kiss her forehead.
We finish our nighttime routine and crawl into bed. Pulling her close, I breathe her in. I know she’s worried, and I knowshe’s ready to run with Jess if she feels they’ll be threatened. While I don’t think it’s her first choice anymore, she keeps that option in her back pocket. What she doesn’t know is that if she runs, I’m going with her because losing her will destroy me more than anything else ever has. I can’t live without this woman, and I’m going to do what I can to make sure she knows that.
THIRTY-TWO
Luna
I’mgreetedbythecold air of the air conditioning as I walk into the post office in the next town over, thankful that Ann had a hair appointment and Jess was willing to stay with Joe as they wait for one of the horses to give birth.
It’s been far too long since I’ve been able to check the PO box I set up so Aspen and I could communicate. I hate that I’ve been so swept up in everything that I haven’t prioritized a trip here.
I’m a horrible friend.
It’s been months since I’ve heard from her.
I checked the date of the last letter, and it was two months before Jess arrived. I worry that The Family found out about Aspen and me still being in contact.
As I walk to the far back corner of the block of mailboxes, I grab my key out of my pocket. My hands shake with nerves as I open the PO box.
Nothing.
Taking a deep breath, I close the door and lock it. The pit in my stomach grows with each breath.
After slipping the key back into my pocket, I pull out the folded letter to Aspen. I know she most likely won’t get it since we know The Family has left their land, but I drop it in the mailbox as I leave anyway. I’m heading back to the hair salon to wait for Ann when my phone vibrates.
Pam: Who is ready for tonight bitches?!!
Am: That would be me!
Abs: God, the way I need this night out is unreal. It’s been a fucking week.
Me: Agreed. I can’t wait for tonight.
Pam: Have we decided if we want to go to The Bar or do we want to go to Am’s house?
Abs: The Bar is my vote. I need alcohol
