Page 78 of Stay With Me
“I think that’s a great idea, and I don’t think anyone will give you a hard time. It’s not like you’re bulldozing the building down,” Am says.
“I think, for the most part, people will be okay, but there are always those few who aren’t.” Pam rolls her eyes. “And those aren’t the people you want around you anyway.”
“Hear! Hear!” Abby lifts her glass. “Luna, when is the FBI guy coming down to talk to you and Noah?”
I swirl my straw in my drink as I try to find my words. “Sooner than I would like. In like the next weekish.”
“Hey, it’s going to be okay.” Am reaches across and squeezes my hand. “You won’t be alone. We’re going to be with you every step of the way if we’re allowed to be there.”
“It’s just not something I want to talk about with someone I don’t know. I’m glad Jess won’t be there because I don’t know what questions they’ll ask. What if the FBI coming brings attention to us and The Family finds us?” I admit the fears that have been plaguing me.
“Find you? I thought they were in Utah?” Pam asks.
I shake my head. “Noah found out from Special Agent Hunt that they left. Which shocked me because I never thought they would leave.”
“Wait, wait, wait. So this whole cult just packed up and left?” Am asks incredulously.
“Yup, and I haven’t heard from my friend Aspen in months. So I’m worried.” I bite my lip.
“We got your back and Jess’s. I’m sure you’ll hear from your friend soon. You know the mail sometimes takes forever here. What I do know is that no one is going to get to you guys. Not only will they have to get through us, but the whole town,” Abby says.
“Do you want any of us there with you when you have to talk to them?” Pam leans forward, resting her elbows on the table.
“I think Sam is going to watch Jess if he can take off.” I spin my glass between my fingers.
“I can keep her at the diner if you need me to. I’m sure I can find something school-related to help teach her,” Abby says.
“And you know she’s always welcome at the farm with me,” Am adds.
“I have some PTO, so if you need me there with you or if you need me to watch Jess, you let me know which one works for you.” Pam dips her chin in a quick nod before taking a pull from her beer.
“Thanks, ladies. I don’t think I could do this without you,” I tell them because I couldn’t.
These women came into my life when I didn’t realize how much I needed them and bulldozed their way into my heart, and I love them like a real family.
“Okay, that’s enough heavy shit. Let’s get drunk. Well, Am, you just keep drinking your Coke. We’ll get drunk for you.” Pam slaps the table, and I can’t help the laugh that bubbles out of my chest.
“I’ll get this round,” I say and go to stand.
As I do, my phone vibrates. I pull it out and see a text as I walk up to The Bar.
Noah: I hope you’re having fun with the girls. But I can’t wait for you to come home so we can finish what we started ;)
My blush creeps up my neck, and my heart rate spikes.
“Looks like that was a damn good text to give you a smile like that,” Sarah, the owner of The Bar, says. “You ladies ready for another round?”
“Oh, it was something alright.”If she only knew.“And yeah, we’ll take another round.”
Me: We’re having a great timeI hope you’re having a good night with the guys and Jess
Noah: The best time, but not as much fun as watching you come apart for me.
Me: Okay, I’m putting my phone away.
Noah: lol Okay. Text me when you guys are ready to go, and I’ll wrangle the guys up to gather everyone since I heard Am’s Jeep is in the shop.
Me: Thanks, Noah.
