Page 28 of Killer's Obsession
“That’s perfect for you,” Cora says, as if she’s known me longer than the handful of times we’ve crossed paths in the clubhouse.
“That’s what I said!” Pinky exclaims. “And guess what else? Killer asked her to move into his new house!”
“Pinky!” I hiss, mortified that she’s broadcasting my business.
Cora’s eyes widen slightly, but she recovers quickly. “Well, well. Looks like the big man is settling down.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” I mumble, suddenly fascinated by the scratched wood on the table.
“Who’s the girl with Beckett?” Pinky asks, nodding toward the pool table where the teens are setting up a game.
“That’s Marley. She’s taking surf lessons with us,” Cora explains, glancing over her shoulder. “They wanted to play some pool before hitting the water.”
“Surf lessons?” I perk up, intrigued.
Cora nods, her eyes lighting up. “Yeah. I used to give lessons on the other side of town, but when Chief and I got together...” She rolls her eyes affectionately. “Let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled about me being so far from the clubhouse every day. So now I teach here, using the private beach.”
I glance toward the back of the clubhouse, where, through the windows, I can see the stretch of sand and the ocean beyond. It’s one of the things that makes this place so incredible—a slice of paradise right in their own backyard.
“I’ve always wanted to learn how to surf,” I admit.
Cora’s entire face brightens. “Really? Oh my God, you should totally join us! I’m always looking for more peeps to surf with.”
“I don’t know...” Doubt creeps in. The thought of being out there makes my stomach tighten. “I might not be ready for that yet.”
“No pressure,” Cora says quickly, reading my hesitation. “But the offer’s open whenever you are ready.”
I smile gratefully. “Thanks. Maybe someday soon.”
“Actually,” Cora says, leaning forward with a conspiratorial glint in her eye, “I was thinking of having a girls’ night this weekend. Nothing crazy—just some wine, snacks, maybe a movie. You two should come.”
“Seriously?” Pinky squeals. “I am so in!”
They both look at me expectantly, and I feel a flutter of anxiety. A girls’ night? It sounds both terrifying and... wonderful.
“I’d like that,” I agree, surprising myself.
Cora grins. “Great! Friday night, then. We’ll take over the movie room in the back.”
“We’ll be there,” Pinky declares, bouncing in her seat.
I look between the two of them, a strange feeling settling in my chest. Is this what normal feels like? It feels like it’s been ages since I did stuff like this.
“Cora!” Beckett calls from across the room. “Marley says she’s ready if you are.”
Cora sighs dramatically. “Duty calls.” She stands, smoothing her shorts. “See you ladies Friday night. Seven o’clock.”
As she walks away, I catch Pinky watching me with a knowing smile.
“What?” I ask.
“Look at you,” she says, nudging my foot under the table. “Getting a job, making plans... You’re killing this ‘reclaiming your power’ thing.”
I laugh, but it’s true.
In just one day, I’ve gone from hiding in Killer’s room to venturing out of the clubhouse, getting a job, and agreeing to girls’ night.
I smile.
