Page 49 of Hidden Fears
“Because of the fucking roof that can fall down on you mid-snore.”
“I don’t snore!” I cry out. “Did Alicia tell you that?”
He nearly rolls his eyes, and I instantly feel like an idiot. Randy told me I snore. But I don’t! Pressing the heels of my palms into my eye sockets, I groan. “The damn local hotel has zero availability.”
“You know what?” He taps his foot on the floor. “I think I have a solution.”
I spread my fingers wide to peek through them. “Really?”
“Kayla has a trailer she doesn’t use anymore.” My ears instantly perk up at the news. “It’s parked behind the garage.” He gestures over his shoulder. “We can move it to the house so you can sleep safely, at least. How does that sound?”
I sniffle and wipe my nose theatrically but sincerely at the same time. “Like you just solved all my problems.”
“It’s a deal then.” He winks and places his arm over my shoulders in a brotherly hug that suddenly makes me miss my own brothers. His tone shifts from serious to funny. “Now tell me about that activity of yours this lovely morning. Does the sheriff really have three nipples?”
* * *
True to his word, Justin, along with Archie—who was thoroughly pissed that I didn’t tell him about my housing situation—moved the trailer to the Ghost House. They replenished the water and gas, and Justin showed me how to use all the amenities. I’m familiar with trailer living since we had them on projects all the time, but this one seems like a bit of an older version, so I was scared to mess it up at first. But everything turned out to be just the same as every other trailer.
I was worried that Kayla might not support the idea of me taking her trailer, so while Justin was moving the trailer to the house, Archie drove me to the diner where Kayla waitresses to help the owner, Marina, for a couple of days a week.
When I asked her if that was okay, she just waved her hand with the most gorgeous and feminine body art I’ve ever seen and told me I could use it as long as I needed since she was shacking up with her ‘forever fiancé.’ Her words. Since, apparently, he fucked up big time, she’s been punishing him for years now by denying the wedding date. They both look happy to me though, and I don’t see anyone suffering much. Well, maybe Justin. But I haven’t seen them around each other much yet.
Funny thing though, I asked her if it was okay if I fixed her trailer a bit, and she gave me full rein. And now, two weeks later, this very modest trailer in the middle of nowhere feels more like home than any place I’ve ever lived in.
To cheer myself up and compensate for the lack of luck recently, I ordered some new clothes since the last fashion pieces I got in New York don’t quite fit. I don’t starve myself anymore, but I still remain healthy, and that’s my goal now. I love my body and every single curve I’ve got, and I want to sway my ass on the street so a certain someone can notice it because, as of recent, I’ve become invisible to him.
Not going to lie, I’ve been waiting for Sheriff Benson to show up every day. Either for a fight or makeup, doesn’t matter. But he hasn’t come. He made it absolutely loud and clear that my friendship is not something he needs or wants.
Feeling more sour with every passing day, I push him and the mystery of his cock to the back of my mind, like someone who showed up in one’s life just to disappear the next day without leaving a lasting footprint.
Or so I told myself.
ChapterFifteen
KENNETH
After a few unsuccessful attempts to find someone useful, I decide to go grab us some coffee, or I’ll go crazy couped up here. It’s probably the first time I’m actually hoping for Cat and Stallion to have a fight or maybe for a cat to get stuck in a tree. Anything to get me out of this stale office.
I grab two coffees for myself and Jennica from Donna’s and go back to the station. The moment I step on the asphalt, I hear my sister’s voice calling out my name. I turn around to find her coming my way with a huge smile on her face.
“Hey, Ken!” Leila wraps her arms around me. She’s gotten a bit… fuller and a lot happier in a loud way, if that makes sense, while she’s usually reserved and quiet. I pull back and look her up and down, trying to figure out where this change is coming from.
Until a light bulb lights in my head. “Leila?” I ask slowly, staring at her belly.
“Dang, Ken.” She rolls her eyes with annoyance—it’s something she does with me pretty often. “I didn’t even tell Archie. Are there no secrets sacred for you?”
My eyes bug out. “What? It was just a shot in the dark.” I add, scratching the back of my head, “To think of it, I didn’t even say anything, and you gave it up on your own.”
She quickly glances around, making sure no one is listening because rumors in Little Hope travel fast. “Keep it down, would you?”
I glance at her totally flat stomach. “You are really pregnant?” I ask quieter.
“Yeah,” she replies, still looking around. “But I just found out. Don’t tell anyone.”
“Of course, I won’t.” I rear back—I’d never spoil a surprise that’s not mine to spoil. I pull her back into a bear hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you,” she muffles into my shoulder and pulls away. “I’ve always suspected I’d be before you.” Then she adds, wincing, “Unfortunately.”
