Page 119 of Unraveling Rain
He should be with someone without crazy baggage, ready to be by his side and cheer him on as he becomes a hockey champion.
Xander: Rain, my wild cherry. Please, talk to me. Don’t overthink it. What the fuck happened?
Blowing a shaky breath through my mouth, I start typing, fingers trembling as the words form.
Rain: Hey, Hotshot. I’m in the RV. I’m safe. I love you too, so fucking much! Just please trust me and give me time. I promise when I’m ready, I’ll share everything. *heart emoji*
I hit send and leave my phone in the living area, not wanting to see his reply.
I know it’s a gamble asking him for time, but that’s all I can do right now.
“Good morning, Raindrop,” my sister says in a chirpy tone on the other end of the line.
“Hey, sis. Are you busy today?”
She chuckles, and I hear rustling in the background. “I don’t have any patients today. Savannah is handling the new one we just got. Why? What’s going on?”
I take a few seconds to reply. I’m still not sure this is the best idea, but right now, it’s my only option.
“Is it okay for me to come over? I need to swing by the diner first, but I can be at your house after.”
Ruin doesn’t hesitate. “Of course. I’m here.”
We hang up, and I head to the diner.
Should I talk with Savannah instead? At least she knows about everything that happened with Dennis, and speakingwith her definitely helped me overcome my fears and open my heart fully to Xander.
Ugh. What should I do?
I’d ask Xander. He’s become my confidant. But he’s the last person I can reach out to now.
Something—my heart—tells me it’s time for me to share this with my sister.
“Chef, good morning. How did it go?” Blair asks as I step into the kitchen.
Whatever she sees on my face wipes the smile clean off hers.
“I’m okay,” I say, offering a faint smile. “I’m just going to need you to hold things down for one more day. There are a few things I need to figure out. After that, you and I should sit down—some changes are coming up.”
Her frown deepens. “Changes?”
I chuckle, trying to ease her mind. “Good ones. At least… I think so.”
She leans in and lowers her voice. “You’re not thinking about kicking me out of here, are you?”
I shake my head as a genuine smile forms on my lips. “There’s no way I can let you go, Blair. You’re amazing.”
She exhales dramatically, pressing her hand to her chest. “Phew, Chef, you got me worried for a second there.”
I wave on my way out, and she gives me a mock salute as I head to the door.
I knock as I twist the doorknob at Ruin’s house—it’s unlocked.
“Hello?” I call softly, not wanting to wake the babes if they’re napping.
Ruin steps into the entryway, her face lighting up the second she sees me. Her hair’s braided, and she’s wearing a long, flowy summer dress that makes her look like she walked out of a sunshine commercial. She’s glowing.
“Hey, sis,” I say, and we hug.
