Page 70 of Untamed

But now I have to go back to work tomorrow. I can’t afford to miss any more days, and I have to shower. I was too depressed and wallowing in my own misery for the past three days that I haven’t brushed my hair, let alone taken a whole-ass shower.

I could go to one of our motels, but truthfully, they’re not in the best shape, and it’s not like I have a ton of money to throw around. Especially not now when I’m going to have to find a place to rent ASAP. I need to save all the money I can.

There’s no other family in town, and I can’t show up at Evie’s. One, I have no idea where she lives. And two, I don’t think we’re close enough for that. The only other people I’m close enough to in this town are the Blacks. But showing up at Katherine and Clyde’s door is not on my to-do list.

So, instead, I call Poppy.

“Hey! How are you? Are you taking care of yourself?” The first words out of her mouth make my tear ducts act up again.

“Hey.” I clear my throat and try to stop the tears. “So, I kind of can’t go back to my mom’s house, and I was wondering if maybe I could stay with you in the cabin until I can get a place to stay?”

“Of course.” Her answer comes quickly. “I’m basically living with Rhett anyway, so just head on over, and I’ll meet you there. You can have the whole dang thing.”

“No, Poppy, I—”

“Meet you there.”

She hangs up, and my heart squeezes. She fits right in with that family, kind and caring. I’m thankful to have met her this summer. And I know that when I show up on her doorstep, she isn’t going to judge me for the rat’s nest on top of my head or for the fact that I’m in wrinkled old clothes with a spaghetti stain on the front. She’ll just accept me and support me.

The drive to the ranch only takes about twenty minutes, and when I pull into the little driveway that leads to the cabin she was staying in, I see her sitting on the front porch, swinging her feet off the railing. She jumps down when I pull in and runs to the driver’s side of my car. When I step out, she throws her arms around me and holds me tight.

“Rhett gave me some spare sheets, so I ran over here and changed the bed. I’ve got everything I need over at his place, so you take your time. Hell, move in if you want.” Her smile is wide as she looks me over. “Not like any of them are going to care.”

“You told Rhett not to tell Hayes, right?” I’m already looking around, wondering if he’s going to jump out from behind a tree.

“He has promised not to tell.” She mimes zipping her lips and throwing away the key. “But I will say, while this little place is tucked away, it won’t stop him from seeing your Jeep here if he happens to mosey over this way.”

“Good point.” I look around. “I’ll pull in behind the house. Might give me some time before he catches me.”

“Okay, that works.” She laughs. “Now, can I help you carry stuff in?”

“I only have the one suitcase. I told Mom I’d come back for the rest of my stuff today.” I bite my lip and look at her. “Maybe you could come with? I’m dreading the trip, honestly.”

“At your service! Rhett told Wells that I wasn’t feeling well, so you have me all day.”

“Thank you, Poppy.” I pull her back in for another hug.

“Of course.” She smiles and shrugs. “What are friends for?”

After a hot shower, a lot of conditioner, and a very awkward trip into my mom’s, my stomach has stopped its incessant anxious burning. I’m feeling lighter and happier. Knowing I don’t have to go back there and soak up all that sadness has lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders.

It’s getting cooler outside, the autumn weather starting to trickle in at night. But we have the windows open as we sip on a glass of wine and let Sex and the City play in the background.

“Isn’t it crazy?” she asks, drawing my attention away from the sunset outside and back to her. “How much the fresh air can just chill you out?”

“Mhm,” I hum, smiling over at her. “It’s always helped me with that. It’s kind of magical here. No matter how bad things got at home, I knew I could always come here and feel a little bit at peace.”

“I’m sorry you went through that, River.” She bridges the gap between us and squeezes my forearm. “Back then and this morning. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it’s been.”

“Her outburst today kind of gave me clarity,” I confess. “Just because they’re a parent doesn’t mean they’re a good parent. And I deserve a lot better than what she has given me since Dad died. I’m sure I’ll have my moments where I miss her, and I’m sure it won’t be easy to go no contact, but it’s what I need for my own mental health.”

“What about the money?” she asks. “Not that you have to tell me. It is none of my business.”

“No, it’s okay. I don’t mind.” I sit my glass down on the side table behind me. “I told her I would still deposit money into her account. And I will. Until the creditors are off her back, I’ll dig her out of the hole. But once the amount is paid, I’m washing my hands fully of her. If Janie wants to take care of her from there, she can. But I’m out.”

“And…Hayes?” Her voice goes quiet. “I am almost afraid to ask. Have you heard from him at all?”

“No.” I scoff. “This is why I hate the term ‘space.’ What does it mean? When’s the cutoff? Does giving him space allow him to go be with someone else? Does it mean we don’t talk at all?” I groan and drop my head back.

---