Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 66184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 331(@200wpm)___ 265(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
“We’ll go with you.”
I’d been half focused on selecting a shirt to pack, so it takes a moment for what he’s said to register. “What?”
“Jansen and I will go with you, in case there’s trouble.”
“There’s no reason for you to do that.”
“You told us her parents had a drinking problem. What if someone gets violent?”
“I probably won’t even see her parents. She said she’ll probably meet me somewhere else.”
“I’d rather not take that chance, Ana. Does your friend have her own car?”
“Yes…”
“Then we’ll drive you to her, and you can ride back with her and her daughter.”
I can tell he’s not going to let this go, and that’s irritating, but it would actually be nice to be able to ride back with Stella and Jessie. “I need to leave here immediately. She’s nearly four hours away.”
“Text me your address. We’ll be right there.”
As soon as I click off the call, I realize this arrangement means I’ll need to spend several hours in a small enclosed space with two men I don’t even want to see right now.
But I have more important things to worry about, so for the time being, I’m going to set everything else aside. I finish packing my things, and am shocked when the doorbell rings only a few minutes after I’m done.
Both Derek and Jansen are standing on my porch.
“Thanks for coming so quickly.” Rather than inviting them in, I step out, my bag slung over my shoulder.
“Are you staying overnight?” Derek asks.
“We didn’t make plans. I thought I’d come prepared, since it’s a long drive.”
Jansen slips the bag from my shoulder to carry it himself, and even though I don’t need the help, I let him, because I’m tired of arguing with them today.
“I appreciate your offer to drive me upstate, but I don’t want to talk about anything we discussed earlier today. I’m worried about my friend, and that’s about all my brain can handle right now.”
“As you wish.” Derek opens both the passenger and back doors on his car. Where would you like to sit?”
“I’ll take the back. Thank you.” Of course, it’s comfortable and luxurious in the backseat, even for a sports car. I lean against the headrest and close my eyes as Derek drives out of my neighborhood. One of them puts soothing jazz on, and I’m very grateful to them for respecting my wishes and allowing me to ride in peace.
Derek makes good time. His car has better pickup than mine, and he drives faster than I would have, though not fast enough to make me nervous. As darkness falls, I text Marissa and fill her in on everything that’s happening with Stella. Meanwhile, Stella calls to tell me that she and Jessie are occupying themselves at a bookstore that’s open until nine, and asks me to meet them there.
Derek and Jansen are quiet the whole way, except to check on my comfort and ask if I’d like to stop for food or a bathroom break. For my part, I try not to notice how good they both smell, and I try not to remember how they taste as good as they smell.
I think back to this morning, which feels like a lifetime ago, and remember how I was planning to confess that I was falling for them and talk about whether we might have a future together. The whole idea is so sad and painful now.
I don’t want a relationship with men who think they can control me, but the realization that I may never feel their hands on me again makes me ache.
They treated me terribly today, and yet, I still care about them. I definitely let myself get in too deep, and I’m not sure how I could have prevented it.
CHAPTER 52
ANA
Itext Stella again just before we arrive at the bookstore, and she meets us in the parking lot.
Jessie throws herself into my arms, in what is definitely the highlight of my day. “We’re coming to stay with you, Auntie Ana!”
“I know! I’m so excited!”
“Look! I got two new books.” Jessie climbs into the backseat of their car and shows me a book with a pink cover that’s about a ballerina, and a classic rhyming story from Dr. Seuss.
“Those look great. Can we read those together sometime soon?”
“You bet!” She climbs into her carseat and starts looking at one of the books while I finally get a chance to give Stella a hug. My friend’s eyes are red, but she looks better than I’d feared. I’m sure she’s been putting on a brave face for Jessie.
“You okay?”
Stella shrugs.
I introduce her to Derek and Jansen, who give her nods that are serious, but not unfriendly. I texted Stella on the way to let her know they were coming with me. She was full of questions, but I told her we’d talk later.