“And you don’t want anything in return?”
Mollie’s hand landed on my shoulder. “This is what it’s like to be loved, Grace.”
“You’ve always been great at showing it,” Jade added. “Not so good at receiving it.”
Her words brought more tears to my eyes, but they were different this time. They felt lighter.
“Do you think that’s what Dean’s been doing?”
“Oh, yeah.” Mollie said it immediately.
“Yep,” Wren added while nodding.
“God, yes.” Jade laughed. “He’s down bad. I might not know what happened today, but he’ll be back, Grace. And you don’t need to apologize when he is.”
“You never defend guys,” I told Jade. “Not after ... you know.”
“I’ve seen someone I care about grow because of a man.” Jade shrugged. “You’ve always reminded me of ageode. Beautiful, but hiding something even better on the inside.”
I took a shaky breath and slumped over. “Thank you all. I swear, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d stay a people pleaser forever,” Jade said. “But we’re not gonna let that happen.”
“Are you okay?” Mollie added. “That was a lot of emotions you just felt. Do you need coffee? A nap?”
I took a deep breath. “Some quiet time. I should be good after that. Will you tell me if any of you hear from Dean?”
“Definitely,” Wren said. “But we’ll also be here foryou. I now have a free day. I might as well check in on the coops and see if they need any work.”
“I wanna see a cow,” Jade said. “I need to bond with one.”
“Need to?” Mollie asked with a laugh.
“Um, yes. I think it would add to my aura if I had a cow familiar.”
As Wren and Mollie laughed, I laid down on Mollie’s couch and shut my eyes. I was safe here. I would figure it out.
Whenever Dean came back.
38
DEAN
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:Sometimes you’re there for everyone else and no one is there for you ...
Comments:
Tammy Jane:Vague posting AGAIN? Use your words.
Marjorie Brown:She’s just mad she’s annoying.
Tammy Jane:Pfft. You’re right.
Kerry Winsor:RUDE.
Kerry Winsor:I needed a hat from Grace and the shop’s closed!