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“Absolutely.” We grabbed a cart, and Ash was in charge of the list. We wove up and down the aisles filling the cart like we usually did—except this time we were both happier and freer. Nobody was worried about the explosive trouble that would come for choosing the wrong brand of coffee creamer or the wrong cut of steak.
My phone rang and I answered Sara’s call with a smile. “Hey stranger. How’s it going?”
“Holy hell, I can hear your glow over the phone. Tell me everything,” she insisted with a laugh. “And don’t leave out any of the juicy details.”
I tossed my head back and laughed. “Details? What details?”
“Nope, we are not doing that. Not after everything. I’ve missed so much and hearing how happy you are right now is something I refuse to miss, so spill.”
I kept an eye on Ash as we weaved through the grocery store and I told Sara about the past few weeks. I rounded off with, “And the charges have been dropped but that’s not a permanent thing, at least I don’t think it is.”
There was a long moment of silence and then a loud whistle. “You were arrested? You have a mugshot? And you didn’t call me once?”
“Sorry,” I groaned, feeling truly apologetic. “Life has been crazy.”
“Sounds like it. And you and the sexy biker?”
I smiled as I caught her up. “He and Ash are totally in love with each other. And last night I told him that I loved him and,” I whispered into the phone as my face flamed red. “He said it back.”
“Well damn girl, bury the lead why don’t you?” She laughed loudly. “I am so fucking proud of you, Em. You’re taking your life by the balls and making it your bitch. The way we always talked about.”
“I kind of am, aren’t I?”
“Damn straight. I always knew you would, and you know what this means?”
“We celebrate?”
“Damn right we celebrate!” she shouted into the phone. “I’m coming over tonight for some much-needed girl time. Booze and dessert are on me so cook something that’s good for soaking up a lot of alcohol.”
I laughed but I felt light and free. It had been too long since we had a proper girls’ night, and I needed it as much as Sara did. “Sounds good to me. I’m thinking Mexican.”
“Mmm,” she groaned. “I can’t wait. Your hot biker gonna be okay with it?”
I paused, it hadn’t even crossed my mind that he wouldn’t, and that’s when I realized what I had with Slate was so different. I could make plans without checking in, safe in the knowledge that he’d be fine with it. And if he wasn’t, then we’d talk it over like adults. “Yeah, I can’t wait to properly introduce you both.”
We chatted as I picked up a few extra items for what I planned for dinner tonight with my best friend. “Me neither. I’m gonna make fresh salsa.”
“I love you,” she sang happily.
I laughed as we left the store and headed towards my car.
“Gimme a moment I need to stick the groceries in the trunk, and I’ll give you the address,” I said to Sara.
I was about to start loading up the trunk with bags when I heard a small voice at my side. “Mommy,” Ash’s voice was filled with fear and that immediately grabbed my attention.
My gaze landed on the most unwelcome sight. “Mark,” I said and lowered the hand with my phone in it down to my side without ending the call. “What are you doing?” My heart pounded at the sight of him. His hair was unkempt, and his facial hair was overgrown. His clothes were wrinkled, and he wore a wild-eyed expression that put me on edge.
“I’m here to get some answers,” he demanded.
“I have no answers for you,” I shot back with more courage than I usually possessed.
He shook his head and produced a gun, aiming it at Ash’s head. “Somehow I think you have a few answers.”
“Get that gun away from Ash,” I shouted loudly. I still had the phone in my hand, and I hoped to god that Sara could hear this.
“Get in the fucking car and bring the brat with you. I’m getting some answers one way or the other.”
I didn’t like the sound of that, but I knew I had no choice. Ash’s big blue eyes filled with tears immediately and her little body trembled with fear, which sent me into protective mama bear mode. “Put that gun down or I won’t tell you anything.”
