Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 29658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29658 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 148(@200wpm)___ 119(@250wpm)___ 99(@300wpm)
“I don’t know.” Willow shrugs.
“I’m sorry. The dating app was a stupid idea.” I have to agree with Glory for once.
“It might not have been that guy. How would he know where I live?” Willow tries to reason, not wanting her friend to feel guilty.
“Small town,” both Sheriff Larson and Glory say at the same time.
“Can I go take a look?” Willow asks, looking toward the back door.
“I’d rather you not to be honest,” Glory tells her. It makes we wonder what the hell else is in there that they don’t want us to see. My mind comes up with all sorts of shit. I don’t care to think about another man being in her place alone.
“Why don’t you come and stay with me? It’s still a crime scene and all. Right, Larson?” Glory glares at me. I can tell she’s trying to size me up to see if she trusts me or not.
“Yep. Sure is.”
“She’ll stay with me.”
“What? We don’t even know you. It could have been you.” Glory points her finger at me.
“We were together all night.” Willow jumps to my defense. She even shifts her body over in front of me. I almost laugh because she is so much smaller than me that she’s not blocking much. But I know now is not the time to smile, and Glory will probably murder me if I do.
“He could have slipped out while you were sleeping.” She looks so pleased with herself at her suggestion.
“What would be the point of that?” I ask. If anything, I just want them to rule me out so they start looking where they should be. I want whoever did this to be found as soon as possible.
“Maybe your plan was to get her all scared so that she’ll stay with you?” I swear her grilling me only makes me like her more because it shows me what a good friend she is to Willow.
“She was already coming back to my house tonight,” I inform her. “I would never do anything to harm Willow.”
Glory huffs. “I want a second alone with my friend.” Willow looks up at me. “Hey, you don’t have to ask him.” I don’t know what I’ve done to gain so much trust from Willow so fast but it’s there. That deep connection I know we’ve always had is stronger than ever.
I step back and watch them talk. A few more women come over and give Willow hugs. I pull out my phone and make a few calls. I want to know everything that went down here. I don’t have to play by all the rules the police do. I will get to the bottom of this.
I want to know everything about that man from last night. I also want to know about the second date she mentioned that I got her to cancel. I reach out to Emily and ask her to get anything she thinks Willow might need. All she has at the moment are the clothes on her back. I pocket my phone when I see Glory slip away from the group of women and head my way.
“You better take care of her. She’s sweet. Sometimes too sweet.” Willow is all full of smiles and laughs. Life gave her a dark start to this world, but she made it through. She’s stronger than people give her credit for.
“Glory!” Willow shouts her name, making a beeline for me before I can respond. Glory mouths that she’s watching me. I’m not mad at her. Each little threat she throws my way only makes me like her more. “Will you stop? He’s a good man. He’s here doing a children's fundraiser.”
“She’s just looking out for you.” I wrap my arm around her, pulling her back into me. I relax now that she’s back at my side. “Nothing's going to scare me away.” I drop a kiss on her lips. I feel her smile against my mouth.
I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that smile is always there.
10
Willow
I hit send on the email to the caterer. For the past two weeks, Lennon and I have been working on the fundraiser. With everything that went down at the Sweet Shop, Lily told me to take all the time I need.
Two days ago, a moving truck showed up with all my things that weren't damaged. All the boxes are still in the sitting area near the front door. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with them. Each time I ask about my place, Lennon brushes it off. Yesterday I got a text from Lily letting me know that the place is better than new. The message said Lennon had sent over a crew and everything was brand new. Which means that I should be able to move back at any time.
I’ve kind of settled in here. Lennon has even gone above and beyond trying to replace everything that I lost. The man doesn't do anything half-ass. I swear he memorized my entire apartment. When I came home yesterday my stuffed bear with the stethoscope was sitting on his bed. I almost started crying at his sweet gesture.