Then, an idea sparks.
Maybe that’s exactly what I should do. Taunt him. Goad him. Make him hate me even more. Who is he to make me feel like I need to stay in a hotel room all night? What power does he have over me?
I’m his boss. I own the garage. And whether he likes it or not, I’ll find Sawyer and talk some sense into him. It can’t be hard to hide in this town.
I’m not here to mess up Benji’s life, and I refuse to hide away and pretend I’m ashamed. I’m here to make a new life for my family. To reconcile with Sawyer. To give Lucy and Roman a fresh start.
Nadia smiles at me. “Well, if you change your mind, we’ll be at the Blue Cat Bar from eight o’clock onward.”
She gives me a wave and walks toward her van. I put my nose to the bouquet of flowers and let out a deep breath before going to check in at the hotel reception. My bags have already been moved into my room, and I’m ushered up the elevator by one of the staff members who helped with the flowers.
I slip a tip into his hand. He thanks me and mercifully leaves the hotel room without delay.
I’m alone. Finally.
Flopping down on the bed, I pull out my cell phone. My little sister answers on the first ring, turning her video on so I can see her.
“Hello, Auntie Rae!” she calls out, angling the camera so I can see my nephew, Roman.
Roman gives me a face-splitting smile, reaching toward the camera. “Rae-Rae!”
My heart eases. Even just the sight of Lucy and Roman makes me feel better.
“What did we learn today, Roman? How old will you be on your next birthday?” Lucy asks, throwing a smile at the camera.
Roman holds up three clumsy fingers for the camera, and I smile. My heart squeezes, and I remind myself I’m here for them. Always.
For the past three and a half years, everything I’ve done has been for Lucy and Roman—and Sawyer, too. My parents might have turned their backs on my siblings, but I won’t. Ever.
Lucy angles the camera to her face, arching her eyebrows.
“How was the drive? You must be exhausted.”
“It was long, but I liked the time alone. A few days with nothing but wide-open roads was a nice change from Houston traffic. And now there’s a car here waiting for you to use.” I don’t mention the fact that my old car is currently out of commission. Hopefully Benji will get over his hatred of me and get it working before Lucy gets here.
Lucy lets out a breath. “I could have bought a cheap car once I got the money together,” she says.
“It’s fine, Lucy.” I smile. “I’d rather you have a vehicle when you get here.”
“But you love that car. I don’t want to take it away from you.”
“It’s just a car.” I smile, even though my heart tugs. “I have a company car in Houston anyway. It’s better for you to have the Aston Martin here.”
She nods. “How’s everything in Woodvale? Have you seen Sawyer?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. He wasn’t at the garage. I’m at a hotel right now, waiting to take possession of our new house. I should get the keys next week, so I’ll start looking for some furniture for us to move in.”
Lucy’s eyes shine. “I can hardly believe it. I can’t wait to get out of this apartment.”
“You won’t have crackheads for doormen anymore.”
“No.” Lucy laughs. “I won’t miss them.”
“Woodvale is nice. You’ll like it here.”
“Have you seen the college?”
I shake my head. “Not yet. I figured we could go together when you get here.”
When the private investigator found Sawyer, I saw an opportunity. Woodvale seemed like the perfect place to come together and start a new life. Have a support system. Get away from Houston and start living the way Sawyer and I had always talked about—but do it together, with Lucy and Roman safe and supported.
Lucy found a program she liked at Woodvale University and applied right away. Education for kids with special needs—because my sister is a saint. She’s always wanted to be a teacher, but our parents said it was beneath her station. Now, she’s disowned from them, but she’s free to do what she wants.
Silver linings.
I found Sawyer six months ago, and every day since then has led up to the move. Lucy will leave her tiny, grimy apartment behind, and she and I will move in together. I’ll stay here for six weeks, and then go back to work and face my parents.
I’m hoping that when I go back to Texas, Lucy will have her feet solidly in her new life, and I’ll be able to talk to my parents about reconciling with her and Sawyer. Eventually, I’ll move up here permanently—if the financial situation works out.
I have to believe Sawyer will come around. He’s ignored all my attempts to contact him, so it’s a risk. Lucy is moving her life to be close to him, and he still refuses to speak to me. I’m hoping when he meets Roman, he’ll understand.
I didn’t abandon him. I stayed behind and worked for our father in order to help Lucy.
Lucy smiles at me, shaking her head. “I can’t believe everything you’ve done, Rae. You’ve given me so much hope. I can’t wait to see Sawyer.”
I hope he feels the same way.
I force a smile. “I’m sure he can’t wait to see you, too.”
My heart squeezes. Lucy’s eyes grow big and hope floods her face. I don’t have the heart to tell her Sawyer’s hiding from me, and he’s put his big ogre, Benji, on attack mode.
I pinch a smile. “Just over a week now.”
“Give Sawyer a big hug for me.”
“Not sure he’ll want to come anywhere near me.”
“Oh, come on. Of course he will.”
“He still thinks I’m evil, remember?”
“Just tell him about me,
