Chapter Twenty-One

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Gabby

I t's been a long time since I've indulged in self-care, and tonight I've decided it's time to get my nails done. I've brought Alexis and Val along with me, although Val argued. We've gotten our nails done, and now we're sitting in pedicure chairs.

"I've never had a pedicure before." Val says as she moves her feet back and forth in the water. Smiling and laughing with a happiness I've never seen from her before. "But this feels amazing after we've been up on our feet so much."

"God, this was the only thing that got me through when I was working at the bar and the hardware store all the time." Alexis throws her head back against the chair, moaning with the memory.

It's just the three of us in here, and the staff has left us alone to enjoy our time together. I take the time to ask some questions I've been wanting to know the answers to for a while. "How's it been going working for Hank?"

Alexis grins, contentment radiating from the inside out. I hope the rest of us are able to find the kind of life she's been able to create for herself. "I love it, he's turned over a bit more of the business to me, and I can go bartend whenever I want. It's really the best of both worlds. I don't have to bust my ass unless I want to, and I can make my husband jealous by flirting with all the tipsy dudes at the bar. He shows me who he is when we get home." She winks, licking her lips. "I do have to say though, I've learned a little more about Hank."

"Oh yeah? He's always intrigued me. There's something scary about him, like I don't want to get on his bad side."

"Yeah." Alexis confirms. "You do not want to be on his bad side. What I've learned is he's kind of dangerous, and when people fuck him over, he's really hot. Although I'd never tell my husband that."

Val blushes as I give Alexis a high-five. I turn to Val, ready to throw caution to the wind, and maybe try and get some answers. "So, what's the story with you, Val? You obviously don't have to tell me if you're uncomfortable, but I do wonder."

She takes a drink of the Coke she asked for when we came in and were offered drinks. "I've never had a boyfriend before, never even been kissed. All the guys you two hang around with are so big and the picture of what I always envisioned was manly. It freaks me out a little. I've not had great experiences when it comes to men who are supposed to protect me. I've had to learn to protect myself."

"They're all good guys," I assure her.

"I don't doubt that. I've never felt unsafe, even when Vaughn laid that creeper out at the bar, but it's just different for me." She hugs herself, and seems to not be able to express exactly what she means. I guess I understand, sometimes we can't put words to our trauma, and I would never ask her to do anything she doesn't want to.

I don't want to push her, but it seems as if we're on the cusp of something she's about to admit. "How so?"

"I felt unsafe in my home," she whispers, so low I almost don't hear her. "I had to get away."

I clear my throat, wholly unprepared for what she's just said. I had an inkling, but it wasn't that. I never thought of anything that bad. "Then I hope you feel safe at Get Baked."

"I do." She nods, looking over at me. "I've never felt safer than I do in that little apartment over the bakery. Thank you for giving me that space."

Her words almost bring tears to my eyes. "You're welcome, it's been my pleasure."

Alexis leans over the two of us. Since we're sharing secrets, her eyes sparkle. "Boone and I are trying for a baby."

My mouth falls open in shock and I fast blink. "Alexis! How long?"

"Two months. We're not rushing it. We're having a lot of fun right now, but I haven't told anyone because I'm terrified."

"Of what?" Val turns to her.

"Of all of it. What if I get pregnant? What if I don't? Can we afford it? What's it going to be like if we have one and I'm not mother material? God, I need a drink."

I snort-laugh at her. "They always say you're never prepared for anything big. They were right about that. I believe the same is true about a business, too. There was never a great time. I left my husband, went to a thrift store, bought a Kitchen-Aid mixer, and used the money he gave me to live on to open Get Baked. I had to find a place with an apartment over it because I had no place to live." I think back to those bleak days. "But I wasn't ready. If I had waited, I never would've said I was ready. I believe the same is true for every life-changing situation."

Alexis nods. "Yeah, I think you're right, and that's why I'm so lucky to call you a friend."

I'm quiet as I think of where I came from and how I got here. Broken Falls was just a stop on the map to where I was originally going. Little did I know it would end up being the home I never had, but always knew I wanted.

When I get home, I take the stairs, watching as Val ascends them before me. "Have a great night." I tell her, giving her a smile. "Thanks for coming with me."

"Thank you for inviting me, I had a lot more fun than I thought I would."

Me too, but I don't get to tell her that. She sneaks into her apartment before I can say anything else. Entering mine, I throw on the light, wondering what Barrett is doing. We've made it a point not to spend every night together, mostly because of me. I don't want to constantly count on him in ways that would make me be dependent. I learned my lesson with Jeff, but I'm also beginning to realize it's okay to let Barrett take care of me. It doesn't make me weaker, it makes me stronger.

Sitting on my bed, I thumb through my email. There's another one.

Gabriella,

I see you ignored my first message, don't ignore this one.

If you keep ignoring me, I'll make it so that you no longer can. I'm serious about you using my money to make yourself a success, Gabs.

If you did, you'll pay for it.

More than you ever thought possible.

Jeff

Blowing out a breath, I close my eyes. He can't hurt me any longer. I refuse to let him hold this over my head. I'm not the same girl I was before, and I'll be damned if I cower the way I did in the past. He's going to have a fight on his hands this time.