Chapter 38

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Abby

Emmy: You’re going to do a great job!

Katie: Of course she will. And if you need us at any point, we’re all waiting on standby at the main Wolfe house.

Amber: And I brought all of your favorites, including some of my secret coffee beans, for when you’re done.

Me: Thanks, all of you. I might end up a slobbering mess once I get back to the house, and I’ll need you all. heart emoji

Katie: If so, we’ll be here to hug you and wipe your tears.

Emmy: And we’ll do our best to keep Aunt Lori from going on a rampage. She’s still determined to go to San Jose and take care of that asshole herself.

Me: Still? sighing emoji Do your best to keep her from doing that. We talked her out of the flamethrower, but I don’t know what else she has stashed away.

Emmy: Your brothers are on it now. They’ll ensure she doesn’t head out with murder in mind.

Amber: I do have a few ways we can make his life miserable, though, if you’re interested.

Me: Maybe later. Rafe’s about to park. I’ll talk to you all after the interview!

Emmy, Katie, and Amber: Good luck! heart emoji

T he next week flew by and felt like a dream. Being completely myself with Rafe, both of us lowering our guards completely for the first time, had been far easier than I’d expected. There was something about a person accepting all your moods—from grumpy to sad to ecstatic—and never having to wear a mask that was freeing.

I’d even shared more with the BFF Circle about Travis and everything I’d gone through. That had led to Amber telling us about how her life with her stepmother hadn’t been as great as she’d made us believe. And Katie, Emmy, and I all vowed to help her more once I’d finally dealt with Travis Doucey.

To that end, Nolan’s assistant, Jenn Jackson, had suggested who to give my interview to. Not CGN, because they wanted to keep the gossip running and would probably edit everything to fit their agenda. No, she’d recommended a smaller but more reliable woman named Penny Rogers. Her video channel, Gossip: Facts and Fiction, broke down rumors and gossip in a funny, entertaining way, using humor to make her points. After watching a few of her videos, I’d seen how laughing made me remember things easier.

It was hard for me to see the humor in my past, but Nolan trusted his assistant’s judgment completely, and I trusted my brother. So I’d just have to see how it went.

The day of the interview, Rafe drove me to my family’s house. And as he finally pulled into the rear parking lot, I took a deep breath and checked my appearance one last time in the visor mirror.

He said, “You’re going to nail this interview, love.”

I smiled and reached out a hand, touching his cheek. “Thanks, Rafe. I hope so.”

“No hoping, Abigail. You’ve practiced a million times about what to say, have the receipts, and Penny should be able to do the rest.”

“Well, that and hoping Jenn gets the word out.”

“Nolan Drake still has a big online presence, despite the whole showdown with his ex. Katie refused to let him give it up.”

“She’s definitely braver than me. I haven’t been able to check social media for weeks now.”

Rafe took my hand and gently squeezed my fingers. “I’d say agreeing to this interview is pretty fucking brave, love.” He lifted my hand and kissed the back of it. “I’ll be in the same room, waiting, if you need me.”

We had discussed a solo versus joint interview, and I still thought a solo one would be more effective. It might give any of Travis’s other victims the courage to come forward, too. “Thank you.”

I tugged my hand. He released me, and we both exited the car. As we headed toward one of the guest houses where the interview would take place, I asked, “You double-checked with Mark that this is okay?”

“Yes, love. I assured him I would buy him out, if it came to it, and help him find another good position. Although, given how sign-ups from within Sonoma County have gone up, I don’t think it’ll come to that.”

Even though Rafe had assured me that he could find another calling if his training facility failed because of the scandal and rumors, I still felt bad. “I hope the numbers keep rising, until you reach capacity.” I bit my lip and added, “I also meant it when I said that if me running the tutoring center prevents kids from signing up, I’ll help you find someone else.”

He stopped us, pulled me close, and leaned his forehead against mine. “No matter what happens, we’ll find a way to make everything work out. Together. However, today is about you getting to tell your story and finally revealing that piece of shit for who he really is.” He kissed me gently. “Ready?”

Nodding, I took his hand again. “Yes. Let’s not keep Penny waiting.”

We walked the rest of the way in silence, and I took in the familiar scenery, doing my best to calm my racing heart and get my emotions in check.

Because this wasn’t going to be easy. Not even close.

As the wind blew, I took in a deep breath, feeling a little more put together. Later, I’d have to thank my brothers for keeping Aunt Lori busy. She’d wanted to be in the room during my interview. But as much as I loved her, she could be unpredictable when it came to protecting her family.

As soon as we reached the guest house, Nolan’s assistant opened the door and waved us inside. “Come in, come in. Everything’s set up, and she’s ready for you.”

I nodded. “Thanks for all of your help in setting this up, Jenn. I really appreciate it.”

The red-haired woman waved a hand in dismissal. “It was nothing. Assholes like your ex need to be held responsible for their actions. Let’s hope he gets fired, shunned, and maybe even charged.”

“I’d be okay with people just believing me and not his lies.”

Jenn patted my arm. “I know. My wife tells me I’m a little bloodthirsty at times and swears I must’ve been a Viking warrior in another life.”

I chuckled. “Given your height and red hair, I could see it.”

Jenn was nearly as tall as me, which was pretty tall for a woman.

She winked. “We can talk about my Viking roots later. Let’s get you settled. Oh, and if you ever need to stop the interview and take a break, let me know.” Rafe grunted, and Jenn raised her brows. “Yes, I know you would step in and do it, but I can be more tactful, since Abby isn’t my wife.”

I kissed Rafe’s cheek, and his muscles relaxed a fraction. “Save your growls for any trespassers.”

“I guess.”

After kissing his lips, I murmured, “I love you.”

He relaxed even more. “I love you too, Abby.”

He kissed me again, and Jenn cleared her throat before saying, “As happy as I am that yet another of Nolan’s siblings has found love, we don’t want to keep Penny waiting too long. Come on.”

We followed Jenn down the hallway to the guesthouse’s living room and kitchen area. While the hallway was enclosed, the living, dining, and kitchen were all one big open space.

While Rafe’s and my place was bigger, we’d all agreed it would be better to have a neutral space for the interview, in case someone tried to locate it and go after me. Yes, it was on my family’s property, but no one lived here permanently and the high tourist season wouldn’t start for a few months yet.

Not wanting to think of how many people the sheriff’s office had stopped from trespassing on Rafe’s land, I took a deep breath and walked toward the woman in the center of the room.

Penny was a little older than me, with pale skin, gray eyes, and black hair streaked with purple. She was known for cute but quirky dresses, and today was no different—she wore a white dress with cats and balls of yarn repeated as a pattern. Her shoes were bright blue, matching the yarn on the dress.

She extended a hand, and I shook it as she said, “Nice to meet you in person, Abby.”

“Same. Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it.”

We both sat down and Penny asked, “Do you have any last-minute questions before we start?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

“If you ever need to stop, just let me know.” Her gaze turned sympathetic. “I know this isn’t easy. And I’m beyond grateful that you want to share your story with me. But in the end, it should hopefully be worth all the pain and nerves and possible tears.”

I bobbed my head. “I’ve seen how you helped others before, so I’m going to be hopeful.”

“Well, it’s not a perfect track record, as much as I hate it. But if I can take down a liar every once in a while, I’m happy. And this guy really needs to be held accountable.”

“I won’t disagree, but I also wouldn’t hold my breath.”

She reached out and placed a hand over mine. “With Nolan Drake behind you, helping to spread the word, I’d say your odds are better than normal.” She leaned back and glanced at her notecards. “Ready?”

I glanced at Rafe. He blew me a kiss, and I looked back at Penny. “I think so.”

She motioned to Jenn, who was helping with the cameras. Once she finished turning them on, Penny said, “Thank you for sitting down with me to tell your story, Abby.” I nodded, and she continued, “Now, tell me about Travis Doucey…”

And so the interview began. The questions were hard at first, but soon I was at ease, laughing with Penny, and feeling a little freer the more I talked.

I came close to tears a few times, but glancing at Rafe helped steady me. By the end, I was exhausted and could barely thank Penny again. Once she left, Rafe pulled me close and said, “I could sneak you home, if you need a little break.”

“No. Even though I’m tired, I need to see my family, if that makes sense?”

He cupped my cheek. “I get it. Although say the word, and I’ll take you home.”

I laid my head on his chest, closed my eyes, and listened to his beating heart. “I will. And thank you for everything.”

He hugged me tighter and laid his head atop mine. “You were amazing, Abby. When will Penny show you the video?”

“In a few days.”

She’d promised to let me see it first before posting it.

Rafe said, “Good, that gives Nolan and me enough time to hire some private security.”

Leaning back, I met his gaze again. “What? Why?”

“Because I don’t want to risk the unhinged and delusional finding you, us, or your family.” I opened my mouth to protest, but Rafe beat me to it. “No, I won’t budge on this, Abigail. Let me take care of you. Please.”

Running my hand back and forth across his chest, I finally nodded. “Okay. But only in the beginning. I won’t be a prisoner forever. I still want that trip you promised me, once things die down.”

“Of course, love. It gives me time to plan the best honeymoon ever.”

“And celebration party.”

“Yes, and that. As long as you stand firm against Aunt Lori and her medieval court-themed party. I am not going to wear a suit of armor.”

I laughed. “As much as I’d like to see that, I’ll find a compromise. I’d rather see you in tights. Or maybe those tight pants they wore in the Pride and Prejudice show.”

“I still say jeans and jerseys would be easier.”

“And start arguments and possible brawls between different diehard fans once they start drinking? No, thank you.”

He traced my jaw and kissed me gently. “Well, how about people can wear anything they want as long as they have on cowboy boots? And before you say anything, I’d offer to buy a pair for any guest who doesn’t have them.”

“Hmm. That might work. And might even make Aunt Lori happy. Although we’ll have to watch Beck and West once they have a few beers because they might go all cowboy and try to rope Zach and Zane, or something like that.”

He snorted. “I’d pay to see that.”

“Rafe! Not for our wedding celebration.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll just have to put the challenge to them later.”

“Just don’t expect me to bail you out, afterwards, when they tie you up and leave.”

As we argued about what would or wouldn’t happen with Rafe against my brothers, we walked toward my family’s house. Holding Rafe’s hand the entire way, I laughed and forgot about my past. At least for a little while.