Chapter 1
Anna
The more milesI put between myself and Nashville, the more I felt the tension ease between my shoulder blades.
A slightly obnoxious snore followed by the blowing of lips sounded from the back seat, causing me to grin. Even Jack, my Great Dane, seemed to understand that life was about to be less stressful.
I was heading to Sterling Mill, the town where I’d grown up. I didn’t know what kind of welcome I would receive there. Maybe none at all. I was arriving with no sure plan and no prearranged place to stay. But even that uncertainty was easier to face than the life I was leaving behind. Easier than living in Mason Washington’s shadow. Especially the ones he’d left behind.
Just thinking of him had me tightening my hands on the steering wheel. I drew a deep breath and tried to ground myself, remembering what my counselor had taught me to do when I felt overwhelmed.
“Think of three things you’ve done on your own that day, no matter how small.”
It had been terrifyingly hard in the beginning. I’d started with small, simple things, such as getting my own breakfast or taking Jack for a walk. Mundane things that were more suitable for a young child. But I was growing. Today’s were the biggest yet.
Packed what I chose, not what was chosen for me
Bought a new phone, with a new number
Listened to the music I wanted on my trip across the state
I might not have an exact plan, but for the first time in a long time, I had something better. I had the will and freedom to try.
As the list generated in my mind, my new phone chimed with the only contact I’d programmed. Still, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw my best friend’s name. Best friend? More like my only friend.
“Hey, Mal,” I answered.
“Where are you? Feeling far enough away from those assholes yet?”
Typical Mallory. Always direct and more likely to throw a punch than to hold one back. Especially for me.
Mason had hated her. I adored her.
I chuckled. “Not sure there’s anywhere far enough for that, but it’s a start.” I caught sight of the sign that indicated my exit was only two miles ahead. “But if you mean literally, I’m about to turn off the interstate.”
“Good.” She hesitated. “Are you sure this is what you want to do? You know you’re more than welcome to stay with me. Or I could run away with you. We could be like Thelma and Louise.”
“Not sure that turned out so well for them at the end.”
Mal snorted. “Well, we don’t have to drive off a cliff. We could just lay out at the beach and sip fruity drinks with little umbrellas.”
“I think Vince would miss you.” Unlike Mason, Mal’s husband treated her like a queen.
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Besides, I’d miss the sex with him. I mean, last night he did this thing?—”
I wrinkled my nose. “Nope. Stop. I donotwant details about your sex life. Period.”
