“Nothing about this was your fault, and you most certainly are not an idiot.” My voice is firm.
I think she’s embarrassed that it happened to her, a self-proclaimed tough girl. She works in law enforcement. She takes calls dealing with domestic abuse all the time. She feels like she should have seen it coming and prevented it.
I guess when you’re in it, it’s hard to be thinking or seeing clearly until it’s too late.
Nelson shoving her down the stairs was a wake-up call of the worst kind.
Bile tickles the back of my throat at the thought of him. Thank God Noli’s injuries turned out to be pretty minor, all things considered. She has bruises on her arms from where he grabbed her, and she ended up with a level-three concussion and stitches near her temple from where she hit her head against the metal railing.
It could have been so, so much worse.
I truly believe Noli could get some closure if she brought Nelson to justice, but she keeps resisting. I can’t force her to do anything, and I know she has to deal with this in her own way.
But she’s not going to deal with it alone.
I pull back, keeping my hands loosely gripping her arms. “I’m here for you. Always. You know that, right? I’m happy to be here.”
Noli nods, biting her lip. “Thanks, Poppy.”
I reach for the soup and hand it back to her, knowing full well she’s embarrassed and doesn’t want to dwell on what she perceives to be her weakness. To need anyone has never been Noli’s forte. “Here. Eat.”
She slurps up several spoonfuls. I resist the urge to tell her to please not make those noises, because she’s a grown-up and she can eat soup how she wants to eat soup. But honestly, it’s about as cringy as the turtle’s sound effects.
My spirits dip at the thought.
I miss Mack.
I’m mad at Mack.
My feelings are all over the board.
Noli finishes her bowl and sets it on the end table, stirring me from my thoughts. “You always were a soup master. That was good.” She rests back on her bed and closes her eyes. “You need to leave,” she says.
“Demanding much?” I keep my voice light and reach for the bowl, going to stand. “I’ll let you rest.”
“No. I mean you need to leave Pensacola.” She opens her eyes. “You need to go back to Cashmere Cove.”
I take a fortifying breath. “We’ve been over this, Noli. I’m staying here with you for a while, making sure you get back on your feet.”
“I’m already on my feet. I’m fine.”
I scowl.Fine is not having a boyfriend who pushes you down the stairs.I don’t say that out loud.
Noli crosses her arms and gives me an unrelenting look. I remember this stubborn streak of hers well from high school. “I will not be the reason you give up on love.”
“Who said I was giving up on love?”
Noli rolls her eyes. “Come on, Pops.”
“No, I’m serious! I’m not giving up on anything. Mack and I are fine. We’re—we’re…”
“You’re what? You don’t know at this point because you’re here with me, and you got into a fight with him that you are dragging your feet to resolve. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful. I truly am.” She sits forward and puts her hand on my arm. “You came when I needed you. You found me this place to live. But you don’t need to linger here.”
“I’m not lingering. You still need me.” My voice comes out a little higher pitched than I’d like. Because being here, with her…this is what I’m good at. I’ve always been good at being there for my sisters. It’s a part of my identity at this point. I’m not sure how to make anything else my focus. I guess you could call this my comfort zone.
Noli’s eyes are kind. “Of course I need you, and I know you’re always going to be here for me. Right now, I’m being there for you. I’m telling you you’re going back to Cashmere Cove. I’ve already booked your flight.”
“What?”
