“I can’t believe I was so stupid,” Amy said as she cursed herself. “I should have listened to Nikki and Paul and had him locked away.”
“There’s no need to go backward now,” Sarah told her. “He’s locked up now, and you’ll get better. Stronger even. I can tell.”
Sarah’s kind eyes were all that Amy needed, and in an instant, the two connected on a deep level.
“Now, how about we get you cleaned up and pretty again, huh?” Sarah asked. “Maybe we can play some online games where we get to beat up some boys.”
Amy laughed despite her situation. “I like that idea.”
“Okay, come on,” Sarah said.
Paul and Nikki looked on like spectators at the two young women, and Paul marveled at how much his daughter had grown.
“That was the introduction, by the way.” He laughed. “Now you’ve met my Sarah.”
“She’s incredible, Paul,” Nikki congratulated him. “You raised a good kid.”
“It was mostly God, but I’ll accept on his behalf.” He smiled.
Nikki laughed. “Come on. I think we need to find a way to occupy our time. How about we cook?”
“Together? We haven’t done that in a long time,” Paul beamed.
“No time like the present,” Nikki said as she looped her arm through his and led him to the kitchen.
ChapterNineteen
Things were sort of sketchy following the incident with Jake, but as time passed, Amy was less shaken by the incident.
Maybe there was comfort in the fact that Jake was locked up, and he would finally be out of her life for good this time.
Amy was in the kitchen making breakfast when Nikki walked in. “I thought you said you wanted to be a pastry chef,” she teased when she noticed the breakfast sausages, the bologna, and the waffles.
“I do, but we can’t live off pastry,” Amy beamed. “I thought I’d treat you for once even though I’m sure this is nothing like the biscuits or muffins you make.”
Nikki laughed. “I had a lot more practice, but you, my dear, will be under the tutelage of a great pastry chef.”
“Oh my God, do you know how amazing that is.” Amy grinned. “I can’t wait. One day, my name will be on one of the most amazing bakeries in Camano, or Seattle, or wherever. I will be the Gordon Ramsay of baking.”
Nikki laughed as she watched her niece, who was filled with hope for the future. “I’m glad to see you like this.”
“Yeah,” Amy replied and handed her aunt a plate. She joined her by the breakfast counter, but Nikki could see that even though she had prepared the meal, she didn’t have an appetite for it.
“It’s a bad sign when the chef won’t eat their own food,” Nikki teased. “Should I be worried?”
Amy laughed weakly. “Not this time.”
“What’s eating you?” Nikki asked her as she bit into a sausage.
“I want to go visit her,” Amy said softly.
“Trish?” Nikki asked as her heart quickly filled with joy.
“Yeah,” Amy replied. “I need to.”
“Absolutely,” Nikki said as she covered Amy’s palm with her own. “You’re making me so happy right now.” Nikki brushed tears away.
“At least now I know why I cry so much.” Amy laughed. “Must be in the genes.”
