Page 15 of Broken Pieces
Chapter Eight
Raelynn
It’s been three weeks since the incident at Sawyer’s and it still chills me whenever I think what might have happened if Brooks wasn’t there. I no doubt would have let those guys do to me whatever they wanted if they kept feeding me drinks like they did. Luckily, I noticed when it looked like one had slipped something in my glass. I made that mistake once before and I wasn’t going to make it again.
Somehow Easton never found out about me sneaking out or the minor brawl between the guys, Brooks, and his friend. I’m guessing because his friend stopped it or because those guys really were trouble.
I have been a good girl ever since then. Granted I still find ways to sneak wine or booze into my treehouse, I haven’t snuck out or tried anything that would get me into trouble.
I even started making progress at the diner. Ivy and I have been working on daily menus for breakfast and lunch treats. She is even letting me come up with some specials. I don’t know how much the people here are going to want to try my French desserts, but I love immersing myself in the complicated culinary delights.
“You about ready to go?” Harper asks me as I finish wrapping up the last of the desserts.
“Yeah, I just need to put these in the cooler,” I reply.
I walk out and see Harper eating out of a to-go container. “Oh my god, Raelynn this key lime pie is to die for.”
“Isn’t that supposed to be for the customers?”
“I’ll give Ivy the five dollars for this slice of pie.”
“Well, I am glad you like it. I was juicing key limes for hours this morning.”
“It was worth it,” she mumbles through another bite. “Gosh, this baby can’t come soon enough. I can’t stop eating. Easton is not gonna wanna look at me pretty soon.”
I laugh because it’s the stupidest thing I have ever heard. “I doubt that will happen. He worships the ground you walk on. I’ve never seen him as happy as he is with you.”
Harper wraps her arm around me. “That’s sweet Rae. But you haven’t heard him complaining every time I make him get up in the middle of the night to grab me a snack.”
We walk out the door, lock up the diner, and head to the car. “Well, I guess we better get you home then so you can be fed before he hears you complain.”
“Best idea ever. Can you make me pie for dinner?”
* * *
I’m in the middle of cooking dinner for the three of us when I hear tires in the driveway. I look at the clock and think Easton must be home early and go back to making the pancakes Harper requested for dinner along with brownies and homemade ice cream. I can see why East might complain every now and then over her eating habits. I am just glad she didn’t ask me to make her pickle pancakes. I managed to convince her to just eat the pickles as an appetizer.
There is a knock at the door, but I hear Harper yell that she’s got it. I go back to making the ice cream when I hear muted arguing. I try not to think too much of it, but then Harper let’s out a scream. I run to the foyer just as I see Logan standing in the doorway gripping Harper’s hair.
I gasp and it causes him to look up at me, a sadistic smile crossing his face. He pushes Harper aside and I hear a crack as her head slams into the side table by the door.
“Well, well, well Rae. It looks like you can run, but you can’t hide.”
I shake in fear as I back up toward the kitchen, making quick glances at Harper to see if she is okay. But she isn’t moving.
“You think you can just run away from me and not face the consequences?” Logan hisses.
I gather my wits and manage to squeak out, “I’ve left you before Logan, and you’ve never seemed to care.”
He laughs as he stalks closer to me. “But you’ve always come running back with your tail between your legs, baby girl. You need me. Don’t lie to yourself.”
“I-I don’t need you,” I manage to whisper.
“Really, babe? You don’t need me? How long until you realize you need that next hit to feel better?”
“I quit,” I stammer out. “I quit long before I left you.”
“Ha, I’ve heard that one before. But it’s time you come back baby, we both need each other.”