“I’m not sure. It could be a week or a year. I can work there as well as I can work at the house.”
“I told him.”
She sighed. She had hoped she wouldn’t have to hear about it.
“He was extremely upset,” Travis said.
“I hope you told him there was no need. It was just a scratch.”
Travis snorted. “Okay, we’ll call it that. He’s working his ass off trying to find the people who shot you and burned the house.”
“I don’t know what that has to do with me.” The thought of him in danger made her nauseous.
He sighed. “He was trying to protect you, honey.”
She wiped the tear away. “I don’t believe it. I’m sorry. Please tell him to be safe.”
“Why don’t you tell him?”
“Remember? He told me he didn’t want me around, Travis.”
“Anna…”
“Listen. I have to hurry, or I’ll miss my flight.”
“Call when you get back into town or if you need anything.”
“I will. Thank you. You stay safe.”
“You, too.”
Anna hung up and leaned back in her father’s chair. She felt a little bit bad about lying to him, but she didn’t want to be bothered right now. She was taking things minute by minute. When she let herself think about never seeing Zachary again, it felt like the world shook around her, and it was hard to breathe.
Over the next week, she spent hours on the computer, day trading, buying clothes, and keeping her mind off everything. The more time she spent in the office, the less she’d sleep because that was when her mind was unguarded, and Zachary would creep in.
Anna woke up every night with a wet pillow from crying. She was unable to eat or do much else but sit in the office on the computer. A few friends had called, but she couldn’t even talk to them.
Her mother stopped by once and talked about her getting away, but Anna didn’t want to leave the house. Her home was where she felt safest, and she wasn’t ready to leave it even for an hour.
Someone knocked on the office door. “Come in.”
CeCe walked in. “I’ve made your favorite chicken salad. I’ve set it up in the garden. I want you to eat it, dear, or I’ll call for backup.”
Anna chuckled. “All right. Thank you.”
“You have to eat. You’ve lost too much weight.”
“I know. I’m hoping the pain will lessen soon.”
“Broken hearts are always the worst kind of pain.”
Anna nodded. “I agree with you.” She stood and walked to CeCe, then hugged the older woman. “Thank you. I’m so glad I have you.”
“We’re here for you, miss. Don’t ever forget you have people who care.”
“I won’t ever forget that.”
Anna went to her favorite spot. A small table was set in a gazebo surrounded by flowers and trees. She’d always thought it was a special place and would come there to think or read. She was able to eat half the sandwich before her stomach hurt. While she knew she had to start eating right, she couldn’t bring herself to do it yet.