“There’s no opportunity here?”
“Only if I want to do lap dances and I can do better.” Making a face, Zoe nodded. Tiffany tilted her head. “I thinkyoucan do better, too.”
Zoe started to sign but realized she didn’t know what to say. As if realizing she needed a moment, the blonde gestured at the corral.
“I’m sorry you gave up your horses. You were the best trainer in four counties when you were just a kid.”
“I can’t listen to them anymore. I could tell a lot about what they wanted or needed from small sounds.” She shrugged. “I need a desk job now.”
“Are you done with college?”
“Took me forever but yes.” Blushing, she added, “I’ve been thinking about a major change myself.”
“You’ve always been real smart.” After a small hesitation, Tiffany smiled. “You found a job.” Swallowing hard, Zoe nodded. “I take it the job isn’t in Georgia?”
“Colorado.” Zoe held her breath.
“You think I’m going to gasp and tell you it’s too far from your family? That I’m going to wonder what you’ll do all alone in the big, bad world? Treat you like the poor deaf girl?” She shook her head. “Not a chance, Zoe.”
Despite the tension riding her for months, Zoe laughed. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”
“I imagine. Everyone still treats me like the hot cheerleader and I’m like, it’sover, people.”
“You’ve always been more than that. Megan wouldn’t have passed half her classes senior year without your help.”
“Girl, you’re one of the few people on this earth who knows I have a brain under the blonde hair. Thanks.” Her smile was full. “Tell me about your plan.”
“There’s a little town about an hour outside of Boulder. The librarian is retiring, and they offered me her position. I’ve always loved books and the deaf can drive in Colorado.”
“Independence and a fresh start. That’s a good thing.”
“I’m terrified.”
“Let me ask you something, Zoe. Are you scared here?” She thought about it for a long moment and nodded. “Do you see your life changing if you stay, if you keep doing what you’ve always done?”
Zoe shook her head. “It hurts to be here. I feel like I live alone. I don’t see that changing.”
“I don’t see anything wrong with trying something new. You might hate it and end up coming home. That’s a risk. Then again,” Tiffany grinned, “maybe you find your place.”
“Why did you come out to talk to me?”
“Megan and I went to lunch and it was like we were still in high school. I love her but we graduated almost a decade ago. She acts like your daddy and sister are coming back any minute and you’re one test away from hearing again.”
Zoe stared out over the fields and inhaled carefully. “I’m never going to hear again. That’s a fact.” Meeting pretty blue eyes, she signed, “I’d like to live again though. I won’t if I don’t get out of here.”
“That’s the spirit. I’ll come by next weekend and help you pack.” Zoe’s eyes widened. “I’ll drop you off in Colorado on my way to Vegas. Don’t make sense to try to figure out stuff alone when we can go together.”
“Tiffany…”
“Do you want to go, Zoe?” She nodded. “I do, too. Let’s rent a truck and drive west. You can keep me company for the longest part. What do you say?”
“Yes.”
Tiffany held out her hand and Zoe shook it. “I don’t like the old chapters I wrote. I’m going to start a new book.”
* * *
Neither of them got out of Georgia without heavy pressure and guilt from their respective families.