Page 24 of Better Watch Out
“I was—” Frannie inhaled deeply, trying to figure out the best way to retell the story that wouldn’t cause her sister-in-law to speed-dial Ryan. She let out a frustrated breath.Might as well let the freak outensue. “First, I’m fine.”
“Francis.” Vivian’s tone was nearly a growl.
“A man may have grabbed me earlier today at a bookstore.”
“A MAN GRABBED YOU?”
“No. Well, yes, but not like how you’re saying it.” Frannie pushed off the covers, threw her legs over the side of the bed, and stood. Reliving this made her want to move so she began pacing her room. “I was at a bookstore and had to use the restroom but this man came up behind me and shoved me. At first, I thought it was a mistake, but then he told me not to scream before he pushed me out the emergency exit door and into an alley. I elbowed him and broke free of his grip and then Andrew was there and the guy took off. It all happened super fast and I’m fine.”
Frannie bit her lip, hoping the main thing Vivian was focusing on was that she was fine.
“Are you okay?”
The backs of her eyes stung. Frannie had been poised to defend herself, play off the entire event as no big deal, but suddenly the weight of what happened felt heavy as she heard the concern in Vivian’s quiet question.
Using the hem of her sweatshirt, she dabbed the corners of her eyes. “I wasn’t hurt, Viv. I think the guy was trying to mug me, but Andrew scared him off.”
Vivian’s exhale came through the phone and Frannie was sure she was trying to figure out the best way to force her on a plane just like Andrew. But the truth was, she wouldn’t have to try very hard. Over the last couple of hours, the adrenaline from the event had evaporated, leaving her feeling shaky and … scared.
“What do you want to do?”
Leaning her shoulder against the wall, Frannie noted the difference between her brother’s response and Vivian’s. Ryan would’ve demanded she get on the plane under threat that he’d fly there to get her, but Vivian was respectfully allowing Frannie to come to her own decision. And she appreciated that about her sister-in-law.
“Is it bad if I admit that leaving the city makes me feel weak?”
“No, but you know you’re not, right?”
Frannie walked to the window and stared up at the purplish sky. “I don’t want to think I am but after what Calvin did and then at the bookstore, I just hate feeling like I don’t have any control over my life. Like I’m just living at the whim of everyone else’s decisions and beliefs about me. I wish I could be more like you. Strong. Independent. You went after your dreams and—”
“And it nearly cost me everything,” Vivian cut in. “You know that. You know what I lost.”
“I know, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to dismiss what you went through.” Frannie felt bad. What happened today was nothing compared to what Vivian had experienced and she knew it colored the way Ryan looked at the world, how he did his job, and certainly his concern for his entire family. When he found out about what happened today … “Ryan’s going to be mad at me.”
Frannie pressed her forehead against the window. It was ice-cold but felt good against the heat of emotion pressing against her ribs. She hated proving her brother right, but worse was feeling like she was proving the hotel employees right.And everyone back home.
“No. He’s not going to be mad at you. He’s going to be worried. Just like I am. He loves you and only wants to keep you safe.”
“I know but it would be nice if maybe he believed in me a little more.”
“Honey, he does. We all do. If you want to stay in New York then I’ll talk to your brother, make him understand.” Vivian paused. “If that’s what you want.”
Frannie lifted her head from the window. “I think I want to come to D.C. If that’s okay.”
“It’s more than okay.” Vivian sounded like she was smiling. “Jisoo has to make a gingerbread house out of sugar cubes and I was volunteered to make four dozen cookies for the second grade holiday party.”
“But you don’t bake.”
“The class mom said as long as there’s enough icing, sprinkles, and candy the kids won’t care.”
Frannie laughed. A lightheartedness returned to her chest that told her she was making the right decision. “I’ll call the airline and see about rebooking for the first flight to D.C.”
“Sounds good. Do you need me to contact Kevin Costner to make sure you get to the airport?”
“I’m not sure you could convince Star-Lord to risk another bout with pepper spray.” Frannie smiled again at the memory instead of feeling guilty.
“Star-Lord? I thought you said his name was Andrew?”
“It is but he kind of looks like Chris Pratt except taller, I think, and more ... real.”
