Page 56 of The Dark Stranger
She glanced toward the tree line beyond her backyard.
Nothing there.
Just wind moving branches.
She shook it off.
You’re tired. That’s all.
Tomorrow Inez would be here.
Laughter would fill this house.
Stories. Music. Hookah smoke curling into the night.
For the first time in weeks, Rebecca allowed herself to feel something close to peace.
She lifted her glass slightly.
“To old friends,” she whispered to the empty air.
But somewhere, not too far away…
Someone was already making sure that peace lasted exactly as long as he allowed it to.
Night settled in fully by the time headlights washed across Rebecca’s driveway.
Becca was already at the door before the engine even cut off.
The driver’s door opened and Inez stepped out — same height as Becca, standing strong at 5’10, long straight brown hair falling down her back, curvy body hugged by fitted jeans and a cream sweater, brown eyes scanning the property before landing on her best friend.
For a split second they just stared.
Eight years.
Then they ran straight into each other’s arms.
“Oh my God, girl!” Inez squeezed her tight. “It’s so good to see you. I haven’t seen you in so long! Look at this beautiful home!”
Becca laughed into her shoulder, holding her just as tight. “I missed you so much. I’m so excited for this weekend.”
“I’m ready. Lay it on me, girl,” Inez grinned.
They stepped inside, Inez slowly turning in a circle in the foyer, taking it all in — high ceilings, warm lighting, polished floors, quiet elegance.
“Wow, Becca… this place is beautiful.”
“Thanks, girl,” Becca said softly. “No one really comes over much. I’m working so much I’m barely here. It’s nice to have someone I trust in my life here.”
That last part lingered.
They made their way into the living room, Inez’s bags temporarily forgotten in the foyer.
Fire crackled in the fireplace. The house felt alive now.
“I poured you a drink,” Becca said, handing her a glass. “Did you eat? How was the drive?”
“Girl, it was long,” Inez groaned dramatically, kicking her boots off. “But definitely worth it. I needed a getaway — from work, from the city, from life. I can’t believe it’s beeneight years since I’ve seen you! You look good. Shitty drama aside.”
