Page 176 of Rags's Awakening
“You can’t lump all men together,” Casey said. “Ryan is a nice guy who adores you. He goes out of his way to spoil you, and he treats you with kindness and respect.”
Zoe giggled. “He does spoil me.”
“What about your ex, Casey? You know men can’t keep their pants zipped,” Raven said.
“Some men are like that and others aren’t,” Casey replied. “I know I felt the same way you do now when I found out about JT’s cheating. I was dumb and stayed around, thinking my love would eventually win out, but it didn’t. I should’ve left sooner, but it’s hard. So I understand what you’re going through.”
“Going through?” Raven scoffed. “Hell no. I’m done. Finished.”
“You’ve left Curtis?”
“Yes. I’m moving to New York to pursue my acting career.” Raven raised her arms. “I’m totally free and loving it.”
Zoe clapped. “I’m happy for you, Raven.”
“I’m here for you if you have one of those moments when you’re alone,” Casey said.
“I know,” Raven said softly. “You’re a good friend.”
“I bet New York City is exciting,” Zoe said. “I’ve always wanted to go there.”
“You and Casey have to promise me you’ll do a girls’ trip and come see me,” Raven said. “I already rented a studio that’s smaller than a two-car garage, minus one of the cars.”
“That would be fun, wouldn’t it?” Zoe said, glancing at Casey.
“It would,” Casey agreed. “I promise we’ll come see you.”
“I’m holding you to that,” Raven said. “I retained an in-your-face divorce attorney. She said I’ll come out pretty well with the proceeds from the house, the store, and his investments. Curtis is toast. He can have that frumpy candle-maker for all I care. He’s been getting on my nerves for quite a while.”
“Candle-maker?” Casey asked.
“Yeah. The woman has a store two doors down from ours. We bought candles from her wholesale for the shop. If you ask me, they fit each other to the T.”
“You’re handling this so well,” Zoe said. “I’d be a blubbering mess if this was happening to me.”
“Not after eight years of someone not supporting your career,” Raven said, turning to Casey. “How many times did Curtis come to the theatre to support me? And when he was there on opening night or at the parties, did he try and fit in? No. He’d just sulk in a corner making it uncomfortable for me.” She glanced at Zoe. “I’m finally thinking of myself, and it’s liberating.”
The waitress put the separate checks on the table. Zoe reached over, then looked at her phone and gasped. “I didn’t realize it was so late. Ryan’s picking me up in an hour.”
“Me too,” Raven said, gathering her purse. “I’ve got to run.”
“We all need to get moving,” Casey said, standing up.
After they paid at the cashier’s counter, Raven stopped and looked at Casey. “Do you know what’s happening with Devin’s case?” she asked, concern and tenderness lacing her voice.
Casey sighed, the weight of the ordeal settling back onto her shoulders. “I’m not sure, but I’m hoping for a plea bargain. I can’t even imagine rehashing everything at trial, especially since it probably won’t even happen for another year.”
“I hope so too, Casey.” Raven grasped her hand and squeezed it.
“Me too,” Zoe said. “You’ve been through so much already. But you know I’m here for you.”
“Second that,” Raven said.
Casey smiled, her eyes glistening. “I know I can move on from what’s happened because I have the best friends ever.”
Zoe dabbed at the corner of her eyes while Raven cleared her throat and turned away. Casey looped an arm through Zoe’s and another one through Raven’s, and the three women stepped out into the late afternoon light.
Spring had finally arrived, and the brutal, freezing blizzard the month before was nothing but a memory. A warm breeze washed over them, carrying the honeyed, delicate fragrance of the blooming crabapple trees that lined both sides of the street, their deep pink and white blossoms swaying gently. The sidewalks were alive with people strolling past in shorts and sleeveless shirts, eating ice cream cones and enjoying the summer-like temperature.
