Page 60 of You Met Me There

My shoulders slump, but my heart tells me I should be excited about this. If I’m being honest, I’m still a little shaken from the trail ride. After experiencing the scare of my life, Luke and I came straight back to the cabin. We didn’t go anywhere the rest of the day, or the next. I’ve been a nervous wreck thinking of all the terrible things that could have happened if Luke hadn’t come back for me.

Sleeping has been a struggle in the past, but right now it’s nearly impossible. The nightmares seep in as soon as I drift off, and I’m jolted awake at the image of myself falling. Only this time there are hooves clomping down around me, caging me in.

I wish the sleeping pills had worked years ago when the doctor prescribed them. I wish they didn’t make the nightmares worse when I finally fell asleep.

I run a hand through my loose hair, wincing when I accidentally touch the spot where hair got ripped out on a passing branch. It didn’t bleed, and I don’t have a bald spot, but my scalp is sore. Like the dull ache you get when you’ve worn your hair in a high ponytail for too long.

I glance back at my phone, picking it up from the table. Hiking doesn’t involve horses; for that I’m grateful. I text Juliet back, hoping this will be the beginning of a new friendship and the mending of a broken sisterhood.

Me: Hiking sounds great! I need a distraction. Luke is on a work trip for a few days. Should we meet at your house?

Jules: Meet me at Le Fou. I’m meeting with Ali for coffee first. But I’ll be ready to go at 2:00. Can you drive?

Me: Definitely. *thumbs-up emoji*

I’m glad to have plans with Juliet. We haven’t hung out just the two of us yet, and I know we have a lot to talk about. Maybe she’ll fill me in on why she’s been so distant.

A bird flutters from a tree, startling me as it lands on the porch railing, tilting its head in curiosity. With nature all around me, I can see why Cam loves this cabin and why he doesn’t want to get rid of it. It’s in the perfect location for someone looking for a mountain vacation, somewhere secluded and peaceful.

With careful movements, I reach for my camera where it rests on the little table. I click it on and bring it to my face. The bird—a fat robin with a brownish back and orange belly—hops along the rail, either oblivious to my movements or sensing I’m not a threat. I snap a few photos, the camera clicking as it captures the bird’s wings mid-ruffle. I lower the f-stop to blur the green leaves in the background and enhance the bird’s colors, and I smile as I review it on the screen. It’s a great picture.

I snap another photo, this time with my cell phone, and send it to Emma. She texts back immediately.

Emma: Oh, the American Robin. That’s like the seagull of PA, right?

I laugh and click on the green icon to FaceTime her.

“Basically,” I say, beaming at her bright, freckled face when it appears. “Robins are everywhere. That and chickadees, which are actually pretty cute. How’s Ceecee?”

“She misses you, but she’s good,” Emma says. Her long black hair rests in a braid over her shoulder. “I signed us up for a mommy-and-me dance class. We have the second class this morning.”

“Aww, that’s so cute! How’s she liking it?”

Her nose twitches. “She doesn’t really understand what’s going on.” She laughs, and the sound is like a calming ocean wave. “But it’s cute to see her try. She’s too young for coordination, and it’s adorable.”

“Send me pictures! I can’t wait to get back to see you both.”

Ceecee whines in the background. “Hold on.” There’s rustling off the screen as Emma leans out of view. A second later she’s back. “Sorry about that. Ceecee needed her water bottle. How’s everything with your family? Last time we talked, you said Juliet was keeping her distance.”

I’ve texted Emma about everything, and we were able to talk on the phone a couple of times since I got to Maple Lake, but she’s busy at the salon—and of course with her daughter when she’s not at work.

I sigh. “I don’t know, Emma. She doesn’t always act like she wants me here, but then she invited me hiking today. We’re going this afternoon, so I guess that’s a step in the right direction.”

“That’s great! It sounds like she’s trying. I’m sure it’s hard for her. She probably thought she’d never see you again, and now she’s not sure how to act. I know that would be hard for me if I were her.”

I hum. “Maybe.”

“Have you seen your brother yet?” Little hands grab at Emma’s long black hair. Ceecee gets lifted into her lap, cheesy orange fingers clapping.

“Hi, Ceecee!” I squeal, waving through the phone.

Ceecee gives me a toothy smile, and then proceeds to ignore me for her cheese crackers.

My matcha warms my throat as I take a sip. “Tyler’s coming on Thursday,” I say, answering Emma’s question. “Cam and Jules are going to grill dinner, and Ty’s bringing his girlfriend. Apparently she’s a couples therapist or something.”

“Oh,” says Emma. One perfectly manicured brow arches up her forehead. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall at that barbecue.”

I laugh, setting my cup down. “It’s not like Luke and I will be talking to her about our ‘problems.’” I make finger quotes by my head with one hand. “We’ve been making progress on our own. He actually said he’s been thinking about having kids.”