Elijah shifted in his seat. “Is it, though? You made a mistake. A very bad mistake. You say you’ve moved on, but there’s something still holding you back.”

“You’re right.”

“Whatever that is, no matter how small or big, that’s what you need to take to God. Get His help.”

Hunter admired his friend’s faith, but he just wasn’t feeling it. “Why would He help me now? He didn’t before.”

“God works in His own time. We can’t expect to understand all of His ways.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Now, wait a minute. We’ve been through too much together for you to act like I’ve had an easy path in life.”

Hunter was kicking himself. “You’re completely right. I’m an idiot, as usual, saying stupid things. I can be a bit self-absorbed.”

“You think?” Elijah laughed. “But don’t be too hard on yourself. I give you tough love because I’d want the same thing from you. When I went off the rails sophomore year, you were there to help get me back in line.”

Hunter remembered that all too well, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat. “At least neither of us has had a meltdown at the same time.”

“And let’s keep it that way.” Elijah took a sip of his drink. “Is there anything I can do to help out?”

“Not at the moment, but that could change.”

“I’ll be on standby. Just call if you need me.”

“Thanks, Elijah. For everything.” Just talking had actually helped him feel a little better.

“No problem.”

Hunter picked up the remote. “So how’s the game so far?”

CHAPTER
ELEVEN

Layla looked at Viv and Izzy as they finished up dinner. Bailey was still out of town for work. They’d kept the dinner conversation light on purpose and were avoiding the serious topics until after they’d eaten. But the story Layla had just heard from Izzy was anything but light. It was gripping and scary, and Layla was glad that the man who had hurt Izzy was dead. She couldn’t help those feelings.

“So you got a lawyer?” Layla asked.

“Yes.” Izzy looked at Viv. “Thanks to Viv.”

Viv tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “She’s an old friend who practices criminal defense. Her name is Piper. She’ll go with Izzy to her interview with Arlington PD in the morning.”

Suddenly Layla wasn’t so sure that her problems were as bad as she’d thought. “I’m so sorry, Izzy. Is there anything else we can do?”

Izzy shook her head. “I’m just ready for this nightmare to be over once and for all, but it appears we may still be a ways from that.”

“What is Aiden saying?”

Izzy gripped her coffee cup. “He’s worried about me.”

Layla had to ask. “Did he know about what happened to you?”