Kelly wanted to reach into the backseat and wipe the stupid grin off her face.

Instead, she took a deep breath and uncurled her fists. As she calmed a little, she noticed Colette’s smile held no malice, it was more one of a friend reassuring another, and that made her feel conflicted. She didn’t want to like this woman.

“You’re witty,” Colette said. “You’ve got attitude, you’re fiercely loyal. People flock to you.” Her voice rose in pitch. “Money, a career, mean nothing when you have no one to share it with. You, Kelly…” She dared to poke Kelly in the chest. “You taught me that.”

Breathing hard, Kelly didn’t hold back. “It took a fuckin’ car wreck for you to figure all that out? Are you sure you didn’t suffer a head injury? Because I’m certain you’ve got a screw loose.”

Colette recoiled as good as if she’d been slapped. “I deserved that.”

Backing down, Kelly ran a hand through her hair, pulling on the roots, head tipping back like a wild horse being reined in.

“No, you didn’t.” Kelly hated that she’d lost control.

Normally, she was a bigger person than to lash out when someone was already down. Not only had Colette attempted to apologize but she’d also been through a hell of an ordeal.

Hoping some fresh air would help cool her down, Kelly shoved open the door. By the time she rounded the car Colette was halfway out.

“Truce?” Colette asked, wringing her hands together.

“I can’t say we’ll ever be friends, Colette, but we can be friendly.” Kelly would never forget how Colette had treated her, but she could forgive.

Her mother’s wise words ran through Kelly’s mind. “Negative feelings are toxic, honey, let them go. You’ll be a better person because of it.”

God, she loved her mum. Tomorrow, Kelly’s day off, she would visit. They had a lot to talk about.

The beep of a key fob made Kelly jump. She glanced around. Her heart flipped when her gaze landed on Lucy. She stood with her foot against the white hospital wall, hand high in the air, key fob pointed at her car, and a warm smile aimed at Kelly.

As soon as she was within reach, Kelly pecked Lucy on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Lucy squeezed her hand.

Kelly pulled her phone out. “I need to call someone.” Ashleigh was going to freak. No one wanted to hear their best friend had been critically injured.

Lucy nodded, her expression grave. “I’ll phone Grace.”

Colette furrowed her brow as if the concept of informing friends truly was lost on her. That, in and of itself, was tragic.

Chapter 28