“Until you and Tripp sort your shit, you got work to do, Doll. So do it.”

And with that he leaves. Left to my own thoughts, I get no work done. Sort our shit, what does that mean? What are Tripp and I going to do? While I was away at college, my dad had an ol’ lady of one of the guys that did the regular bookwork, answering the phones and such. Maybe he’ll do that again so I can go to Catawba. Does Tripp want me to move there? It would be nice to be closer to him.

Caroline would let me stay with her. I could live with her and get a job. Maybe Ryder needs a girl Friday for his garage or Dina could use a secretary for her company. I have opportunities there and don’t need to depend on Tripp. Forming a plan in my mind, I’m lost in thought when the front door opens. Sass is walking in, looking tired and depressed.

“Hey.” I greet standing up to hug her. “Did you come to look at new places together?” I ask nervously because I’m no longer sure I plan on staying here.

“No, I came to talk to you about that.” She says settling in the chair in front of my desk.

“Okay, what’s up?”

“You know I’ve been seeing Nick since we got home.” Yes, I knew this. I tried to ignore it, but she was out with him all the damn time, except her early morning visits to Tank.

“Yes, I know who you’ve been seeing.” Looking at her, the confliction is written all over her face.

“He wants me to move in with him.”

“Are you going to? How does he feel about you being in love with another man?”

“Don’t be bitchy, Doll. He understands my feelings for Tank. He’s not once tried to stop me from going to be by my friend’s bedside. He gives me the calm I need. I can’t get wrapped up in all the Hellions stuff.”

“Is this really what you want?”

“This is my chance at normal. I want to know what normal feels like.” She’s pleading with me to let her go.

“Sass, I’m always here for you. If this is what you want, then go for it.”

Tears streaming down her face, she comes over and hugs me. After a few minutes she straightens back up. She never smiles, though. How can this be what she wants if it doesn’t make her happy?

“If you’re gonna move in with Nick, then I think I’m going to take a chance of my own.”

“I see that look in your eyes, Doll. What are you up to?” She’s my best friend, and of course, she knows my recent trip to visit Tripp.

“I’m going to see if I can get a job with Ryder or Dina and stay with Caroline until I can set up myself. If Tripp and I are really gonna do this, I don’t want to be five hours apart.”