I slid the hair straightener over that one troublesome spot. The mahogany lock that always seemed to want to spring back into a curl. Steam rose, and finally, it lay flat. Every strand in place.

Put together. Perfect. That was my armor. I knew it wasn’t the most balanced reaction to life, but it was better than using alcohol to numb the pain the way my mother had, or running away from my problems the way— No. I wouldn’t even think his name. He didn’t deserve space in my head.

But that hadn’t stopped Grant from traipsing around in my mind for the past few days as if he had every right to be there. I leaned closer to the mirror, tilting my head so I could check to see if the dark circles under my eyes were thoroughly disguised. Dark blue patches from three nights of barely sleeping. My brain had been running away with itself, on a track that cycled in a spiral, revisiting all the things I never wanted to think about, and always coming back to its starting position, never making any real progress. When sleep did find me, it was quickly interrupted by dreams that always turned into nightmares.

I blinked rapidly, clearing the image in the mirror. I reached down and plucked up a pearl stud, slipping it into one ear and fastening the back. I repeated the process on the other side. My fingers halted on the beautiful, flawless surface. My Harriet pearls. I’d watched her get ready for years and always loved it when she donned these. They were classic, timeless, and seemed so very elegant.

When I graduated from college, Harriet had given them to me. I didn’t cry often, but I’d burst into tears right in the hotel suite. She had known me so well. Gifts with a story always meant the most.

I inhaled deeply, my breath stuttering as it moved. I would face today, my head held high, for Harriet. I would pretend that Grant, Clark, and Annabelle weren’t even there. I locked eyes with my reflection and made a vow to never once let my armor slip.

A knock sounded on the door, breaking my trance. I quickly grabbed my purse and slipped on my black wedge heels. I flicked off light switches as I moved from room to room, this place that had become my sanctuary. It called me to stay—safe within its walls. But I couldn’t.

I tugged open the door, and Bell immediately pulled me into a hug. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

I gave her a quick squeeze and then straightened. “They don’t get to steal this moment from me. They don’t get to ruin it with their hate. I’m going to say goodbye to Harriet.”