Chapter 119: Friends In Hollywood Places

Willow sipped her tea, one long, thin leg folded elegantly over the other, her skinny jeans ripped at the knee. She'd made no effort to hide her split lip or the bruise forming from Carter's knockout punch, instead letting the truth show like she wore it proudly. She set her cup in her saucer and exhaled the scent of chamomile, the breeze carrying it to me while I stared into my coffee and just enjoyed her company.

Hard to believe we'd fought for our lives just last night. That it was time to say goodbye, that this woman I'd come to adore and admire was leaving Reading and I'd likely not see her again for a long time. If ever. Because we hardly traveled in the same circles. But I was glad to see the smile she shared, most of the weariness gone from her face.

"Thank you, Fee," she said, patting my hand with fingers warmed by her tea. "This means a lot to me. Just sitting. I don't get to be quiet much."