Chapter 27: Exhausted

Back in her room, Jenny felt like she’d been run over by a train. Opening up about her situation had been emotionally exhausting. At the same time, it felt good to have told Cole about Slater. It wasn’t much, but it felt as though she’d released a little of the darkness.

Carefully, she hung her dress in the closet, lightly fingering the fabric with its purple flowers. Before, she’d never have considered wearing a dress from WalMart. But it was pretty, and she’d felt pretty in it. Her gaze fell on the boots Cole had surprised her with. She absolutely adored them, and he’d seemed pleased that she did.

Dinner had turned out perfectly, as though she’d made chicken piccata every week of her life. She’d like to do that again and knew that there were plenty of other recipes she’d memorized, some for cakes in particular. Sitting down to a meal she’d prepared had seemed like such a normal moment, one that she relished.