Page 133 of Hell Hath No Fury

Nell snickered.

They grew silent. Emma thought her sister had dozed off.

But after a few minutes, Nell said, “I’m gonna be fine.”

“I believe you.” And Emma meant it.

“I have a plan.”

Emma listened as Nell mapped out her intentions. Studying while in rehab. Applying to colleges that offered studies in Physical Therapy. “I’ve been doing the research. I’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree first, and then a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. While I’m in school, I’ll start teaching yoga again.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be your first student.”

“No, you won’t,” Nell said. “You’ll be in Erie.”

“I’m not leaving you to face this alone.”

“You won’t be. Erie’s not that far. You can drive down to visit me, and as soon as I’m able, I’ll come visit you.” Nell nudged her. “And Matthias.”

“I thought you never wanted to see Erie again.”

“Right now, I don’t; but I plan to work through my demons in rehab.Allmy demons.”

“Are you sure you’re okay with me not being here?”

“I’m positive. Matthias is terrific. I mean, the way he came busting through that door? The man’s a superhero.” Nell burst into giggles.

Emma couldn’t help but snicker. “Yeah, he is.”

“You’d be an idiot to let him get away.” Nell pushed up to brace herself on one elbow and looked down at Emma. “Besides, I don’t need you putting that added stress on me.”

Surprised, Emma asked, “What added stress?”

“The stress of knowing you gave up on the best thing that’s ever happened to you because of me.”

Emma stared up at the ceiling. In all of her circumspection over how to deal with Matthias and Nell and her role in both their lives, she’d never once considered her ultimate decision being an added burden for her sister. “Okay.”

“Really?” Nell sounded doubtful.

“Really. Then again, Matthias might decide I’m not worth the trouble.”

“Oh, poo.” Nell flopped back down on the bed. “That man is over the moon in love with you.”

I hope so.Emma didn’t say it out loud. Didn’t want to get into a further debate. But she truly did hope so.

Because she was over the moon in love with him.

ChapterForty-Two

Emma didn’t argue when Matthias offered to wait in his Jeep in the parking lot of the drug and alcohol rehab center the next morning. She pulled out her camera and snapped photos of Nell on her own, and then of Eric and Nell together. Matthias stepped out and took the Nikon from her to catch a few pictures of all three of them. Emma thought back to similar photos taken by her mom. First day of school. Last day of school. Graduation. Just like then, the two sisters and their pseudo brother made faces and held fingers up behind the others’ heads.

Photo session complete, Matthias handed the camera to Emma. His phone buzzed. “It’s Cassie,” he said, then returned to the driver’s seat.

“You don’t need to come in with me,” Nell protested when Eric and Emma didn’t join him in the Jeep.

“Don’t be silly. Of course we’re coming with you,” Eric said. “We want you to know we’re here for you.”

“I can manage the crutches on my own. It’s not like I have any luggage.” Nell held up the grocery store tote that held every stitch of clothing she currently owned.