Chapter Thirteen #2
“I have extra napkins in the glove box,” he said, leaning over and getting a handful. “Tara, can you give us two pieces, please?”
She opened the box and took a big whiff of cheesy goodness. “Riley, did you know Garrett can eat a whole one all by himself? He bought three,” she exclaimed as she put a slice on the napkin and passed it forward.
“Here,” Garrett said as he set the food on the console.
Twisting open her drink, he placed it in the beverage holder and lifted the slice to her mouth.
He saw her red-rimmed eyes and knew she must’ve cried until they returned.
Feeling like a heel for making her sad when she didn’t feel good, he smiled and nodded toward the food.
She leaned over and took a small bite. Her eyes closed while she chewed.
“Oh my gosh, Riley. I forgot how good it tasted,” Tara exclaimed. “Did you see how big the slices are? We’ll have a whole pie for later.”
“It’s good,” Riley said, feigning excitement.
He imagined she hurt more than she let on, and he accidentally hurt her feelings, no…
her pride. Trying to put himself in her shoes, he acknowledged he didn’t trust people either.
It must feel disconcerting to have your life upended and strangers telling you what to do.
He took a bite of his slice and grinned as he watched Tara happily chew away.
He held up the slice for Riley and she took another bite, avoiding his gaze.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“You’re welcome,” he said softly.
When they finished, he balled up their napkins and placed them in the bag. Starting the truck, he pulled out of the parking lot and returned to the pharmacy.
Riley reached behind her. “Please hand me the envelope,” she said to Tara.
The cashier came to the window. “Your total will be one hundred eighty dollars and twenty-two cents.”
Riley winced as she took out the envelope and carefully counted the money. Avoiding Garrett’s gaze, she passed him the money. He didn’t argue as he paid the cashier, took the bag, and parked in a stall. He opened the bag and handed her a pill.
Riley shakily took it from him and washed it down with her drink.
Satisfied, Garrett, put the truck in reverse and headed toward the cabin. Riley’s head nodded, and eventually she fell asleep. They pulled into the garage. Garrett and Tara moved silently, getting out so as not to wake her.
They took in the groceries and the pizza.
Tara started unloading the bags while Garrett pulled the blankets down from the bed and returned to retrieve Riley.
The hospital gave her a set of crutches, but he didn’t trust her ability to use them.
He opened the door, carefully picked her up, and took her to the bedroom.
He set her on the bed, arranged the pillows to elevate her limbs and covered her.
Entering the bathroom, he turned on the nightlight and went to help Tara arrange the kitchen and unload the rest of the items from his vehicle.
When they finished, Tara sat cross-legged on the couch while he turned on the TV. They picked a comedy, and occasionally, he got up to check on Riley.
Dinnertime passed and she continued to sleep. He and Tara ate more pizza.
“Do you think she’ll wake up soon?” Tara asked.
“Her body’s healing and I imagine she hasn’t slept over the last few days. She’s catching up,” he assured her.
“Rachel asked if I wanted to meet a girl my age named Kara. She lives in town and her dad works here. Since it’s the weekend, Kara comes and helps with the horses. I wanted to ask Riley if I can go,” Tara informed him.
“I’m sure she won’t have a problem. It’s good to hang out with friends,” Garrett insisted as he watched her expression.
Tara winced and shrugged. “Riley doesn’t like me leaving the apartment.”
“You’re technically still on the ranch. I think if you check in with her, she’ll feel better about it.”
“I don’t have a phone. Neither does Riley. It got disconnected in Houston. Mine broke, and we shared the other until my dad found us, and he fought with Riley. She left it at the hotel when we escaped. In fact, she left our suitcases there, and we only took our backpacks.”
Garrett mulled over the information, wondering if Riley guessed her dad somehow tracked them.
“Speaking of backpacks, I think I have something for yours,” he said, rising.
“Matthew and Julio went to your apartment and packed up the rest of your things. You mentioned you took classes online, but we didn’t find a computer,” he said, waiting for her answer.
“I went to the library while Riley worked. I used the ones there. She always makes sure I do my work,” Tara admitted.
“School’s important,” Garrett said, nodding.
“We’re on the ranch and you can’t go to the library for a while.
If you need books and such, we’ll figure it out.
” He entered his office and took out the bags.
“Your sister will probably pitch a fit, but I’ll take the responsibility for it.
You can’t get behind.” He handed her a computer and held up a set of headphones.
“These are for my sanity. You can use them for your classes while I work in my office.”
Tara stared at the computer box. Her hand glided over it as her expression seemed torn. “Riley won’t like this one bit. I can’t accept it.”
“You told me she took you to ensure you finished your education. The way I see it, it’s not safe in town, and Riley will need help for at least six weeks. You’ll fall behind,” he explained. “I’ll get her to see common sense. When you finish school, you can pay me back,” he offered.
Tara bit her lip. “Are you sure?” she asked with hope shining in her eyes.
“I’m positive. Seeing you excel will make me happy,” he said as he helped her with the box by taking out his pocketknife and cutting it open. They pulled out the computer, and he helped her set it up. “Remember, don’t contact any of your friends or post on social media. It’ll put you at risk.”
“I won’t,” she promised. “Can I take this to my room?” she said, grabbing the headphone box.
“Have fun,” he said as he watched her break out in a grin.
Picking up the box and Styrofoam, he put them in the garbage.
Tara already sat on her bed, headphones on, and clicking away at the keys.
Moving to the kitchen, he put their plates in the dishwasher.
A noise from his bedroom caught his attention.
Drying his hands, he went to check on the woman in his bed.
“Shit,” he exclaimed as she sat on the floor, appearing dazed. Rushing to her side, he helped her to stand. “Why didn’t you call for me?” he demanded as he tried to lead her to the bed.
“No. I have to use the bathroom,” she said, struggling against him.
Garrett picked her up and carried her inside.
“Stop carrying me around. They gave me crutches. If you’ll bring them, I can use them,” she groused.
“You’re on medication and not steady if you recall five minutes ago,” he snarked. “I’ll be outside the door. Let me know when you finish, and I’ll take you back to bed.”
Riley didn’t move until he left the room. He straightened her sheets and plumped her pillows.
He heard the toilet flush and the sink water turned on. Garrett stared at the ceiling and counted to ten. Riley must be the most frustrating woman he ever met. When she opened the door, she bit the inside of her cheek to keep from raising her voice.
He bent to pick her up.
“I don’t want to stay in bed. I’m not used to lying around. Where’s Tara?” she asked.
“Do you want to watch TV with me? Tara’s doing homework in her room. We saved you some pizza,” he said, carrying her into the living room.
“Thank you,” she said as he set her on the couch. He brought out her pillows and stuffed them under her limbs. “You know I’m basically lying down on the sofa at this rate.”
“You’ll have to get used to it,” Garrett said, reheating her food. “How do you feel? Before you think about lying, remember what I said earlier.”
“My arm throbs and my leg won’t stop aching,” she admitted. “Next time a motorcycle gang kidnaps me, remind me not to smart off when they’re in a bad mood. I can hear my mom now, ‘Riley Marie, don’t squat with your spurs on.’ Her way of saying use common sense.”
“Something tells me your mom would be proud of you,” Garret said, cutting her pizza into pieces on a plate and placing it on her lap with a towel to keep from burning her. Then, he placed a water bottle on the table close to her.
“I don’t know. Lately, I feel like giving up. We can’t seem to catch a break. No pun intended,” she said sadly. “This will set me back weeks. Don’t worry. I won’t feel sorry for myself for too long,” she said as she pierced the food and popped it in her mouth.
“You’re too stubborn to stay down for long,” he chuckled.
She narrowed her eyes as she continued to chew. “I call it self-preservation.”
“You’re overdue for another dose. Since you only woke up, we can hold off for a bit, but I’ll expect you to tell me if you’re hurting,” he said gruffly.
“I will, pinky promise,” she said cheekily.
Garrett’s phone rang, and he rose to retrieve it.
“Jameson, what’s up?”
“We have a drunk man requesting to see his daughters. He’s claiming we kidnapped them and threatening to call the police,” he explained. “You can imagine how thrilled Matthew feels about now.”
Garrett swiped his hand down his face and stroked his jaw. “Tell him I’ll come up in a few minutes.”
“Will do,” Jameson said before hanging up.
Returning to the living room, he sat close to Riley. “Your father showed up at the farmhouse and claims we’ve kidnapped you. He’s threatening to call the police.”
“Oh, crap,” Riley said, attempting to swing her leg off the pillow.
“I want you to let me handle it,” he announced, stopping her.
“You don’t understand, if he gets his hands on Tara, I won’t see her again,” she said desperately. “When he drinks, he says and does things…”
“How does he find you?” he asked, waiting to hear her explanation.