Chapter 18
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Blakely woke excited to start the day. Jump didn’t have to return to work, and she had the rest of the week off. Maybe today she would spend time thinking about her future. Having a future that she chose was scary and exciting.
“Good morning,” Jump said as she stepped out of the bedroom.
“Hey, good morning.”
“I thought we would go to the beach today.”
“Nice. That would be fun.”
She moved to the kitchen and popped a slice of bread into the toaster. They’d dropped by the grocery store before going to bed, so they had food. They were planning on grilling burgers tonight, which sounded yummy.
There weren’t a lot of people at the beach and the weather was pleasant. They walked out to the water line and raced the waves coming up the beach. Her belly ached from laughing so hard.
Spending time with Jump was freeing. All the examples she had growing up of adults in relationships had centered on men dominating their women, and the women never having any fun. But with Jump, everything seemed fun.
After the beach, they headed to a cafe nearby. Jump ordered for them, because she had no idea what to get. When the food came out, she was impressed. It looked like a pizza, but it was different. No sauce, and more vegetables.
“Do you like?” Jump asked after she’d taken a few bites.
“Absolutely. It’s good.”
Jump’s smile made her feel warm inside. She was about to take another bite when a group of people came in. Jump waved to them and they headed their way.
Jump stood and shook the man’s hand. “Wolf, Caroline. It’s good to see you.”
Blakely wiped her hands on her napkin and stood. She wasn’t used to meeting so many people as she had in the last few days.
“Jump, how is it going? I heard your apartment burned down.”
Jump nodded. “Yes, it’s gone. I’m staying at Wave’s place for now.”
“Oh no,” Caroline said. “I guess that means his mother isn’t going to live much longer.”
Jump shrugged. “Yeah, she’s not doing so great.”
“I’ll send some food to her house.” Caroline’s gaze turned toward her and the automatic urge to shrink back hit. But then Caroline’s smile widened. “I’m Caroline and this is my husband, Wolf.”
“This is Blakely. Her apartment was destroyed, too. She’s staying with me at Wave’s place.”
Caroline took her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you. It’s my fault the apartment burned down.”
Wolf’s head cocked to the side. “How is it your fault?”
Jump shook his head. “It’s not your fault. That jerk acted on his own. He absolutely did not have to start that fire.”
“Who are you talking about?” Wolf asked.
Caroline grabbed Wolf’s arm. “I’m going to order. Why don’t you sit and talk while I place the order.”
Blakely glanced around as they took their seats, seeing that the place was mostly empty. She was nervous to tell him about her past. But Jump didn’t seem to have any issues with this man, instead he seemed very encouraging.
She drew in a deep breath then began speaking, telling Wolf about the cult, and how her parents had promised her to Grayson.
She told him about the crash and how her father and siblings had died and how she decided to run.
Caroline came over at one point and sat across from her.
After she finished telling them about Grayson showing up and Jump saving her from Grayson’s beating, Caroline reached out and took her hand.
“I’m glad you found Jump. That Grayson guy sounds like a total jerk. I’m glad you took off and got out of there.”
“Leaving was hard, but also one of the easiest things I’ve ever done.”
“So this man, he’s really after your money then,” Wolf said.
She nodded. “I think so. He doesn’t care about me. He wants the money, and also kids. The Faithful sold more than one baby, and kids were used to either beg for money or sell their bodies. It was a terrible life to grow up in.”
Wolf shook his head. “That sounds awful. He’s the kind of guy who needs to be put in his place.”
Caroline let go a heavy sigh. “It sounds like the cult is full of people who need to be put in their place. I hate that groups like this can operate in the States.”
Their food was delivered, and she made room for them to eat.
Growing up they never ate with other families, not like this.
They might have met after some religious event and the men were allowed to sit and eat, but the women and children had to serve the men.
If the kids were old enough and not cooking with the women, they were entertaining the younger kids.
“It’s funny, in The Faithful, women weren’t allowed to eat at the same table as the men. When I first escaped, I sat and watched people eat food together. It still amazes me at times when I see couples eating together like you are.”
“That is just freaking bizarre,” Wolf said.
“They were an odd group. It has been two years of reprogramming myself, and I still have a moment when I can’t believe this is real life.”
Caroline set her fork down and smiled at her. “I think you’re doing great. I’m proud of you for leaving and making a life for yourself.”
Caroline’s words hit her hard. Few people had ever said they were proud of her. “Thank you,” she squeaked out.
Jump squeezed her knee. “You are doing great. What you went through was tough. You’re a survivor.”
His words brought warmth, and she reached over, putting her hand on his leg. “Thank you. Life just keeps getting better and better. I’ve had few friends, but I think your friends are great. And I can’t wait to get to know everyone better.”
When Grayson had shown up and threatened her in her apartment, she’d never thought that moment would lead to anything like this. She had a future now, and it seemed very good. Meeting Jump really had been one of the best things to have ever happen to her.