Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56875 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
And I knew I was truly fucked.
I got her to eat some dinner. Tender chicken, mashed potatoes with lots of butter, and a rich chocolate pudding were soft items I ordered for her, thinking they would be easy for her to eat. And high in calories, given the amount of butter and sugar it all contained.
I ate with her, encouraging her with small talk. When she seemed too tired to keep eating, I slid her chair closer and hand-fed her small bites as I talked. I told her about my mum. Growing up in Ireland.
“Were you in trouble a lot as a kid?” she asked.
I grinned. “Constantly. My mum says I gave her gray hair far too young. Finn and I were always in scrapes. Back then, there was no such thing as time-out. It was the wooden spoon and my arse. And Mum had good aim, even if I tried to escape.”
That earned me a smile.
“When I was older, the scrapes turned dangerous, and she hated it. When Finn left for Canada, I was lost without him. I fell into a bad crowd. When Mum got sick and he came home a few years later, she begged him to take me back with him.” I slid a forkful of potatoes and chicken into her mouth. “He was already a leader here and making a lot of money. He bought her a new place and made sure she had good care, and I came with him.”
“And you’re still working together.”
“He’s my family. More of a brother than a cousin.”
“What about your dad?”
I sighed, sliding her dessert toward her. I couldn’t believe the way I was talking to her. I never spoke of growing up—or my past.
“He died when I was younger. Fell off a ladder at work, hit his head, and was never right after.” I frowned at some of the memories. “He was a good dad. Taught me things. Warned me to stay clear of gangs and illegal activities. But after the accident, he became angry. He yelled a lot. Drank heavily, whereas, before the accident, he only occasionally indulged. He preferred tea with Mum.”
I was quiet for a moment. “He died about two years after the accident. It was the men who ran the gangs who helped me to get Mum compensation for Dad’s early death. I owed them.”
“So, you became one of them.”
“Yes. Until Finn stepped in and made a deal with them. I left and came here.” I met her understanding gaze. “I was finally able to stand on my own two feet. Grow up and feel as if I mattered. Finn gave me purpose. This life gave me purpose.”
She nodded, lifting her spoon and pressing it to my mouth. I had to smile over her reversing our roles, and I let her slip the spoon between my lips, wondering if it tasted so good because her mouth had been on it.
“What about you?” I asked. “You grew up on a lake, I think?”
She pursed her lips. “My parents owned a campground. It was busy most of the year. Even in the winter, there were tasks to be done. We were always busy between school and chores. I didn’t have time for much else but those two things.”
“Did you like it?”
She shrugged. “It was all I knew when I was young. But I was invisible. I was never Anna. I was Joe and Elsie’s daughter. The girl behind the counter at check-in. Or the one helping you get water. Bill’s sister. Never Anna.”
“Bill? I didn’t know you had a brother. He must be worried sick,” I said, reaching for my phone.
She shook her head. “He died when I was thirteen. He drowned rescuing someone in the lake.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmured, reaching for her hand.
“After that, I was still invisible, except now, I was the sister of the dead boy. I hated it when I was referred to that way.” She pushed away her bowl, half eaten, the spoon still holding a mouthful. “I thought after my parents died and I could leave, I’d come here and find out who Anna was. Find my own life. Be seen for once.” Her hands started to tremble.
“I didn’t think I’d be seen the way I was. And once they took me, I realized I would be invisible the rest of my life. I never regretted a decision more.”
“No.” I shook my head, taking both her hands in mine. “You’re not invisible. Not to me. I see you. I see the sweet, funny, smart woman you are. Think of how you helped Una. She thinks the world of you. You will get through this, Anna. You’ll find your place, and you are going to shine. I know it.”
Our gazes locked, and I hated the doubt I could see in hers. The fear that still lingered. I wanted it all erased. I wanted to talk to her more. Get her to laugh. To see how beautiful she was when she relaxed. I wanted her to smile.