Just a Touch Away Page 22

  “That was interesting,” Bailey said, but Chelsea was already walking down the path. “Hey, wait, Chels. I still don’t know why you’re so angry.”

  Bailey caught up with her as Chelsea reached the Outback. She was about to open the door, but Bailey pressed her palm against it and waited for Chelsea to face her.

  “Talk to me.” Bailey reached out to touch Chelsea’s shoulder but let her hand drop to her side.

  Chelsea spun around, her face wet with tears. She wiped at them in jerking motions.

  She’s that angry, Bailey thought. No. Wait. She’s hurt.

  “I can’t believe you came out here thinking there was no chance we could meet. Are you that desperate for a job?”

  Bailey bristled. “Now, hold on. My job is as important to me as yours is to you. Or have you conveniently forgotten that and twisted history?”

  “What do you mean, ‘twisted history’?”

  “Seems like the only one you’re thinking about is you. Just like when. . .”

  “Just like when, what, Bailey? When I was the brave one and actually acknowledged we couldn’t go on the way we were? Is that what you were going to say?”

  “I didn’t say it.”

  “You didn’t have to. I know how you think, and right now the only one you’re thinking about is you.” Chelsea poked her in the chest with her index finger. “You could have told Joanne no.”

  “Well, I didn’t. So grow up and accept it that we’re both here to do our jobs.”

  Chelsea opened her mouth to say something but stopped.

  “What?” Bailey asked.

  “It’s too damn soon.” Chelsea reached behind her, opened the door, and got inside, not looking up as she started the engine and drove around the circular drive to the gravel road.

  “It’s not like I planned it!” Bailey shouted at the dust left behind by the Outback. She tramped to her Jeep. She buckled her seatbelt and was about to pull away when she noticed a curtain in the front of the house move aside before dropping back into place.

  “Crazy old broad,” Bailey muttered as she drove back to the main road. “Thanks a lot, Joanne.”

  Make sure to check out these other Companion Publications titles by Chris Paynter:

  More Than a Song - 978-1-942204-14-5

  From Third to Home - 978-1-942204-12-1

  To Love Free - 978-1-942204-00-8

  And a Time to Dance - 978-1-942204-09-1

  Survived by Her Longtime Companion - 978-1-942204-07-7

  Two for the Show - 978-1-942204-05-3

  Come Back to Me - 978-1-942204-03-9

  Playing for First - 978-1-942204-01-5