Her wail was pitiful—and annoying. Glory was at home with broken ribs and a jacked-up shoulder, and she didn’t wail. “I don’t hate you. I just don’t understand what’s going on.”
Out of nowhere, Addie produced a tissue that she pressed into Shara’s hand. “Mop up, honey.”
Turning her back on him, shoulders hunched, Shara wiped her face and then loudly blew her nose. Still, without facing him, she said, “I’m sorry, Kam. Sorry that I ever bothered you.”
And with that, she quickly started away.
Addie sighed. “Go on. I’ll rescue you in a few minutes.”
Glaring at Shara’s back, he jogged after her. “Unfair. You don’t get to come here, put on a scene, and then race off.”
“Ha! I can do whatever I want. It’s no longer your business. You won’t even care if I’m gone for good.”
That was too over-the-top dramatic to dismiss. Gently, he caught her arm, halting her rapid retreat. “You and I are friends, Shara.Onlyfriends, but friends help when they can, so tell me what’s wrong.”
Groaning, she turned toward him again.
Good God, all that tissue had done was wreck her makeup more. How much did she wear, anyway? Squinting at her, he detected paler flesh beneath beige smears, blotchy blush, mascara streaks, and something shiny blue...
“Stop it,” she wailed, covering her face and sobbing
“Hey, come on.” Despite his frustration, pity welled up. “Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.”
“It’s worse.” Again, she swiped at her face with the tissue, which was swiftly deteriorating.
Too bad he didn’t carry a hanky on him. “Take a breath. That’s it. If you have a dry spot left on that tissue, give your nose another blow.”
“I have napkins in my car.”
By silent agreement, they headed to the driveway.
Kam’s thoughts were all over, mostly trying to think of ways he could expediently—and safely—get her on her way. Right now, she shouldn’t drive. Not until she got control of herself and calmed down.
Opening the passenger door, she reached in and snagged several napkins off the console. She scrubbed over her face, blew her nose again, smoothed down her hair, and released a shaky breath.
Over her shoulder, she gave him a cautious glance. “If you start staring at me again, I’m going to sock you.”
“I think I’m better prepared this time.” Trying for some errant humor, he visibly braced himself.
With a small smile, she turned—looking better, not as messy, but with very red eyes and a pink nose. “You always were a comedian.”
“Glory says I’m outrageous.”
She huffed. “Yes, that, too, but always in the best ways.”
Would Glory agree with that assessment? He hoped so. He was growing anxious, knowing Glory was still waiting. “What’s happened, hon?”
“I think I really screwed up and now I don’t know what to do.”
“Tell me and I’ll see if I can help.” That is, if he didn’t have to help right this minute. He didn’t like that Glory had been flying solo for most of the day—especially not while she was hurt.
Not when he wanted to be there for her.
Shara leaned back on her car, her gaze on her feet. “There was a man... He was sitting alone at the bar, so I went over to talk to him.”
“Looking to hook up?” He wasn’t one to judge.
“I was exploring the possibility. You’d already rejected me, and I had this stupid idea of getting even.”