Deep in Desire - Page 36

“I know, but you need to work through it. I got a therapist and did a lot of work. You need tolet go, Sis. So, what did Esme have to say about it all? I heard she married her girlfriend. That’s nice. Please pass on my congratulations. Or does she not talk to you anymore, seeing as you seduced her offspring like the dirty old wench you are.”

“Danny!” Deborah chastised. “You’re unbelievable!”

Daniel laughed with his sister, his eyes shiny and resolved. “We’ll face this together.”

“Abso-frickin-lutely. And I’ll help you get better access to your kids. You are right. It’s time to fight back. I do need to let go, and I do need your support too.”

“I’m right there for ya,” he smiled, reaching out to grab their empty cups.

“Thank you. You’ll never know how much this means to me, Daniel.”

“Trust me, I do.”

Deborah felt a weight lift from her shoulders. For the first time in a long time, she felt hopeful. She was not alone in this battle. She had her brother, her love for Holly, and the support of her friends. It didn’t seem possible, but now the sense of impending doom was starting to lighten, and she knew she had to find a way through.

The next day, Daniel introduced her to Emily. She was a warm, down-to-earth woman with a quick smile and a genuine interest in Deborah’s life. Emily’s presence was calming, and Deborah felt an instant connection with her. They spent the day together, talking and laughing, and by the end of it, Deborah felt like she had made a new friend.

Emily showed Deborah around the clinic where she worked. The clean, antiseptic smell mingled with the distinct scent of animals, creating an atmosphere of care and dedication. They walked through the kennels, where dogs wagged their tails and cats purred contentedly, and Deborah could see why Daniel had fallen for her. Emily was compassionate and strong, just the opposite of Hailey, whom Deborah had always found to be cold and aloof.

That evening, as they sat around the dinner table, Deborah opened up about her relationship with Holly. She described the way Holly made her feel, the joy and the love that had blossomed between them. She also shared her fears and the threats from Jenny, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke.

Emily listened intently throughout. “You deserve to be happy, Deborah. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. You’re a strong, capable woman. You have the power to fight for what you love. Dan talked to me about what happened, and I don’t know how you both got through it. I’ve been asking him to invite you and your friends up for months. They sound like a real hoot.”

“Emily’s right,” Daniel nodded in agreement. “You have amazing connections, Deb. Your friends at the Indigo are incredible women. I’m sure you can lean on them for support. And Holly sounds like she’s worth fighting for. And listen, sis, I’m so sorry for the radio silence. I don’t know what went down. I feel bad.”

Deborah felt a surge of gratitude for their support, her heart swelling with warmth. “Please, Danny,” Deborah replied, feeling a surge of appreciation for the support of Danny and his new girlfriend. “Thanks for reminding me that I know how to be brave.”

The next day, as she prepared to leave, Daniel pulled her close to him, his arms solid and comforting. “You’ve got this, Deb. Don’t let Jenny or anyone else dim your light.”

Deborah smiled, feeling stronger than she hadin years. “Thank you, Danny. I’ll fight for Holly, for us, for the kids. I won’t let her win.”

Driving back to the city, Deborah felt a renewed sense of purpose. She was determined to win Holly back, to show her the depth of her love and commitment. She realized she wanted to plan a grand, romantic gesture, something that would demonstrate her unwavering devotion.

She thought about the places that meant the most to them, the moments they had shared. She envisioned a night filled with romance, a testament to her love and her determination to fight for their future together.

But will Holly even listen to me? Will she even care?

Back in her apartment, she sat down and started writing a letter to Holly. She poured her heart into it, expressing her love, her fears, and her hopes for their future. She told Holly about her visit to the farm, her conversations with Daniel and Emily, and her realization that she needed to fight for their love.

The following morning, she mailed the letter and headed over to the office, where she spent the best part of the morning on the phone with herfriends from the Indigo despite a whole host of looming work deadlines.

Over the next few days, Deborah threw herself into her work. Her heart wasn’t in it, though. She hadn’t heard back from Holly, and it was all she could think about. She looked at her cell every five minutes, the feeling of panic and desperation rising in her chest with every passing hour.

Every time her phone vibrated, it sent a jolt of hope through her. She had poured her heart into that letter, and now all she could do was wait for a response, her nerves on edge.

I can’t handle this. Call me, Holly! Call me!

As if on cue, the phone began to ring, its familiar chime breaking the silence of the room. Breaking the spiraling thoughts in her mind. Deborah’s heart skipped a beat as she quickly crossed the room and grabbed the phone. She glanced at the screen and saw Holly’s name displayed. The sight made her catch her breath.

Deborah’s fingers were trembling as she answered the call, her voice weak as she said, “Hello?”

“Deborah?” Holly’s voice came through, clear and warm but tinged with a definite note of apprehension. “It’s me.”

Deborah’s pulse quickened, and she clutched the phone tighter. “I know it’s you, Holly. I’m so glad you called.”

Holly’s voice held a mixture of hesitation and resolve. “I got your letter. I’ve read it several times. Listen, I wanted to reach out to you. Do you know? I called several times last week, but I couldn’t get through.”

“You did? Well… I was at my brother’s. And the signal out there isn’t great. I can’t believe I missed your calls.”