Salvation (Surrender 3)

“Ember, can you hear me?”

The connection is muffled.

“Barely. What’s going on?”

“I’m on the road, heading to Alabama. Natalie’s causing trouble, and I’m afraid Serena’s going to buckle. She called me, hysterical, wanting to find another facility because Natalie is telling her awful things. I’m going to be gone a few days.”

This is no surprise. The social worker explained to Dad that this happens with most new patients. Natalie’s been in the facility a few weeks now, which correlates with the timing we expected.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes, Serena agreed for us to meet with one of the therapists and tell them our family story. She wants to be prepared when she starts her one-on-ones next week.”

“Good luck. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Want to tell me about this house you’re buying?”

“H-o-w? W-h-a-t?” I stutter.

Dad’s laughter flows through the line. “Robbie has the biggest mouth of anyone I’ve ever known. His ass has been talking about this for weeks at the office. He never really confirmed it, but I knew he was talking to you soon. When I called James today, he told me it was final. You agreed.”

“It wasn’t a hard decision.”

“I bet. Can’t wait to hear about your trip. I’ll call you soon.” The line disconnects before I can respond.

Robbie walks into the kitchen, with Cruz and Alex following. He kisses me briefly then wraps his arms around my waist.

“Babe, I’m not sure how it happened, but somehow, those fucking girls have convinced everyone it’s my fault they jumped to conclusions at the mall last week. According to Jimi, Abbi says, and I quote, ‘Robbie keeps Ember to himself, and they’ve hardly socialized outside of the few events for Raven’s wedding. I never had a chance to get to know Ember and feel awful.’”

“I’m surprised they didn’t know about me and Alex,” Cruz says.

“I’m sure they knew something about you, but not all the details. After seeing you two at the mall, they never put it together, so now it’s my job to set up a dinner, or drinks, or some shit for socializing.”

“I have to agree. Since the wedding, there haven’t been many girl’s nights out. You two mostly stick to hanging with the guys. Maybe we should do it here,” Cruz adds.

“I’d rather go to a bar, so we can leave when I’m ready,” Robbie says.

“That’s the problem. They want to spend more time with you both, and after one drink, you’ll disappear. I’m in the room with you for ten seconds, and the sexual tension makes me sweat. Can you reel it in for a few hours?”

“We’re not that bad!” I protest.

Robbie runs his lips along my neck, distracting me from arguing.

“Point Made!” Cruz yells as Robbie grins against my skin.

“You did that on purpose.” I move out of his arms.

“I did. A bar is better. We go, we drink, we leave when we’re ready.”

“Set it up.”

“And promise to stay for at least two hours.” Cruz shakes his finger at us.

“One,” Robbie counters. “And no promises after that.”

Cruz sighs dramatically and murmurs, “Ridiculous,” as he walks out.

“So how’d the conversation go?”