Thank you for staying with me, she told Wolf in a hunted tone. Hes going to drop me off at my apartment and take the car to the dealership, she choked out, indicating the elderly driver. Good night.
She ran to the wrecker and climbed up into the passenger seat while the driver worked at securing her car.
Wolf was still standing beside his car when the tow truck left. Sara didnt even turn her head.
* * *
GABRIEL WAS HOME for a few days. Sara went to Comanche Wells to cook for him.
He noticed her subdued attitude. Whats wrong, honey? he asked softly as they drank coffee at the kitchen table.
She grimaced. I had a flat tire, coming home from Houston after the opera.
At night? he asked, surprised. Why did you drive? Why not take a limo?
She bit her lower lip. Im trying to...grow up a little, she said, managing a shaky smile. Or I was.
I hate to think of you sitting in the dark waiting for a wrecker, he said.
Mr. Patterson saw me there and stopped. I sat in his car while the wrecker got to me.
Mr. Patterson? he mused. Wolf was in Houston, too?
Apparently, he likes opera, too, and there isnt a company here right now, she said through her teeth.
I see.
Her expression was tormented. He...he didnt even do anything. He just turned in his seat and leaned toward me. I...reacted like a crazy person, she bit off. Made him mad.
Weve had this discussion before, he began.
I hate therapists, she said hotly. The last one said I wanted people to feel sorry for me, and I probably overreacted at what happened!
He what? he burst out. You never told me!
I was afraid youd hit him and end up in jail, she returned.
I would have, he said harshly.
She drew in a breath and sipped coffee. Anyway, it wasnt helping. She closed her eyes. I cant get past it. I just cant.
There are nice men in the world, he pointed out. Some even live right here in Jacobsville.
Her smile was world-weary. It wouldnt matter.
He knew what shed gone through. He hadnt known that the rape attempt wasnt the first one, that their stepfather had spent months making suggestive comments, trying to touch her, trying to get her into bed long before he used force. That, combined with the court trial, had warped Sara in ways that made Gabriel despair for her future. What a hell of a thing to happen to a girl at the age of thirteen.
You love children, he said quietly. Youre dooming yourself to a life all alone.
I have my entertainments.
You live in that virtual world, he said irritably. Its no replacement for a social life.
I cant cope with a social life, she replied. I have never been more sure of anything. She got up and bent to kiss his forehead. Leave me to my prudish pursuits. Ill make you an apple pie.
Bribery.
She laughed. Bribery.
* * *
GABRIEL WAS AT the feed store the next Friday when Wolf Patterson came in. He was scowling even before he saw Gabriel.
Is she with you? Wolf asked.
Gabriel knew who he meant at once. He shook his head.
Is she crazy? he asked. Honest to God, I stayed with her in my car until the wrecker came, and she acted as if I was bent on assault!
Im grateful for what you did, Gabriel said, sidestepping the question. She should have taken a limo to Houston. Ill make sure she does next time.
Wolf calmed down, but only a little. He shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his expensive jeans. She ran into me with the car, you know. Then she blamed me for it. That started the whole thing. I hate aggressive women, he added shortly.
She tends to overreact, Gabriel said noncommittally.
I dont even like brunettes, he said curtly. His pale eyes flashed. Shes not my type.
Youre certainly not hers, the younger man pointed out with a grin.
Who is? Wolf asked. One of those tofu-eating tree huggers?
Sara...doesnt like men.
Wolf raised an eyebrow. She likes women?
No.
Wolfs eyes narrowed. Youre not telling me anything.
Thats exactly right, Gabriel replied. He pursed his lips. But Ill tell you this. If she ever showed any interest in you, Id get her out of the country by the quickest means available.
Wolf glared at him.
You know what I mean, Gabriel added quietly. I wouldnt wish you on any woman alive, much less my baby sister. You still havent dealt with your past, after all this time.
Wolfs teeth were clenched.
Gabriel put a hand on his shoulder. Wolf, not all women are like Ysera, he said softly.
Wolf jerked away from him.
Gabriel knew when he was licked. He smiled. So, hows the wargaming?
It was a carrot, and Wolf bit. New expansion coming out, he said, and smiled. Im looking forward to it, now that Ive got somebody to run dungeons with.
Your mysterious woman. Gabriel chuckled.
I assume shes a woman, he replied, shrugging. People arent usually what they seem in these games. I was complimenting a guildie on his mature playing style, and he informed me that he was twelve years old. He laughed. You never know who youre playing with.
Your woman could be a man. Or a child. Or a real woman.
Wolf nodded. Im not looking for relationships in a video game, he replied easily.