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As their food arrived, they changed the subject, neither wanting to hurt their appetite by discussing the rude man

Because the restaurant wasn’t busy, Rachel heard the low voices of Stud and Cash in the background Yet, before she could discern as being discussed, Lily’s phone rang just as they finished eating

“I’ll be right out,” she said into the phone then explained, “Shade’s here to pick me up”

“Go ahead I’ll take care of the ticket,” Rachel offered

“No, I’ll pay” She reached for her purse

“My treat You can pay next time”

“All right,” Lily accepted, getting up from the table “See you Sunday in church”

Lily left as the waitress brought the ticket Rachel took it, going to the cash register as she felt the lad to escape their scrutiny after paying, leaving through the door as other customers were about to enter

Jared and one of his friends stopped, blocking the doorway Rachel kneasn’t a good sign when, instead of letting her pass to go outside, they backed out of the doorway, keeping her pinned between them

“I want to talk to you” Rachel stiffened at his harsh voice, unsurprised by his statement

“What about?”

“Did you tell my wife it was ry his face was flushed red, and his beady eyes were narroaiting for her answer

“No, but I did tell her you should be checked out before she spent any more money on expensive doctors,” Rachel answered in a calm voice How some women fell in love with certainnice or attractive about Jared

“How ly, he called into question her motives

“None” Rachel had dealt with enough She didn’t have to put up with his bullshit; she wasn’t the one stupid enough to be married to him

“Stay the fuck away from my wife and keep your advice to yourself” Jared blocked her path again as she tried to move away from him “I’ll make sure everyone in town knows you’re a phony if I catch you near her again”

Rachel wouldn’t have been able to call herself a Porter if she allowed thehis arm Jared tried to pull it out of her reach, but Rachel needed only a minute to find out what she needed to know When Jared pushed her away froer had lowered his guard, blasting the knowledge she needed through his consciousness into hers Rachel was easily able to read what he was hiding

“You should be asha

ust, atteain

“What the fuck do youher away from the door to the side of the restaurant

Unwisely, she didn’t back down “I mean, you know you can’t have kids, but you haven’t told Cheryl, letting her take the bla her pinned under your thumb?”

Her rash outburst brought out the ugliness inside of the overbearingabout”

“Yes, I do You et any of the wonant, so don’t act innocent, Jared”

A sharp s down The only reason she didn’t was because Jared kept a fir her in place as his hand went back to strike her again Her face already numb after the initial burst of pain, Rachel braced herself for another strike, but then found herself thrust back against the restaurant wall as a body knocked Jared away froround

Rachel watched as Cash punched Jared repeatedly in the face When his friend would have tried to help, Stud held hiood look at Stud and quit trying to intervene

“Cash, stop! That’s enough!” Rachel reached down, grasping Cash’s t-shirt and tugging hi Jared only because he was finished

“Go on ho to his feet

“I’round, holding his bleeding nose

“No, you’re not, unless you want ainst you You hit o on home, Jared, before I call my brothers and you leave here in an ambulance”

After Jared et to his feet, he and his buddy took off to their car

“Are you okay?” Cash asked, staring at her cheek