I run my hand along the floorboard of the car until I brush my fingers over my phone. I unlock the keypad and read Todd’s text once again. Without thinking further, I hit the reply button and type out a message.
Me: Thinking of you too. Wish I could see you again. Long night.
While I am cautious about the message I send, not wanting to say anything to cause alarm, I know I need to make a decision about where I am headed. Am I going to keep driving in the direction that will lead me to him? It only takes a moment for him to respond.
Todd: Was really worried when I didn’t hear back from you. U ok?
This time, I don’t waste any time responding.
Me: I am now.
Todd: What do you mean? Now?
I hesitate before confessing. If I am going to seek Todd’s help, I need to do be completely honest with him.
Me: I left him tonight.
Todd: U did what?
Me: I left him. It got ugly. I was scared.
The phone goes silent for a moment and I wonder if I’ve made a mistake. I plug it into my car charger and suddenly it starts to ring. My heartbeat instantly quickens, not expecting it at all. I look on the screen and read Todd’s name. I don’t waste any time answering.
“Hello?” I barely get the word out before I start sobbing uncontrollably.
“Jennifer, talk to me. Are you okay?” Todd’s voice is calm, soothing, unlike the harsh bitterness I dealt with from Brian earlier.
In between the sobs, I manage to say a few words. “I…left him…tonight. I can’t take this anymore.”
“Where are you now? I am coming to get you. Just tell me where you are.” Todd is speaking so quickly that I don’t have time to answer before he’s tossing the next set of questions at me. “Did he hurt you? I’ll kill that bastard if he hurt you.”
I settle enough to finally talk to him. “It got ugly, but I think I’m okay.” I take a deep breath before continuing. “I grabbed what I could and walked away from my apartment. I don’t ever want to go back. It’s just too painful.”
“I understand. At least you got away. Do I need to call the police?”
I cut him off quickly. “I don’t want the police involved. Please.”
“Baby, if he’s hurt you, the police need to make a report. We need to make sure he’s not going to be allowed to come near you again.” He tries to convince me.
“I don’t want to go back there. I just need to leave those painful memories behind me.”
“Let me come get you. Where are you?”
I give him the name of the town I remember reading from the last exit sign before pulling off to the rest area.
“I think I’ve been driving for a few hours now, but I’m not sure exactly how long.”
“Stay put. I’m going to call my dad. I’ll get him to ride with me, then I will drive us back here in your car and he can take my truck. Do you think you are safe where you are now?” He asks.
I glance around, still not noticing anyone. “I think so. There’s not much activity here at all.”
“On second thought, I would feel better if you can keep driving to the next exit. Rest areas are known for bad things and since there are no cops there, just an attendant, I think you’ll be safer. Besides, once I get my dad in the truck with me, I’m going to call you back immediately and keep you on the phone the entire time until we get there.”
I turn on my car and start to pull from the parking area. “I like that idea.” I tell him as I let out a deep breath. “I’m pulling out now.”
Todd hangs up to call his dad. While I drive to the next exit, I start to wonder what I’m going to do once I see him again. How is he going to react once he sees my cheek? Is he going to think I’m crazy for going back to Brian after the episode he rescued me from the first time? I close my eyes and try to believe that I’m doing the right thing.
I’ve always had a passion for books and reading for as long as I can remember. In fact, you might call me crazy, but when I buy a new purse, the first thing I notice is whether or not it’s big enough to hold my e-reader or a regular book, not the color, price, style, or brand name, like most women. Some form of a book goes with me everywhere I go.
I attended my first author signing (as a reader) earlier this year, and I was completely blown away at the number of women who supported Indie authors and the many heartfelt stories they have shared with us over the years. It got me to thinking how much I would enjoy sharing my own stories with everyone. I played around with the idea at first, before getting serious. Thank you to Jennifer Byrd, Karin Lewis, Crystal Jones, Jill Williams, Stephanie Laughman, and Charity Wilson for encouraging me and telling me “You Can Do This!” I’m ready for another road trip ladies.
Even though I have never met her personally, I have to say that author Ashley Beale has been gone above and beyond sharing her knowledge, words of encouragement, answering all of my questions no matter what time of the day or night, and giving me such incredible support. I am thankful for her street team as well, as they, too, have offered their support in my journey. With all of your “likes” and “shares,” thank you, Ashley, for everything.
To my co-worker, Lea Paul, I can’t thank you enough for your support. You have listened to all of my stories and given me the greatest feedback. I have appreciated it more than you know.
I would also like to thank Lisa Karafa with Penny For My Thoughts Book Blog for stepping out to help me the very first week I created my author page.
Next, I would like to thank Kyla Stein with Missed Period Editing Services. Kyla has been very pleasant to work with and has provided excellent service to me, being a “newbie” Indie author. Kyla was very supportive, and I am thankful for all of her recommendations to make my story complete. I can’t wait to start on the next book with her.
Lastly, I would like to thank my husband, David, and son, Jacob, who watched me, night after night, type away on my computer. Even though I never made you go without, you may not have had the nice, hot, meal you would have preferred. I owe you both your favorite meal.
To all of the incredible blogs and authors who have shared my page and have taken a chance on me, I can’t thank you enough. There is a network of support from all of them that is priceless.
To all of the readers who have read my story, I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I have bringing it to you. I look forward to writing the conclusion so you can see where it all ends with Brian Collins and Jennifer Davis. Even though their story may not have always been a happy one, it’s very real and happens in the real world more than we want to admit.
Amy Stephens is a new adult/contemporary romance author. Originally from Greenville, Alabama, she now lives in Robertsdale, Alabama, just minutes from the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast beaches, with her husband and son. She is a graduate of Troy University with a Master’s in Human Resource Management. She works in retail management full-time during the day and pursues her passion for writing in her down time.
When she’s not working or writing, you will find her reading, watching her favorite football team, the Auburn Tigers, her favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves, or watching NASCAR. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Don’t Turn Back is her first novel, and she has plans to release the sequel later this year.
For more information about me, please visit:
www.facebook.com/amystephensauthor
http://www.goodreads.com/amystephens
[email protected]
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Epilogue
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Don't Turn Back (Coming Home Book 1) Page 30