Ruthless Creatures by J.T. Geissinger

“David hated surprises. He didn’t even like it if he came
around a corner in the house and found me standing there.
He’d jump halfway out of his skin.”
“This surprise wasn’t for him, though. It was for you. And
if anyone would think a safety deposit box would be a nice
surprise gift for his new bride, it would’ve been David. He had
the soul of an accountant.”
That makes me smile. “He really did.”
“Do you remember that time he got you a wallet for your
birthday?”
“With the twenty-percent-off coupon for a foot massage
inside? How could I forget?”
We laugh, then fall silent. After a moment, I say quietly,
“Sloane?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“Do you think I’m broken?”
Her answer is firm. “No. I think you’re a badass bitch who
went through some bullshit no one should ever have to go
through. But it’s in the rearview mirror now. You’re gonna be
just fine.”
“You promise?”
“I promise.”
Let’s hope she’s right. “Okay. If you say so, I believe you.”
“I’ve been telling you for years that you should listen to
me, dummy. I’m way smarter than you.”
That makes me chuckle. “You’re not even a little bit
smarter than me.”
“Am too.”
“Are not.”
Sounding smug, she shoots back, “Yes, I am, and I have
proof.”
I mutter, “I can hardly wait to hear this.”