Megan had stopped going to counseling when she’d decided to follow her parents and sister to Arizona. There was nothing left for her here in New Mexico. She wondered if she should find a counselor once she got to Prescott, but then thought it was more fun plotting Bart’s death with Tess. A counselor might not find that amusing.
Sometimes Megan wondered if she was making the right choice. Her parents weren’t easy people to be around and she’d never lived up to their expectations, despite the fact that she’d been successful in her career as a graphic designer. It wasn’t good enough for them.
She relaxed her jaws and her fingers. She wasn’t going to continue to second-guess herself.
A new chapter started in her life now, at this very moment, and she intended her book to end up with a happy ending. She was worth it. She deserved it.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes then slowly exhaled. When she opened her eyes again she shook off all of the negativity and started toward the kitchen.
In the divorce settlement, she’d kept the house in Albuquerque and Bart had taken the cabin in the mountains. First chance she’d had after the divorce, she put the home up for sale and a buyer snatched it up almost right away. It was a cash transaction, so they hadn’t had to deal with a lender. The sale went through smoothly. Now she just needed to get out of the house so that the new owners could move in.
She grabbed a small cardboard box and metal clinked against metal as she packed up the silverware drawer. Once it was full, she marked the box kitchen using a Sharpie, then taped the box shut with clear plastic packing tape. When that was finished, she packed another box with the pots and pans that she’d left out to use until moving day.
“Are you all right?” Tess walked up and set a stack of fluffy bathroom towels on the kitchen table. “You look like you’re pretty deep in thought.”
Megan gave her sister the brightest smile she could muster. “Just coming up with new ways to dispose of what’s-his-name.”
“Good.” Tess blew loose strands of hair out of her face. She couldn’t help but look adorable with her petite frame, slender body, and heart-shaped face. Her blonde hair was fluffed around her face, and she appeared younger than her thirty-seven years. “Once we get a plan down, we’ll do away with the bastard.”
Megan laughed. She adored her older sister who’d always been there for her from the time they were young. There was a five-year age difference, but Tess had always watched out for Megan. Tess had been her defender when they were young and her staunch supporter. Megan had been equally protective over Tess.
That didn’t mean they hadn’t fought or argued as kids. At times Tess would get impatient with her younger sister who followed her around as much as possible. But all in all, they’d always been good friends.
Tess pushed her fingers through her hair. “Once we get you settled in Prescott, we need to find you a man. You have so much going for you.”
“Like what?” Megan shook her head. “I need to shed a few pounds first.”
“You look terrific.” Tess put her hands on her hips. “You’re just down because of that ass you married. Don’t let him have that kind of power over you. You’re curvy and sexy and you just need to feel good about yourself.”
Megan smiled at her sister. “You always know how to make me feel better.” Megan wasn’t given to pity parties, but at this moment it was hard because memories of the last few years kept slapping her in the face every time she looked around the house she’d called home. She was truly glad she was no longer with her ex but that didn’t mean the memories of what he’d put her through didn’t still hurt.
“Older sisters know best,” Tess grinned. “While we’re at it, once we get to Arizona, we need to go shopping and get you some cute clothes, like jeans that will show off your beautiful ass-ets.”
Megan laughed. “So now my ass is beautiful.”
“You betcha.” Tess nodded.
“Speaking of finding a man.” Megan taped the box shut as she spoke. “You should follow your own advice. Maybe you should find yourself a hot cowboy.”
“There are plenty of those in Arizona.” Tess smiled. “A lot of nice eye-candy.”
Tess might be noticing the sexy cowboys, but Megan was sure she wasn’t letting anyone pursue her. Ever since her husband, Steve, had died in a car accident, Tess had remained closed off when it came to men. She’d loved Steve with a passion that mad Megan envious. After her husband’s death Tess had followed their parents from Albuquerque to Prescott to help with the family restaurant.