She pushed a lock of fine hair behind her ear. “Too bad Tenor didn’t want to see your reading nook.”
“I read in bed.”
She lifted a brow.
Point taken. “It wasn’t just that. He just never committed. I know it was new but, like, I felt something. Like we really had a connection. I was all in and he had one foot out the door the whole time.”
“You two didn’t date long.”
“Felt like I’d been with him for forever. Like we were two old souls who’d finally found each other. And then he just calls it quits. Because of my dad. Nothing I could’ve done. He justdropped me.” A hot tear rolled down my cheek. I swiped at it. “I felt less important to him than I ever did to the others.”
“Oh, hon.” She rose and enveloped me in a giant mom hug that nearly choked off my air supply. “I really am sorry. You should expect the best treatment from your partner, but I can’t help but wonder how watching me date and being around your dad hasn’t helped you. Lord knows, I don’t weather any conflict in a relationship well.”
“Dad was your first experience and you learned you couldn’t count on him. Yet it’s like you’re still waiting on him.”
Surprise mixed with dismay in her expression. “We’re connected, and despite his rough edges, he’s the only guy who hasn’t asked me to change who I am. He just rolls with whatever I want.” She leaned back. “But his hard personality made you too tolerant of assholes. If you think Tenor fits in that category, then I’ll trust your intuition.”
Tenor wasnotlike Dad.
My dad hadn’t given up on me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Ruby
It was almost closing time and there was no sign of Tenor. I only looked out the window and at the door to the lobby a million times. His pickup was in the same spot in the parking lot. He was here, like usual. Would he see me out to lock up like he always had before?
Or would he make Teller do it?
What was I hoping for?
I was afraid to answer.
I’d worn the black pleated skirt that drove Tenor crazy. I couldn’t be the only one suffering.
What if he was unaffected? Would he see me and only picture my dad?
The mental torment was the worst. Lack of sleep also sucked. I hadn’t been able to read. After I’d left Mom’s place, I’d stopped at the bookstore and bought a few new books, mostly mystery and thrillers. Romance was not in the cards right now.
I finished cashing out just as the door opened.
My heart skyrocketed into my throat.
Tenor walked in and stopped, his solemn gaze on me. As drawn to him as I was, I had to force myself to look at him. My chest grew tight. His face was drawn. He wore the same oversized rust-colored polo and blue jeans. Same boots. And he looked as good as ever.
Longing opened up in my chest, but I sewed that damn tear shut.
You deserve better.
His words echoed through my head. Damn right I did. At one time, I had thought that was him. I’d get better for myself out of spite. Someday. When I pieced myself back together.
He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Hey.”
“Hi.” I put the tablet away and grabbed my purse. “It was a quiet night.”
I hustled for the door, eager to get this uncomfortable interaction done with. Being around him only made me remember how good he could make me feel. Seeing him reminded me of everything I couldn’t have through no fault of my own.
You deserve better.
