“Sounds it. He started the chain of events and it’s all piling on me.”
“I don’t know why you stayed with him as long as you had.”
“Because I was so desperate to find my person I turned a blind eye to what was happening. That he was trying so hard to be this perfect guy and that was all a smoke show so that I didn’t see what he was truly like.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that. You’ve always wanted this happy ever after for yourself that you put up with more than you should.”
The same could be said about Clay.
Anyone would say she was handing out more than he was.
But when he wanted to be nice. When he wanted to show another side to him, he did it.
Maybe he wasn’t happy about it, but it was there.
Tender, gentle moments that escaped without thought.
Those were the best ones.
The right ones at the right times.
That was where the hope was.
“I know. It’s not done though. Yesterday I came home from school and my front window was broken.”
She gave the rest of the story there, from Clay coming to help, Ford and the deputy.
“Meredith. This is crazy. Was it Fredrick or Lana? You need to get some kind of protection in place against them.”
“It wasn’t Fredrick. He said he was at work and could prove it. The police are checking. But when I called, he threatened me with harassment, said I won’t leave him alone now.”
“Don’t listen to that nonsense. Let the police do their job and protect yourself. Did you stay in your house alone last night? I’m so mad. You should have called us and come home.”
And this was the next part. The harder part.
“I stayed with Clay at his house.”
“Clay? Your boss? The one who boarded up the window. Which just registered in my mind you’d said that.”
“That’s him.”
“Are you dating?”
“I’m not sure,” she said, frowning and picking up a piece of bacon.
Surprisingly, the pancakes were all gone.
“What isn’t there to be sure about?”
“I know what I feel and want. I can only guess with him. It’s like pulling teeth. But he’s a great guy under the layers of confusion. He’s been super sweet in his way regarding all of this. He’s crazy protective of me.”
“Outstanding traits to have. I know he comes from a good family. He’s got that new business going now. Where was he for years before that?”
“In the Navy. He’s got some baggage.”
Her mother sighed. “It seems every guy you end up with has that.”
“That’s right. I’ve got it too. Don’t judge.”
