“Yes…but what the hell! He’s asking me when I’ll be home. How does he even know I’m not home?”
“Calm down, Kendall. I want you to take a deep breath before you respond.” Faith moves closer to me and touches my shoulder. She is calm about this, and I’m ready to fly off the handle. He has no boundaries. Whatever he says goes. But I do what she says. “Now close your eyes and think about him holding you and protecting you. How do you feel?”
I hate when she plays therapist with me. “I feel angry that he didn’t ask me. Instead, he asked his friend if I was home. It feels like he wants me under his thumb. It feels familiar, like when Jake would do shit like this.”
“Ah, and there it is.”
I open my eyes and say, “I know that’s my trigger. Everything that asshole did affects me.”
“What are your thoughts on telling Dane what you’d prefer him to do?”
“That makes sense now that you say it out loud.” I shake my head, knowing that all of this makes perfect sense.
“You need to take a few minutes to step back and look at all perspectives. He wants to protect you, and you don’t want to feel like you are being controlled and told what to do. It all tracks. Communicate what you want. You’re good at that…when you’re not triggered.”
So I text him back, and his response seems calm and understanding.
“See, you got this, and well…maybe him too.”
“I’m pretty sure it’s mutual.” I laugh and brush my hand through my hair.
The night continues with talk of our yearly girls’ trip over ice cream. We like to book it at least six months ahead. This year, we are deciding between Turks and Caicos or Aruba. Right now, it’s a split vote. We are all on our phones researching nightlife and excursions available at all-inclusive resorts. My vote is for Aruba, but I’m double-checking the resort on Turks and Caicos. Maybe something will pop up that will sway me.
The votes were still tied after spending some time scouring the all-inclusive resorts. To break the tie, we put pieces of paper into a bowl—two for T&C and two for Aruba. Faith mixes them up, and we decide which one gets picked; we go there first, then we’ll do the other island the following year. It seems like a good plan.
And she pulls—Aruba. Addison and I yell, “Yes!”
We are heading to Aruba in February. I can’t wait. I’ll be counting down. I’m so excited for this trip. The resort boasts five-star restaurant reviews, pools, ocean-view rooms, and tiki bars located both poolside and beachside.
It’s getting late. I peer out the living room window to see the black SUV sitting at the curb. Joel and his guys are here watching over the place. A calmness washes over me, knowing they are here. And I silently say thank you to Dane for hiring them. As upsetting as it was to hear at first, I’m grateful.
“Do we have time for a movie?” Faith lowers herself onto the couch.
“I do because I don’t have work tomorrow and can sleep in a bit. After this weekend, I’m ready for a good night’s sleep,” I say as a yawn escapes. We all laugh.
Lane and Addison decide to go home because they both have early mornings on Mondays. We say our goodbyes. I love them. Ican’t believe it’s been eleven years since we first met and became best friends in college.
After they leave, Faith and I cuddle up on the couch with our blankets even though it’s seventy degrees outside. The air conditioning is chilly now that night has fallen, and our bodies are tired. Faith picks10 Things I Hate About You. I love this movie, so I tuck my feet under me and get comfortable.
The movie credits roll, and my eyes are barely open. It might not be a good idea to drive home. I wonder if it’s okay to ask Joel to drive me home. Eh, it’s worth asking.
Kendall:
Joel, is it too much to ask you to drive me home? I didn’t expect to be so exhausted.
Joel:
You bet. We are right at the curb.
Kendall:
Be out in 10
It’s convenient to have these guys around.
“Faith, I’m going to leave my car here. I’ll figure out how to pick it up tomorrow. It’s a tomorrow-me problem.”
“I can always pick you up after work and bring you back. Just let me know.”
