“Do you need me to do anything?”
I look from him to my screens and back. “This part is just the paperwork. I definitely need you to answer some questions for me, though. By the way, we’re getting married tomorrow at two.”
He takes the news in stride, and manages a small smile. “Okay. Keep doing your thing.”
I continue filling out the forms. It’s quiet, and I’m glad Mateo isn’t trying to keep up a conversation. This is one of those moments when I feel at one with my computer and everything is flowing and I can focus.
A few minutes later, I ask him some questions and he tells me the information.
Less than ten minutes later, it’s done. All we have to do is show up at the courthouse with our identification tomorrow and we’ll be set.
I lean back in my seat. “Done.”
Mateo shakes his head. “Not done. You’re going to fill out a restraining order that we can turn in at the courthouse tomorrow.”
I freeze, my thoughts sluggish as I try to decipher his words. “What?”
“I looked it up. You can print out the restraining order forms here and fill them out. Tomorrow we can go to the courthouse early and turn them in and they’ll get started on the process of issuing a restraining order against Jorge.”
Mateo’s brown eyes stare into mine as the words run through my mind twice and then a third time, before I can grab onto reality again.
“I told you that the police couldn’t press charges because he left and didn't do any damage or threaten me physically.”
Mateo’s smile is soft as his head tips down. “I know. But you have enough evidence with your text messages and his verbal threats to make a good case against him. I’m also going to talk to your security company this weekend and have them install more cameras around the property.”
“You don’t even know what company I use.”
He shrugs. “You’re right, but I figure you’ll tell me if I promise that I’ll be the one to talk to them for you.”
I narrow my eyes at him. How has Mateo already picked up on my distaste when it comes to conflict and asking for help?
Oh yeah, that’s why we’re in this mess in the first place. My avoidance strategy is really backfiring and Mateo totally is seeing through me… again.
I huff. “Fine. I’ll fill out the paperwork and you get to call the security company.”
His smile is contagious and I can’t help but look for the little dimple in his cheek again. Somehow, the dimple is reassuring that he’s actually happy and not just faking it.
Mateo doesn’t feel fake.
I turn back to the computer and quickly pull up the needed paperwork, print it, open my desk drawer and search for my favorite pen.
“I’m proud of you, Holly.”
I look up from where I’m shuffling around papers to locate my pen to find Mateo leaning toward me. “I’m proud of you for doing something hard and taking action, against Jorge. He’s threatened you, and this could get out into the news, but your safety is more important. I wish more people made the hard choices that kept them safe rather than the ones that kept their reputation intact. You deserve to be comfortable in your home, and while doing your job. Every woman deserves that.”
I blink away the stinging behind my eyes.
“Thank you.” I whisper. The rest of the words I want to say lodge themselves in my throat.
How do you thank your knight in shining armor? How do you tell him how grateful you are for taking a chance and changing his life for a damsel in distress?
I hate feeling like a damsel in distress.
I wish I could be fearless and full of confidence, like my brother. Instead, I mask my insecurities with perfectly fitting clothes, fake bravado, high heels, and an enormous house.
I grab the pen from the drawer and fill out the paperwork. Mateo is silent beside me and eventually gets out of his chair and walks back to the windows. I take my time, detailing everything that has happened and printing out Jorge's messages as evidence.
I shudder as I read his latest text threat. It’s different seeing it on black-and-white paper. It suddenly feels more real.
