“It was bliss for a while. We even went away together to Palm Springs and everything. He’d been a little off here and there since then, but then last night, Wes shut down.”
“What’s he saying to you?”
“Nothing. That’s the problem.” I sighed. “He’s just not his usual happy self, and it seems like he might be avoiding me. Well, as much as you can avoid someone when you’re stuck in the house together. He’s been busying himself away from me. He offered to put in a new mailbox, which was very random, even if it needed to be done. The change in attitude makes me wonder if he’s having regrets about letting things happen between us.”
“In all honesty, sweetie…he might be. And rightfully so. Whatever the cause, don’t push it. No one likes being nagged. Just give Wes the space to work through it on his own, even if it’s difficult for you. He’s put himself in a very serious situation. And he knows it. The reality is only now setting in.”
“Yeah.” I gazed out the window at Wes working. “I just wish he’d talk to me about it, rather than close up.”
“This is a big chance he’s taking. And a big chanceyou’retaking, too. We’ve seen this story before, Juliette, and we know how it ends.”
My chest tightened. “Itcan’tend that way with Wes. I won’t let anything bad happen to him. I need to figure out a way to get him away from Dad. And soon.”
“And how are you going to do that without your father knowing about your feelings for Wes?”
I paced. “I’m not sure yet, but there has to be a way around this.”
“I think your best bet is to keep things quiet for the foreseeable future. If there were an easy way out of this, I would’ve taken it a long time ago, my love.” She paused. “And I wish I had a solution, for your sake. I sometimes feel so guilty for bringing you into this world.”
That made me sad. “Don’t ever feel guilty. As hard as it is being Vince’s daughter, I would never choose not to be here. We’re stronger because of it in some ways. I learned from the best. Seriously, you’re so cool under pressure.”
“Wish I didn’t need to practice that skill so much.” She chuckled. “Listen, I know I warned you about getting involved with Wes when I was out in California. My concerns still stand. But I’m happy you feel like you can open up to me about anything. You know I’ll always listen, even if I don’t fully agree with your choices. And I love you so much.”
“Thank you, Mom. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“I’ll pray you never have to find out.”
That sent a shiver through me. The thought of something happening to my mother freaked me out more than anything. I was an only child. In many ways, Mom was the only “normal” family I had.
After we got off the phone, I looked out at Wes putting the finishing touches on the new mailbox. He was right outside but felt a world away.
***
Later that evening, Wes seemed a bit more like his normal self. Earlier, when he’d come in from the mailbox project, I’d asked him again if something was wrong, and he’d denied it. But it seemed like his demeanor had changed for the better after my inquisition, as if he hadn’t realized his attitude was so obvious.
Later in the evening, desperate to lighten the mood, I suggested we play a game of truth or dare as we sat together on the couch, a fun way to pass the time.
“Truth or dare?” he scoffed. “I think the last time I played that was in junior high.”
“Adults can play, too.” I ran a hand through his hair. “Have a drink with me.”
He closed his eyes briefly as I massaged his scalp. “Now is not the time for me to be letting my guard down, Juliette.”
“Just one,” I prodded. “You can’t get drunk from one drink. It’ll take the edge off.”
Wes clenched his teeth. I could tell he really wanted a drink.
“Okay.” He stood and walked to the kitchen. “But if you see me going for another, you kick me in the balls.”
“I like your balls,” I called after him. “I’ll do no such thing.”
Wes grabbed a beer for him and a hard seltzer for me.
“Who’s gonna start?” I asked, sinking deeper into the couch.
“You.” He pointed his bottle toward me.
“Okay…truth or dare?” I asked, opening my can.
