He let out an uneasy chuckle.“Well, for starters, you were camping on her roof like a sycophant,” he said, glaring, but then his expression softened and he shrugged.“Though I can’t be too angry about that part, considering how fast you jumped in to aid her. I never thought I’d compliment a stalker, but here we are.”
I didn’t reply, unashamed of my actions.
“And Sybil mentioned something about a diaper?” His brow rose as the steel rake moved through the coals.
I nervously grimaced.“Yeah, well... they drugged her. She was out cold for a few days. There wasn’t much else I could do. People rarely ignore a man taking a drugged girl into a public bathroom to pee. The diaper seemed like the best option.”
He stopped raking coals and leaned casually against the handle, laughing.“Hey man, I get it. I mean, I don’treallyget it, but as fucked up as that was, it shows you care, I guess.”
A smirk curved my lips.“I promise. I was a gentleman about it. It’s no time to take advantage of a woman, and I’m not the kind of man to do so in the first place.”
He huffed, but was smiling.“Listen, it is what it is. She seems to love the story for some sick reason. Whatever. Betty has an innate ability to find the bright side in most things.”
I wasn’t sure I believed his statement, but I hoped he was right.
He grabbed and tested one of the steel poles for stability, and his face changed, losing humor.“Sybil also told me about your family. Man, I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
I pressed my lips together, looking down at the potatoes in my hands. This wasn’t a subject I was prepared to talk about, especially with him.
I could tell he respected my silence.“Bee’s good at caring for tarnished things, so you’ve come to the right place.”
I nodded.
“Life is shit sometimes, Gray, but… seeing all you’ve made of it? It’s fucking impressive. Any man who can pull it together after something like that and still make all this? That man deserves happiness and respect,” he said.
“Thanks,” I replied, feeling tense with emotion.
“What I’m trying to say is that I won’t get in your way, Gray. I’m glad Betty found you, even though the reason is messy. I didn’t know this side of Betty was possible after our mother died. It’s nice to see.”
“I’m glad she found me, too,” I replied softly.
He poked the ground.“Coming out here and seeing all this,” Nash gestured to the cabin, the greenhouse, the whole setup.“You’ve built quite a life from the ashes. If you put the same effort into ensuring Betty’s safety and happiness, well… I won’t stop you.”
I nodded.“I appreciate that.”
He returned to his raking, ash and smoke filling the air.
I stepped away, taking the potatoes to the river to rinse them in the water as I replayed our conversation in my head. Nash had accepted me. Shit, I thought that was going to be a lot harder. While I didn’t care what he thought of me, it was nice knowing he wouldn’t get in my way.
Letting the potatoes soak in the river, I scrubbed the skins with my palm to wash away all the dirt. Once the skins were smooth, I took the spuds up to the cabin for foil.
As I entered, Sybil cut herself off mid-sentence, a wide, mischievous grin spreading across her face. I eyed her and then Betty, narrowing my gaze. Those two were as thick as thieves. I didn’t think it wise to leave them alone together. Betty had shown her talent for planning and deception, but both of them teaming up?
Diabolical.
I placed the potatoes on the counter, and Betty entered the kitchen, retrieving the foil from the cupboard. She began tearing off sheets as I wrapped each potato and set them aside.
Sybil wandered to the chair near the front window, picked up Villainy, and nuzzled him. She was murmuring to him, and he seemed captivated by her large, striking blue eyes. With her otherworldly appearance, she almost resembled a woodland sprite from a fairy tale.
Betty cleared her throat, pulling my attention back. Her sharp eyes met mine. I could see on her face that there was a pitch coming, and I braced myself. I was not in the mood for another awkward or frustrating conversation.
“So,” she began, voice laced with sugar.“Sybil seems to think you can get your older uncle David to do something about Matteo.”
I glowered at her, raising my voice to say,“Does she?” I could practically hear Sybil cower from across the room.
Betty chastised me with her frown before changing tack and fluttering her lashes with a fake smile.“When was the last time you spoke to your uncle David?”
There was a grumble building in my throat, but I swallowed it back.“Not since before… Why?” I challenged, letting my annoyance show.
