Page 135 of When There Was You
“Hey,” he says, cupping my face. “I’ve got your back, your six, your everything. The rest we’ll work out. Now, let’s go—I want my dad’s input, and my mom’s.”
I nod, blindly trusting his advice.
Turns out, it’s marginally easier regurgitating the whole sordid affair again despite my embarrassment, angst, and reticence. His parents are aghast and disgusted by what I relay, their expressions shifting with every lecherous, degrading detail. In addition to Don’s transgressions toward me, Gusfumes over my boss using him as leverage. He intends to call his personal attorney to find out what legal action is possible, including contacting the publishing group to get Don terminated. Jerri declares Don always gave her the creeps.
I’m awed by their genuine concern, steadfast belief, and instant defense of me. It’s bolstering and helps me stop questioning whether I did something wrong. Gus isn’t worried one iota about his friendship with Don—that’s now over. He’s only pained that it caused me to stay silent.
Jerri wraps me a fierce hug, whispering about men acting like animals, reassuring me, comforting me. She clutches Butch’s hand, praising him for teaching me to protect myself.
We all know, without saying it aloud, that the outcome could have been much worse.
“The prick won’t get away with this,” Butch reiterates. “I don’t care what it takes.”
Gus flashes a warning look.“Son.”
Butch’s jaw is clenched in such a hard line it might break. What does Gus think he’s going to do?
“Son,” Gus repeats, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “I’ll handle it. Do we understand each other?”
Butch grumbles in reluctant agreement.
I staywith Jerri while Butch heads to the garage to dole out responsibilities. He’s quitting early, despite my protests. I’m no longer a total disaster, but I’m not fine either and he knows it. My entire life was just tumble-dried, and I’m screwed in more ways than one.
Jerri brews tea and suggests we sip it on the front porch, a place I’ve come to love. On another day, I’d think it was a pleasant afternoon. The spring flowers are fully in bloom and the temperature moderate, reminding me of Bay Area weather. It’s normally a comforting setting, but I’m the opposite of calm.
“I’m sorry I turned your world upside-down today,” I say sullenly.
“Jacqui,” she chides. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’re family. That’s who you turn to in times of trouble.”
My nose stings and I fight against more tears as that statement hits me squarely in the chest.
Jerri notices my struggle. “What is it, sugar?”
“It’s just…I’ve never had a healthy family. Mine is super messed up.” My stupid eyes leak, even though it seems biologically impossible for my tear ducts to be operational at this point.
“Oh, honey.” She pauses, her gaze sympathetic. “Not everyone gets lucky where relations are concerned. Thank goodness we get to choose our family later in life, whether through marriage or friends. You’re not alone.”
“You say the most reassuring things,” I rasp out, wiping my damp cheeks.
“I say what I mean.”
“And you consider me family…even though Butch and I are just dating?”
She flashes a knowing smile. “You two are more thanjust dating. You’re in love with each other, as plain as that azalea bush is bursting with blooms. Butch has been through a lot, and I wasn’t sure he would find his way to loving again. But he has, and I couldn’t be happier about the recipient.”
My spirits lift. “I’m head over heels for that man…and I adore your whole family.”
“I’m glad to hear it because I couldn’t bear to watch him get hurt again. Butch has always been a little tender-hearted. When he loves, he gives the full hundred percent.”
Don’t I know it. “I’m amazed by it actually…that he has a hundred percent to give after all that.”
Jerri’s eyes fasten on me, assessing. “Your heart’s still a little broken, isn’t it?”
I nod, gnawing on my lower lip. “I’m realizing my parentsbroke it first. Then…others. But Butch has patched me back together in a way I never expected.”
As if he’s heard us, Butch walks out of the shop and his gaze swings our way, zeroing in on me.
Jerri leans back in her rocker. “He’s gifted that way, has always known how to step up for people.” Her eyes flit to mine. “He’s a good one to have in your corner.”
