Page 128 of Guarding Over You
“There is no guessing what is going on in someone’s delusional mind. Their demons aren’t yours. Their reality is only rational to them.”
He nodded. “That’s not making me feel any better. Your thoughts on the ex?”
“Sounds like a total dickhead to me, but there isn’t anything saying he’d risk his future doing this. Sounds as if he’s doing what is required to be with his daughter.”
“I wanted it to be him,” he said, then turned to walk back to his place knowing his brother would follow, the two of them going in the house.
“So he’d be out of her life, but it’s not the best scenario for anyone other than you.”
“I know that. That little girl is returning to who she used to be. Or so Arden says. I hope I played a part in it.”
“I’m sure you did. You showed her that not all men are angry.”
“It helped with everyone. Arden wants to meet Tina next Saturday,” he blurted out.
“Really?” Clay asked, lifting an eyebrow.
“Yeah. I’m torn with her giving him too much rope but can’t tell her no. She wants to see Billy in person, see how he is doing. She said if he relapses it’s going to be a bigger mess. She doesn’t want that to happen for anyone, but needs to be prepared if there is a sign of it.”
“That’s the responsible thing to do.”
“I know. I wanted to go with her. Gracie is going to stay with her grandparents for an hour while they go get something to eat in a public place.”
“There is no reason you can’t go. Did she tell you no?”
“I haven’t asked.”
“Don’t ask. Tell her. She could still be in danger. Don’t get soft.”
He ground his teeth. “I’m not getting soft. I’m balancing this the best I can. There is more at stake than watching out for her.”
“No,” Clay said firmly. “There is never more at stake than that. Take it from the man who missed what was happening right next door to Meredith. I can’t forgive myself for that. Don’t put yourself in that situation.”
Not what he wanted to hear.
“I’ll talk to her tonight,” he said.
“How is everything else?” Clay asked.
“Are you going to counsel me?” he asked, laughing.
His brother looked him over. “You bugged me enough. Just returning the favor.”
“Doesn’t feel like much of a favor. I appreciate it though. But I’m fine. I’ve got a handle on it.”
But he could tell Clay didn’t believe him.
Maybe because he didn’t believe it himself.
39
FAR FROM OVER
He doesn’t know what’s coming and that makes it sweeter.
I didn’t either, once.
My world flipped in an instant, and there was nothing left to save of the one I loved the most. That hollow pit of remorse and regret taught me how to wait, how to plan, how to make pain into my purpose.
