Page 41 of Tide
“I know it’s a mess, Bane. I’m sorry.”
“No need to be sorry, darlin’. You didn’t plan on this to happen.”
“I know, but it’s all fucked up. He’s going to hate me if this baby is Christian’s.”
“I don’t think he could hate you, Mylah. That man is so fuckin’ in love with you. We all see it.”
“You do?” I ask, looking up at him.
“Yeah, darlin’. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this before. He needs you.”
“I’m scared,” I tell him. That’s when I feel something brush against my leg, and I look down to see Riley standing next to me. I almost forgot that I brought him along this time. Bane pulls away as I reach down and pet him.
“I still have you, right?” I tell him. Riley licks my hand, and I smile.
“You got a good boy right there,” Bane says.
“I know. He’s a sweet dog but can be a beast if he needs to be.”
“I bet he can. Why don’t you lay down and rest until the doc comes?” I nod my head and walk away from Bane with Riley right beside me. I walk down the hall and into Tide’s room before climbing on the bed. I curl into a ball and let the tears fall as Riley curls up next to me.
It seems like forever when I hear the door open and close. Riley lifts his head but doesn’t bark or move.
“You gonna call off the attack dog?” Tide’s voice floats through the room.
“He’s fine.”
“He’s in my spot.”
“Where is Beth?”
“In the basement where she belongs.”
“Let her go.”
“No. That isn’t up for discussion. If she’s lyin’ to me, she’s dead.”
“You can’t kill everyone, Tide.”
“I can and I will if I have to.”
“She’s Christian’s mom.”
“I’m well aware. You gonna call off the dog or what?”
“He isn’t doing anything.”
“He’s in my spot,” he tells me. I giggle a little and tell Riley to hit the floor. He climbs off the bed and lies on my side on the floor like a good boy. Tide finishes pulling his clothes off before he pulls the blanket back and climbs into bed.
“You’re just going to leave her down there?”
“It’s what she deserves.”
“So what if she’s lying?”
“Then she still deserves what she gets,” he tells me. Tide lies on his back and closes his eyes, letting out a breath as I watch him. I watch him for a long time, thinking he fell asleep.
“Lay on me.”
