“But we’ve barely started fixing this house to sell. Who knows if we’ll actually be able to sell this place.” He looked around the junky old garage like it was the Taj Mahal.
“Pop? You do want to move, right?”
In response, he picked an invisible speck of dust off his shirt. “I may not be as keen on it as your mother. And while the thought of being down there a few weeks at a time sounds nice, living therefull-time . . .” He grimaced and looked over at me. “It sure would be nice to have this place to come home to.”
“I thought you didn’t have enough money to keep this place and buy the condo.”
Pop shifted in his chair. “That’s true. You know, son, and this is just a shot in the dark, but I’d always hoped that maybe you’d take this house on eventually, when your momma and I are too old to keep up with it. ’Course I wouldn’t want you to feel any pressure, just throwing the idea out there.”
I leaned forward. “I’m a little confused. Are you asking me if I have interest in buying this house from you and Momma?”
Pop nodded, shifting in his chair again. “I’m humble enough to admit that my arthritis is getting worse. Your mother, God love her, can only take so much. I know how hard you work and how much you save, Jace. I’m awfully proud. Proud as any father can be of their son. The house here is all paid off. If you were willing to live here, take care of all the upkeep like you’ve been doing and paying a portion of the utilities and taxes, I’d be happy to deed the house to you. Of course, if I get sick enough and you can’t care for me, you can feel free to put my butt in a home. I know it’s a lot to ask, what with your mother being how she is, but I think you movin’ out has given her some perspective.”
I looked over my shoulder, wondering when Max would be coming back with the tea. “This is a lot to process, Pop. And if you’d have asked me a few weeks ago, I probably would have taken you up on your offer. But, well, a lot’s changed since then.”
A helpless smile came over my face.
“You see, there’s this girl—a woman. And she’s a game-changer. I guess what I’m saying is, it’s not just me anymore. I’d love to help you out, you and Momma both. And if you decide to stay here, regardless of where I’m living, I’ll always come and help.”
A knowing smile played over his lips. “Is it the kids’ momma?”
I gave him a cautious nod.
“You know your Momma called that one a mile away. Ever since you drove away with those kids the first time you brought ’em over here, she’s been pestering me on how to get y’all back over here. She wants to meet her something fierce.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “Well, I’m thrilled to hear you say that, because she’ll be here soon.” I glanced at my watch just then and saw I’d missed a text from Polly.
Polly: I need to talk to you.
* * *
Worry tightened my insides as I drove to Daisy’s ten minutes later. Pulling into the parking lot, I spotted Polly’s father’s Tesla near the back. After parking next to her, I cut the engine and climbed into her passenger seat.
Polly was sitting stiffly, facing the steering wheel, her hands splayed open on her knees. She’d obviously been crying, makeup from around her eyes had leaked in trails down her cheeks.
“Are you alright? What’d he do to you?” I put a hand on her forearm, needing to touch her.
She just shook her head, chest heaving. “My father . . .” she started, but her voice broke. I leaned over the center console the best I could, desperate to hold her in my arms.
“Whatever he’s done. It doesn’t matter, Polly. It doesn’t. You have me. And you have two amazing kids who are funny and tough, just like you.”
She turned to me with sad, swollen eyes. “My father’s assistant, Jeffrey, has been spying on us. I haven’t told you this as I didn’t think much of it, but I’ve seen this black SUV behind me a few times and then again at Young Wills last Thursday. That was Jeffrey. He knows we’re together and told my father God knows what.”
I didn’t want to worry Polly, so I rubbed her back soothingly as she spoke, unaware that I was counting how many favors I’d owe Sam when I gave him a call later. Someone’s black SUV was about to get harmed. Or maybe I’d need to talk to him in person. Less evidence that way.
“And then he threatened some strange kind of public denouncement of me, threatening to tell everyone about you and I so I’ll get fired and can’t work as a doctor again. At least not around here.”
I immediately started to shake my head. “That won’t happen. No one will care, Polly. We’re adults. Your father is trying to scare you. No one is going to care.”
Her lips wobbled, voice breaking when she whispered, “That’s not all.”
I clenched my fists, hating how powerless I felt, and waited.
“He said he has a family from Green Valley that will claim that you acted inappropriately with their child at a school. He said that it doesn’t matter if there isn’t any proof, the damage to your reputation will be done. I can’t do that to you, Jace. You are meant to work with kids. And you have your whole life ahead of you.”
She looked down at her hands and took a deep breath.
“I love you. In my whole life, I’ve only ever felt this kind of love for four people: my mom, my two kids, and Leah. And now all of a sudden, you. Tell me Jace, how can I risk your future? I can’t. I can’t ruin your life.”
