“I think you already know about how things went south with Delaney. Because she wouldn’t talk to me.” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “Granted, we had a rough start because I wouldn’t talk to her.”
“Matthew and I talk.”
The look Eli gives me makes me want to wash his eyes out with soap.
“I just want Granddad to be happy. And you too. I guess I thought if you knew the rest of us really like you, that maybe you’d change your mind.”
“I’ll think about it.” I stand and dust off the back of my pants. “I need to head back inside before they tile the entryway. I appreciate that y’all stopped by.” I shoo them toward their trucks. “Now go before I ask y’all to take off your shirts and pose for pictures.”
Laughing, they walk away from the porch.
I run back upstairs. “Derek, I’m back inside. Just holler when I need to start my twenty-four-hour timer.”
“Will do. And I think you’re crazy.” Derek chuckles.
“I believe that has already been established.” Trapped upstairs, I’ll have lots of time to think about what Zach and Eli said. Just like I promised.
It’s beenfour hours since my confinement began, and I’m bored.
I change into my jammies and crawl into bed with a Big Hunk bar. Every afternoon this week, Matthew has left one on my porch. Every bite reminds me of how much I miss him.
The sun sinks low, and I scroll through social media, watching videos about nothing and hoping something will catch my interest and distract me from my thoughts.
Maybe Zach and Eli are right. I should talk to Matthew. As much as I don’t want to get between him and his daughter, I should probably let Matthew make that decision.
But it’s easier to choose on my own. Or am I deluding myself that it’s less painful to walk away than to have him pull back? I admit that self-protection is a big part of this.
Fifty years ago, we both left. He crawled out the window, and I responded by leaving town. Now, I’m getting out of an uncomfortable situation and claiming it’s what’s best for both of us. But is it?
At the five-hour mark, I’m pacing and staring at my phone. Then I tap out a text to Matthew.
Me:Maybe we should talk.
I should’ve googled to see if I can unsend a message before sending it. Because I hit send less than a minute ago, and I’m already having second thoughts.
Matthew:We should.
Me:I’m trapped upstairs until tomorrow afternoon. But I can text.
Matthew:If you look under the bed, you’ll find a surprise. A care package of sorts.
Me:Derek told you I was staying up here?
Matthew:He did.
Me:I miss you.
Matthew:I miss you more.
Me:It’s my fault Donna is mad. She overheard me talking to Lilith on the phone, and the part she heard made it sound like we were living out a spicy romance.
Matthew:I want to be in a spicy romance with you and not be the villain. Any chance of that?
Me:What about your daughter?
Matthew:We talked. Too hard to rehash that conversation over text. Next time we’re together, I’ll fill you in.
Me:I’d invite you over now, but you can’t come in the front door.
