Page 84 of Uncovered


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“Hey, Phoebe. You doing any better?”

“Yea, at least, I think so. Do you have a sec?”

“Always. I’m actually heading home from practice now. What’s up?”

I take a deep breath, not quite sure where to start. My mom and Sam know that I broke up with my boyfriend, but I haven’t shared any of the details. I just couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. But now, I need to.

I launch into the whole story, from beginning to end, leaving nothing out. I tell him who Ty really is, who he’s related to, and what happened at the parole hearing. I tell him about the scholarship, and the tutoring, and the letter I just received. I tell him I had no clue. And I tell him about that awful scene at The Chapel the day I found out.

It’s a lot to take in, and we’re both quiet for a few minutes.

“I can’t lie, kiddo. That’s a lot to sort through.”

“I know. I guess...I guess I’m just realizing there’s more to it than I thought-- a lot more. Like, maybe I could forgive him? Or at least hear his side of the story? I want to, but I don’t want you, or Mom--”

“Let me stop you right there, kiddo. I’m not gonna pretend it wouldn’t be easier if this kid had no biological connection to those bastards. Of course it would. But I watched that footage of the parole hearing. I heard what he said, and I watched him leave. They’re not his family, that much was clear.

“But it sounds like maybe you are his family--think about the ways he’s been taking care of you, providing the support you needed. That’s what love is, Phoebe. It’s those everyday moments, that unwavering support.”

I interrupt him and voice my deepest fear. “But what if? What if it was all for show? I mean, was dating me one more item on the list ofThings to do to Give Phoebe Back Her Life?”

“You really think that? Listen, you know I don’t want any details, but think about it: has every step of your relationship been smooth-sailing? Did it feel like he was just fulfilling a role?” Sam sighs. “Phoebe, I know a little something about loving someone from afar and never expecting anything in return. Trust me--the things he did for you? It sounds like he did them because he wanted to, not out of any sense of obligation.”

Sam’s words have my brain working overtime as I tell him I love him and that I’ll call soon. I think back on the day we met, and how Ty kept his distance. I think back to those earliest tutoring sessions and how he pushed me away. I think of all the ways Ty resisted, and then I think of all the ways he showed me love--when we laughed together, when he texted me randomly to see how my day was going, when he held me through my nightmares, and when he made love to me.

There were secrets, yes.

But looking back, I don’t think there were any lies.

***

I hoof it across campus. I was tired earlier, ready for the day to be over. And yea, maybe a shower and a few hours of sleep would help, but this can’t wait.

I can’t wait.

I ring the doorbell at The Chapel and Knox answers. He doesn’t look surprised to see me, but he’s not really one to show his emotions. He leans against the doorframe. “Phoebe. What can I do for you?”

All business. I smile. Whit would be hugging me, and Booker would be asking if I’m ok. But not Knox. Ty is his first priority, and I take no offense.

“I need to talk to Ty,” I tell him plainly, hoping it’s enough.

It’s not.

He takes a deep breath and exhales. “Phoebe, you have every right to hate him, not gonna pretend otherwise. But if you’re here to dish up shit, I’m gonna need you to go. That’s not gonna help either one of you.”

“I’m not.” I shake my head. “I promise. I just need to talk to him, please.”

Knox says nothing, but stands back to let me through. “He’s upstairs.”

I nod and go up. I knock on his closed door, but get no answer. I don’t hear the shower, or any noise at all really. It’s not even eight o’clock, could he already be asleep? I try the knob and it turns, so I open the door.

“Knox, dude. For the last time, I’m not in the mood to go out.”

“Good,” I say. “I don’t want to go out. I want to stay in. And talk.”

“Phoebe…” His eyes go dim when he sees me. Those beautiful blue eyes--there’s no light left in them. Ty Marshall is a beautiful man; I’ve known that since the moment I saw him at the fountain on campus back in August. But he looks like a shell of himself. There’s no spark. His broad shoulders are hunched, his posture one of defeat. “Phoebe, you should go.”

“I can’t. Not yet. I just--” I swallow, summoning my courage. “I never gave you the chance to explain. And I should have. So, I’m here. And I’m ready to listen.” I take a seat on the edge of his bed. He doesn’t look pleased about it, exactly, but he also doesn’t tell me to leave again, so I’m taking that as a win.