“’Bout time you went after what you’ve always wanted, don’t you think, Son?”
“Yeah, I’d like to. But she’s got walls. I think it’s more than the age difference but…. We’ll see.”
“She and MaryKatherine get along. Maybe she can put in a good word for you,” he says as he stands and heads into the house.
CHAPTER 8
Gentry
Tonight was delightful, fun, entertaining, and scary as hell. Everything I’d always thought a family should be but never experienced.
I love how MaryKatherine and Sayer’s dad handled the evening. I know Paul was nervous, but his son is a good man. I’m confident the ‘talk’ when he gets home will go well, too.
Four years, three months, twenty-seven days.Sayer shocked me. I wonder how long he’s known my birthdate. Or how he found out?
The boy he was, the man I’ve caught glimpses of over the years, has always held a special place in my mind. And my heart, if I’m honest. I refused to call it love. Friendship at best, mostly just acquaintances. Something that could never be more.
Stop holding back. It’s a number and they only matter in your checking account.Give him a chance,MaryKatherine whispered as she left.
I’m scared to death. What if I can’t do a relationship? I’ve never had one. I’ve had dinner dates that always seemed to end after one. I’ve had bar group drink nights, but I have a hard timewith drunks. Too damn much baggage, I remind myself. Who would really be interested?
Pulling into my neighborhood, I circle the block like I always do, making sure I don’t see anyone loitering around. No cars that I’ve made mental notes of over the years. Not fool proof, but better than doing nothing. Holding my keys like the self-defense instructors taught, and my pepper spray in the other hand, I head up the stairs to my second-floor apt. I’m three feet from the top when I look up and see my door hanging off the hinge.
Racing back down the stairs I get to my car, lock the doors and call Sheriff Threadgill.
Nine minutes later he shows up. He has me stay in my car while he goes to investigate. Ten more minutes go by and there’s a knock on the window. It’s Sayer.
“What are you doing here?”
“Tate called me. He knew I’d put in the new deadbolts for you. Stay put. I’ll be right back. Just wanted to make sure you’re okay before I head up.”
“No. Wait, if you can go, I should be able to as well.” Pushing out of vehicle, “I won’t touch anything.”
He has me stay behind him. I can’t help but notice that he’s got a light jacket on and one hand inside the open chest.
The door looks like someone took an ax to it. Partially split down the middle, and hanging off one hinge.
Tate stands in the middle of the disaster that is now my apartment with a camera taking photos. “Don’t touch anything.”
A one room open concept, the bed, dresser and closet are at the far end. The kitchenette and bathroom are on the right wall, two chairs and small table on the left.
The furniture is all tossed and broken, the dishes and pans are in another pile on the floor, stomped and crushed. The bedroom mattress has been slashed, and my clothes lay on top in a pile with an empty bottle of cooking oil beside them.
The only things that belonged to me were my clothes and a few dishes I picked up at a thrift store. Everything else was leftover furniture from what use to be a roadside motel turned cheap apartments.
The worst part is the paint on the walls.Slut. Whore. Cunt.
I’d cry but I’m just too worn down from the constant fight. I know who did this. Who’s always been my nemesis since his father hooked up with my mother the ‘town whore’, and caused his family to implode.
No one blamed his father for ruining my mother’s life, or that of my sister and me. No, we were trash and the Archer’s were a founding family who could do no wrong.
Of course, the fact his father had to hightail it out of town when he was suspected of embezzling from his clients never got much attention.
“I’m sorry Gentry. I’m so sorry.” Sayer pulls me into his chest.
I will not cry. I will not. I will not let themeversee me cry. Only Sayer and only the once. Never again.
“Is there anything you want to try and salvage?” Tate asks.
