Page 97 of Breaking Point

Theresa must see it written all over my face. She must see it in the way that I look at Crew as he peers inside to tell me he’s putting things in the trunk before heading outside again. Because she takes the cobbler out of my hands, sets it on the counter, and then sweeps me into a hug.

Warmth and comfort settle over me as I wrap my arms around her, squeezing back just as tight.

“You are gonna be just fine, beautiful girl,” she says, and when tears well in my eyes, I hug her even harder. “Just fine,” she says again, and I force myself to nod and step back.

“Thank you for everything.”

Her face crinkles with a smile, and she sweeps my hair back, gaze dancing over my face. “Can I ask you to promise me something? Something that I shouldn’t?”

My eyes widen with curiosity, and at the devious look on her face, I laugh. “I’m not sure I should say yes.”

She looks over my shoulder to make sure no one’s listening. “Promise me you’ll never let him quit.” She clarifies, “The business. You. He-“ My heart squeezes at the realization that she can see what’s going on between us so easily. “It’s like you said. Being loved is harder…”

It’s the same words I told her just days ago, but hearing them repeated back is somehow that much more powerful. Now thinking about Crew-knowing him- it hurts.

“Oh, if she made you her famous cobbler, you’re gonna be eating good all week,” Jimmy says from the doorway.

I smile at him. “Thank you for everything too. I’ve loved getting to know you both.”

He looks like he wants to hug me, shifting uncomfortably, but he finally settles for extending a hand. I grin, taking it, but he holds me there. “Please come back to kick my ass at a game of cards or chess more often. I mean it.”

I shake his hand more firmly. “I’d be happy to.”

Theresa picks up the cobbler, walking me to the door. “Let’s get ya to the car.”

Crew is still loading our things into the trunk when we step outside. Chesna sleeps contentedly in the passenger seat, and I nestle the cobbler in the back as Jimmy waves from the front door. When I look back at Crew, I find Theresa sayingsomething to him with a smile. They laugh, and he sweeps her into a hug just like he did the day we got here.

I can’t help but feel like I’m encroaching, so I hop in the car with Chesna and patiently wait. Crew and Jimmy speak for a few moments. They both look uncertain about what happens next. But I watch Jimmy take the first step forward to hug his son. Crew slowly returns it.

They say their goodbyes, and I watch as Theresa and Jimmy close the door. Crew looks frozen, watching the door for a few prolonged seconds before he turns. He pauses at the driver's side, reaching for the handle. The hesitation in his eyes is as clear as day.

He rounds the car, popping my door and pulling it open to stand in front of me. He shakes his head, unable to find the words.

“I know,” I say for him.

I memorize every detail- from the light hair falling into his dark brown eyes to the strong muscles in his arms.

I can see the restraint it takes for him not to cross the line again… and I’m glad for it. Because I don’t have the strength not to do it myself.

I reach up one last time. I brush the hair from his eyes, gently tracing his jaw. He leans into the touch, as if tucking the moment away for safe-keeping. Saving it just like I am.

Then it’s like we both remember the line drawn in the sand. My hand drops. His eyes open. And I glance away because I don’t think I have the strength to look at him any longer.

He shuts the car door… and as he climbs in the driver’s seat and starts the car, I feel my strength harden into a steadfast wall. A wall against everything that can hurt me.

While it’s kept me safe in the years since I lost my mom, I don’t know why I feel like it’s somehow kept me from living my life… rather than protecting me.

Part Three

Credence

Chapter Forty-Four

Olivia

The weight of going back hits me harder with every mile we drive. My mind is flooded with so many thoughts that I hardly notice that we’re back home, standing in the doorway of the apartment, until Chesna leaps down and runs straight for the couch to scratch her back.

Crew stands with our bags in-hand, but when I look at him… There’s something different in his eyes- something cold and distant.

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