Page 80 of Deprived No More

Her eyes widen, and I almost laugh. That was probably the same expression I wore when he apologized to me.

“He wanted to apologize for being inappropriate with you in the parking lot. He said he was just concerned. And I believe him. It appears he thinks a lot of you.” Again, I notice the startled expression, and I’m not sure what to make of it. “I think I may have misjudged him.”

“How so?”

“He was a good guy today. He was kind enough to cover for me at the last minute when I called and shrugged it off as no big deal. Then he said he admired us for how we’ve adopted our children. It made me wonder if he’d been in the foster system from the way he spoke.”

“Wow.”

“I know. I think Sebastian may have been right all along.”

“Sebastian? About what?”

“He said I was jealous.”

Kat suddenly props herself on her elbow, looking troubled. “You’re jealous of a single man with no responsibilities?”

“Oh, hell no. I wouldn’t want to go back there. I’ve hit the jackpot,” I tease, giving her ribs a tickle. “I just meant career-wise. He’s a decade younger and seems to have it all together.”

Kat lowers herself back down, appearing more relaxed. “Well, I’m glad we got that straight.” She giggles as she lets out a yawn. “Maybe he has his career under control because he doesn’t have a wife and kids. As I recall, that lifestyle gets pretty lonely.”

She’s right. I remember countless nights fighting my feelings for her, questioning everything. The big fancy house and expensive sports car don’t mean much if you spend every night alone. Rolling onto my back, I consider how far I’ve come. The house isn’t fancy, but it’s perfect for us. It’s full of life, full of noise, and full of love.

Turning back to tell Kat goodnight, I find her eyes are closed. Stray strands of hair sway in time with her exhales as she drifts off. I fall more in love with this incredible woman every day. I just pray that we can face whatever lies ahead of us.

The following day we rise feeling more refreshed to tackle the day ahead. I’m glad as I will be working double speed to catch up this week.

“You going to the station today?” I whisper into her ear as Kat pours creamer into her coffee.

“Yeah. Then I’m meeting Rachel for a quick lunch before picking up the kids.”

“Tell her I said hi.” Giving Kat a quick peck, I kiss each of the kids goodbye before heading out. I should have gone in to work early to prepare for the day ahead, but I felt the innate need to be surrounded by my family this morning. I’m never taking what I have for granted again.

Kat

Walking into the police station alone, I feel a sense of déjà vu.

“Hi. I need to file a restraining order.”

“Of course, just give me a moment,” the clerk advises.

I take a seat in an uncomfortable plastic chair and hope this is the last time I need to make such a visit. How many people have to do this once, much less twice?

Ultimately, this isn’t about the survivor. You have nothing to do with this. These people are victimizing you,Dr. Miller had said. I replay the words, trying to seek solace in them as I had that day. I feel bad about the way I left his office that afternoon. Not knowing who was messaging me had taken its toll. I was so jumpy that I found everyone suspicious.

“Miss…” I glance up to find the clerk ushering me over. “Here you go,” she says, handing me a clipboard.

Returning to my seat, I start to fill out the paperwork when I sense a presence beside me. Looking up, I’m shocked to see a familiar face.

“It is you,” Tanner Manning says with a broad smile.

“Oh my gosh, Tanner. I haven’t seen you or your brother in a month of Sundays.”

“I know. I’d ask how you’ve been, but…” He dips his chin in the direction of the restraining order I’m filling out. “Are you having more trouble with him?”

“Ha. No. I think I’m the only person on the planet that has gone through this twice.”

“Well, that’s not true,” he says, taking a seat beside me. “Everything okay?”

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