Page 40 of Fourteen Years

Sighing, I got out and locked my truck before I heard a voice speak.

“Beautiful night out, isn’t it, Trevor?”

I pocketed my keys calmly and turned, meeting Mike’s in the glow of the parking lot’s lights.

“It was.” I answered, voice clipped, short.

“You live in this building?” he asked, trying to play off the conversation like we were old friends and I knew he wasn’t scouting for information.

“I think you already know the answer to that question. Let's not play dumb.” I took several long strides to stand toe to toe with him. “What can I help you with?”

“Just saw an old friend. Wanted to visit.”

“Bull shit.”

“Watch yourself, Trevor. When Richard isn’t happy…well we all know what happens when Richard isn’t happy.” he smirked, turning and walking away into the darkness.

My blood was pumping, nerves shot. I was barely restraining myself from going after him and pummeling his sorry ass. Threat received. I heard them loud and clear. Monica didn’t have a choice at this point. Either I moved in with her tomorrow, or they all crammed into my two bedroom apartment. I didn’t give a fuck.

I took my phone out of my pocket and called her.

“Trevor, you literally just left here. Stop.” she said, her voice coming across the line teasingly.

“I just had a visitor.” I stated abruptly.

She stopped laughing.

“Who? Richard?” she asked, concern dripping from her voice. “Trevor, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. But this situation isn’t anymore, Monica. It wasn’t Richard. It was a friend of his. I’m moving in there or you’re moving in here tomorrow. I’ll sleep on the couch. I don’t give a fuck what it takes. You’re not staying alone with all this shit going on and those two girls—”

“Okay.”

Her voice stopped me.

“Okay?” I asked, somewhat disbelievingly. I thought she’d stomp her foot and throat a fit.

“Yes. Trevor, move in here tomorrow.” she spoke, soft. “The girls know we’re together and knew it was coming. This is scary. They’ve already been through too much. There’s strength in numbers, right?”

“Right. I’ll pack a bag and be back over in a few minutes. We’ll come get the rest of my shit later tomorrow.”

She sighed. I could almost envision her rolling her eyes on the other end of the line.

“Fine.” she whispered. “I’ll go tell the girls. But, no details. Lexi doesn't need to be terrified and Lacey is already stressed, we all know.”

“Deal. I love you, see you in a few.”

“Love you.”

Chapter 24

Three Months Later

“LACEY! YOU SAID I COULD BORROW IT!”

My eyes met Trevor’s across the kitchen table.

“Bet you didn’t sign up for this when you demanded to move in three months ago.” I chuckled at him.

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