Page 16 of Make You Mine

I chuckled, not sure of what to say. “Thanks. I was going for cozy and comfortable.”

She nodded. “Yeah... I just wish Richard would show some compassion. Cody loves both of us, but I’ve always been the one to take care of him. He’s going to be so confused. I know he’s a dog, but he needs a routine. He needsme. I don’t understand why he’s doing this. Why now?”

I rubbed a hand down my face. “Probably because of me. Of us. At the bar. He thinks we’re dating.”

“But that can’t be it, we broke up, and he’s with Dana now. I have been completely clear with him. He still wanted me to be friends with Dana, but I told him I needed time. He told me he understood that.”

“Yeah, but having another man around made it sink in. You’re moving on. And you don’t need their friendship or whatever he’s trying to get out of you. Plus, if he’s friends with Paige’s ex, he knows I won’t let you take his shit.”

“Crap. That makes sense. So, he’s punishing me,” she deduced. “And Cody, too, by extension.”

“It seems that way.”

“I was pissed at him before. He hurt me, but I could have moved past that and gotten along with him for Cody’s sake. But now I hate him.”

“I don’t blame you. This is a shit thing to do.”

“He’s a selfish prick, just like Paige said. And don’t even let me get started about Dana and what a manipulative little witch she turned out to be.”

I didn’t answer. It seemed like she needed to get this off her chest. Listening was the best choice. I nodded at her to continue.

“She was right. I told her I hoped things would miraculously work out, and she said she’d give it a week. She’s always right. He is such a dick.”

“I’m so sorry.” I could see the frustration written all over her face.

“I just don’t get why he has to make everything so hard. It’s like he wants to control me or at least control the situation—the one he caused by the way. The sad part is, I would probably still be with him if he hadn’t cheated on me. I knew he was wrong for me, and I let him move in. I let him move into my childhood dream house! What is wrong with me?”

I reached out to touch her arm. “There’s nothing wrong with you,” I said softly. “You wanted to believe in him. That’s not a weakness.”

“But look where it got me. I’m stuck picking up the pieces while he’s just out there using Cody as leverage and being an asshole. He told me I have to be available to talk at all times, and I have to be reasonable about Dana, or he'll sue me and?—”

“Wait, has he sued you? Or is he threatening to? Can I see the paper? You’ll get through this, no matter what. I’ll help you get Cody back.”

“I can’t believe this is happening. He wants me tolisten to reason.” She waved her hands around, making air quotes. “Basically, he is going to hold Cody hostage unless I do what he wants and be nice to Dana because she feels bad—” Her face flushed with emotion as she vented, every word dripping with hurt and betrayal. Then suddenly, she stopped. Her eyes widened in realization, and an awkward silence fell between us.

“What an ass,” I finally said. “You don’t deserve this. I promise I’ll do whatever I can to help.”

“Oh god. I talk too much.” Her eyes slammed shut as if by closing them, she would disappear. “I warned you. Oh my god. I am completely mortified.” She snatched the paper from Richard, stood, and bolted toward the door. “I am so sorry. I have to go.”

I got up to follow her, but the door slammed shut before I could say anything more. The weight of her presence hung in the air. She needed time and she needed help, and I hoped she would let me be the one to give it to her.

I sighed heavily, feeling helpless. Not knowing what else to do, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone.

Quickly, I typed out a message to her.

Me: Hey, I hope you’re okay. Can we talk later?

I hesitated for a moment before pressing send. I wanted her to know she wasn’t alone. But I didn’t think I had the right to chase after her.

The three dots appeared instantaneously, but a return text never came. I knew she must be feeling vulnerable; how could I make her understand that she had nothing to worry about from me? I would never judge her.

I grabbed my keys, deciding to head to Coffee Cabin. I needed more coffee and didn’t want to just sit here doing nothing.

She texted back while I was still driving. I pulled into the parking lot and answered her, telling her she had nothing to be embarrassed about.

Who hasn’t lost their shit from time to time? I’d be a liar if I said I always kept my cool.

Chapter5

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