Page 58 of One Good Reason

“You don’t have to ask. I know where your mind is going and the answer to your question is yes.”

“When?”

“It started the night of my fifth birthday and continued for a few months.”

“That’s why Gema and your grandfather took you from your mother,” Law concluded.

“It is.” I nodded.

“With it not being a one-time thing…”

“I knew him.”

“Damn. You were just a baby.”

“Try telling that to my Mama. She blamed it all on me.”

“How? At five you’re incapable of making rational decisions.”

“Well yeah… We all know that.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you.”

Turning in his direction I shook my head. “I don’t need sympathy, Law. I’ve dealt with it. I’m not a victim.”

He tossed his hands up in the air. “And I’m not trying to victimize you.”

“Good. But back to what I was saying. I have to be in control. That’s the only way I’ll let my guard down enough to do it.”

“I’m sorry if I made you feel a way. It wasn’t my intentions. I was really taken aback. Thank you for telling me that.”

“You thank me for everything.” I laughed.

“Gratitude is readiness to show appreciation for, and to return kindness. I believe in letting people know how much you appreciate them for even the smallest of things. More importantly, I’m humbled that you chose to share something so traumatic with me.”

“I was being a bitch today. I needed to tell you why before you made assumptions about me and my character.” I shrugged. “I was out of my league last night and for thatIapologize. I have a hard time speaking up.”

“No apologies needed. It’s good to know that I don’t have to ditch your ass and work on this project alone,” he joked.

“You wouldn’t dare. Besides… I hold all the keys, I mean after all it was me that sold your friends on the idea of investing.”

“You’re absolutely right. I’ve been getting hit up all day about you. Everyone that you encountered has been telling me how marvelous you are and how excited they are for the tech school.”

“See.” I giggled. “You can’t do it without me.”

“I can,” he assured, then back tracked. “However, I don’twantto do it without you.”

“That’s good to know.” Rising from the couch I stood in front of him and held my hand out. “Truce?”

“Truce.” He nodded as we shook on it.

I was getting ready to go into my room when he called out my name. “Yes?”

“You forgot something.”

Looking around the living room I tried to remember what I was forgetting. When he realized I was just as confused. he laughed. “You ain’t apologize for flirting with another man in my face?”

“Who was I flirting with?” I asked, dumbfoundedly.

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