Page 16 of Durango

The moment the doors close, Madison crosses her arms. “Before Durango is within earshot, tell us, do you want to date him or not?” She is direct, and I appreciate that she’s looking out for him. “I’m only asking because it’s been a few months, and we want to make sure you aren’t leading him on,” Alicia says.

I take a deep breath. “I’ve had a crush on him since I was in high school. Yes, I want to date him, but I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to trust another man again because of my ex. I didn’t see the red flags until it was too late, and I ended up basically being a prisoner. Every time I try to get closer to Durango, something holds me back. My therapist says it’s my mind trying to protect me.”

Both of them know some of my history with my ex, Tyler, because I opened up at one happy hour. It took two margaritas and I was a sobbing mess.

The elevator dings as we reach our floor.

“Do you think your therapist is helping you?” Alicia asks.

I frown as we walk to the front door. “I think so.”

“I can tell you from personal experience that therapists are not a one-size-fits-all. How long have you been seeing this one?” Alicia asks.

“Three months,” I say. “As soon as I got to New York, I found her. It’s really helped me realize what happened wasn’t my fault. It’s just I’m scared I’ll end up in a bad situation again.”

Madison puts her hand on my shoulder as I unlock the door. “Willow, you need to learn to trust yourself. But I will say this about Durango. He’s a good guy and nothing like your ex. You’re in good hands with him.”

She’s right. Durango is a good man. Yet I keep hesitating to get closer to him. Tyler took so many years from me, and now he’s taking my future, too.

We step inside, and I lead them to the kitchen table. Despite my efforts to hold them back, the tears start to fall again. I swear, I’ve cried so much in the last few months that I can’t possibly have any tears left.

“Oh, honey,” Alicia gives me a hug. She releases me and gives my shoulders a squeeze. “Have you told Durango you are in therapy? It would be good for him to know you are trying to work toward you two getting together.”

I take a step back. “Did he say he doesn’t think I’m trying?”

Alicia’s eyes widen. “Oh, no, those weren’t his exact words.”

I glance toward the room he’s staying in. Does he really think that? That I’m not really trying to get past what happened? I can’t help it, but a sob escapes my lips.

Now Madison gives me a hug. “These things take time. I think Durango is just frustrated because he’s stuck sitting around all day and has too much time to think.”

I nod as I go to the counter and pour three cups of coffee. “Yeah, I get it. As far as he knows, I’ve been putting him off formonths.” I carry two cups to the table where Madison and Alicia are now sitting.

“Yes, but I’m sure he understands, considering what your ex did,” Alicia says.

I cringe as I retrieve my cup of coffee. I walk back to them while staring at the floor. “I haven’t told him.”

Both women stare at me. Finally, Madison puts her cup down. “You haven’t told him any of your history?”

I shake my head.

“Then why does he think you are keeping him at arm’s length?”

I take a sip and make a face. I prefer tea and now remember why. “Well, I told him I have trust issues due to my last relationship.”

Alicia frowns. “That’s all you’ve told him?”

I nod.

“Well, no wonder he’s impatient,” Alicia says.

I still. “Impatient? He told me today I’m worth waiting for.”

“I’m sure you are, but it might help to give him some details so he understands your hesitation is due to your ex and not because of him and his situation,” Madison says.

I set my cup down. “Wait, he thinks I’m putting him off because he’s injured?”

“No, he was frustrated before the waterfall incident,” Alicia says.

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