Page 45 of This Kind of Forever
I kept my mouth shut because I know Hallie wouldn’t have wanted me to start anything. But there were a few times I almost snapped. I know Hallie wants to get to know these people. I just wish they wouldn’t treat her like shit. As far as I’m concerned, them not standing up to Dana is just as bad as what Dana said and did.
Once I’m sure Hallie has her seatbelt on, I peel away from the curb. The sooner we get home, the better. Then I can try to undo whatever damage has been done tonight.
Except when I hear her sniffle a couple minutes later, I instantly pull over again. I can’t stand to have her burying her emotions.
“Foster, look at me.” She refuses, continuing to stare out the window. I hear another sniffle, and my heart cracks. “Hallie,please.”
Finally, she lifts her head. The streetlights shining through the windshield illuminate the tears lining her lashes. As far as I can tell, none have fallen yet, but they shouldn’t even be there in the first place.
My fists tighten in my lap. I want to reach for her, comfort her. Only, I’m not sure I’d be able to let go if I did.
“I’m okay, Gabe,” she says. Her smile is sad.
“I’m sorry things went the way they did,” I say. “But you handled that well. I’m proud of you.”
Her smile instantly drops. “You shouldn’t be. I’m a liar.”
Fuck it. I reach across the centre console, taking her hand in mine. She looks a little startled at the gesture—maybe because there’s no one to pretend in front of right now—but she doesn’t pull away.
“I’m proud of you for doing something outside your comfort zone. For being kind enough to give Kevin this second chance, despite how much his absence has hurt you.”
With her free hand, she covers her face, hiding herself. Always hiding from me. “This night was such adisaster. Dana clearly hates me. So I’m not sure it matters much if I’m willing to give this a shot.”
I could tell her to forget about them all. They don’t deserve to know her—not if they won’t cherish her. But if I did that, I’d be no better than everyone else in Hallie’s life who has ignored her needs.
“It does matter. Dana aside, Caitlyn and Bryan seem like they want to get to know you. Kevin clearly does. If this is what you want, keep going.” I stroke the back of her hand with my thumb. “Having siblings can be a pain in the ass, but you deserve to decide that for yourself.”
She lets out half a laugh at that, finally uncovering her face. “Your siblings are great.” She squeezes my hand, and I let go.“Thank you for coming with me. I’m not sure I would have made it through without you.”
“You would have, because you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. But I’m happy I could make things a little easier for you.”
She checks the time on the dash. “Let’s get back. There should be another ferry soon.”
Instead of driving away, I pull out my phone and make a quick search. Once I’ve found what I’m looking for, I put the truck in drive again and pull away from the curb. Hallie doesn’t seem to notice that I’m not heading in the direction of Tobermory.
When I pull into a parking spot, she looks to me in confusion. “What are we doing here?”
I unbuckle my seatbelt, then reach across to unclick hers. “We’re getting you food. I’m not letting you go to sleep hungry.”
She shakes her head. “It’s fine, Gabe. It’s getting late. I’ll make a peanut butter sandwich or something when we get back.”
I scoff, opening my door. “You’re not eating a peanut butter sandwich for dinner, and I’m not asking. Ass out of the truck, Foster.”
With an adorable little huff, she jumps down and follows me across the parking lot. A bell above the door chimes as we enter the restaurant. Though it isn’t as much of a restaurant as it is a small shack known for its burgers and fries. According to their website, they have vegetarian and vegan options, too.
Hallie’s eyes scan the menu board hungrily, and I know I made the right call. My girl needs to eat. Something more substantial than a picked-over Caesar salad.
“Hey, what can I get for you?” the teen standing behind the register asks.
Hallie steps forward, telling him what she wants. He rings it up. Then before she can pull her wallet out, I slip a twenty into the guy’s hand.
“Gabe,” she hisses. “You need to stop doing that!”
I grin. “Never.”
Once he counts out my change, the employee directs us to sit at a table. There is only a few of them, so pickings are slim. I hold a hand out, letting Hallie lead the way. She shakes her head, a disapproving frown on her face.
“I’m going to pay you back,” she declares as I settle across from her. “For this and the funnel cake.”
