Page 39 of Seasoned
“We sure do. Would you like to sign up?”
His gut tightened, but he forced out the words. “Yes, I’d like to sign up. I…I want to learn to read.”
Samson had returned.
He ran back and forth in front of the window as if trying to get Renee’s attention, though she was looking right at him. She and the dog had become good friends ever since he saved her from potential bodily harm by the burglars. But he hadn’t come over in a while, ever since she and Clive had the fight.
Ten days had passed since that night, but if she didn’t know better, she’d say one hundred days had passed. She missed him so much—literally ached with the need to talk to him, to understand what had happened.
She was angry, too. Angry that he hadn’t reached out or apologized or properly explained. The more she thought about the abrupt way their relationship had ended—because clearly it had ended—the angrier she became. He should have never kissed her in her home. He should have never given her hope that she could have a different kind of relationship—one filled with humor and hot sex and comfortable nights sitting on the sofa watching TV.
Renee collected a couple of dog treats she now kept on hand. When she exited the house, Samson raced over, tail wagging, and eagerly accepted the snacks. She scratched behind his ear and rubbed on his head and sides, working up the nerve to take him next door.
Across the street, Jim stood at his mailbox and waved. “Hey, Renee, I’ll have this grass cut soon. Lawn mower’s not working. Thought I could get it fixed, but the guy at the shop said there’s no saving it, so I’m going to pick up another one this weekend.”
She hadn’t even noticed the overgrown grass. “Get to it when you can.”
His mouth fell open and he stared at her. “Are you sure?” he asked slowly.
“I’m sure, Jim. Have a good one.” She grasped Samson’s collar and headed over to Clive’s.
She rang the doorbell and Margie opened the door, welcoming her with a wide grin. “Hi, Miss Joseph.”
“Hi, honey. Is your grandpa home?”
Margie nodded vigorously, opening the door wider. “Come in.”
Renee shook her head. “I’m going to stay out here. Would you call him for me, please.”
“Okay.” Leaving the door open, Margie hurried off with Samson in tow.
Renee lifted her head higher and straightened her back as she waited for Clive to come to the door.
When she saw him coming toward her through the open door, a little whimper of pain escaped her throat. No man had a right to look so good in a snug-fitting black T-shirt and a pair of jeans that hinted at his powerful thighs.
“Hi, Renee,” he said quietly. He stepped out and closed the door. Now that he was closer, she saw bags under his eyes, and his normally vibrant green eyes appeared dull and lifeless.
“Hello, Clive.” Clenching her fingers at her sides, she fought the urge to reach for him.
He studied her with something akin to concern in his eyes, which irritated her.
“There’s no need to be worried about me. I was fine before you came into my life, and I’m fine now.”
“I know that, and I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“There’s nothing for us to talk about, so don’t bother with your lame excuses. I’m a person who likes closure, and this is how I’ll get it, by telling you what I think about you. You pretend to be all macho and strong, but you can’t even speak to me after our fight. I’ve been waiting for you to say something—something meaningful. Then it dawned on me. You’re not going to, because for whatever reason, you can’t handle a woman like me. I thought you were different, but you’re not. You’re a numbskull—your words—like my ex-husbands were.
“I’m not what you want, and that’s fine. But you know what, that’s your loss. I’m a good person. I’m kind, smart, loyal, funny, and generous. And if you don’t like any of that, then too bad. I’m going to find someone who does. Goodbye. For good.”
She swung around and started toward her house.
“Renee, wait!”
He grasped her arm and she slapped away his hand.
“Do not touch me.” Her voice vibrated with anger and pain. She took off again toward the house.
“I’m sorry. Let me explain.”
