Page 13 of Trust Me
“Kevin. You trusted Kevin until you found out he had a girlfriend back home. Do you trust anyone?”
“I trust my parents. My brothers. I trust you.”
“But no other men? See, you don’t open up to anyone else because you’re so afraid of whatwill happen if it all comes crashing down. You’re so afraid of loving someone because you’re afraid they’ll take that love back. Not all guys are cheaters or users. And do you know what, Avery? It might all come crashing down with Maddox.” She pauses for dramatic effect. “But what if it doesn’t?”
I’m silent for a while. Mostly because I know she’s right, and I just don’t want to say it. I sigh and finally say, “I’m scared.”
“I know, sweetie. But you have to put yourself out there and believe that someone is worth the risk. Some guys are going to let you down. Some are going to hurt you and make you cry. But I promise you, someone out there won’t. Someone is worth that risk.”
We finish up our conversation and hang up with the promise to grab dinner soon. As always, she’s given me so much to think about. I glance down at my little girl as she plays with her dolls and watches cartoons. I don’t want to do this alone forever. I want to share my life, my love, and my daughter with someone. It’s time to figure out how to trust again.
*****
I place Brooklyn in the stroller, load up the travel bag and sandwiches in the compartment in the bottom of the stroller, and head toward the park. This could very well be the last beautiful Saturday before fall officially settles in and the temperatures drop. The leaves are turning beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow, and I can’t help but smile at the simplicity of the great day.
I push the stroller toward the swings, lock the brakes, and release the toddler from her restraints. As I set her down on the ground, she doesn’t take off toward the swings like she normally does, she bolts toward the walking path. She’s heading toward Maddox.
He has a big smile on his face and his arms stretched out toward her. She runs straight into his open arms. He picks her up and spins her around, making her giggle with joy. I smile at their exchange.
“What are you doing here?” I ask with a smile on my face.
Maddox is brushing the blond hair from Brooklyn’s face as he replies, “I was just going for a run when I saw you.”
“Push me, push me,” Brooklyn yells to Maddox as he places her back down on theground.
“Well, I haven’t had an offer that good in forever,” he quips with a sly smile on his face. He places Brooklyn in the swing and gives her a gentle push. She’s all smiles as she asks to go higher and higher. I give her a little wave as I watch from the sidelines. I walk over toward Maddox to make sure he’s okay with pushing her.
“You don’t have to stay if you have things to do. You said you were going for a run.”
“I have nothing important to do. I wanted to get out of the house and enjoy the weather, so I decided to go for a run. I’d love to stay and push Bean, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.”
It’s quiet for a few minutes as he continues to push Brooklyn in the swing. The silence doesn’t feel uncomfortable, it feels relaxed and right. I watch the falling leaves and listen to all the children running around the park, playing on the swing sets and slides, climbing on the monkey bars. I listen to my own daughter’s happy giggles as she swings higher and higher.
I finally decide to break the quiet. “So…big plans tonight?”
He glances at me and gives me that smilethat wets my panties. “Nope, I’m just hanging out at home tonight.”
“No big date?”
Shut up, stupid. I don’t want to know if Maddox is dating.
“Uhh, no. I’ve been avoiding the Pub lately.”
“Why? You were there last Saturday night after work when I was there.”
“I know. When I was on my run and ran into you on your porch, you mentioned to me you were going out with Holly on Saturday night. I wanted to be there to keep any eye on you. So when Jake and I got off work, we met uptown.”
“Keep an eye on me?” I knew it. He’s just like my brothers. He only wants to protect me.
“Yeah, I wanted to make sure no one was hitting on you and trying to take you home,” he says with a glance over at me.
I think about that for a few moments. “Well, nothing to worry about. No one even talks to me when Jake is around.”
“Gabe did,” he replies.
I roll my eyes. “Gabe. Gabe hits on everything with legs and a skirt. He’s harmless.”
