Page 92 of Capturing You
“The TV show. Everybody knowsLassie.”
“Wasn’t Lassie some kind of famous dog?”
“Wow.” She shook her head in mock horror. “Not a fan of reruns, I guess.”
“I wasn’t allowed to watch TV. The point is, you don’t know if your Timmy guy is trustworthy.”
“His name is Nathan, and I went to school with him. He’s a nice kid.”
“He’s a grown man, and for all you know, Lenny was listening in on that conversation. For all you know, Nathan is trying to figure out where you are so he can tell the smugglers.”
“You’re—”
“What do you think, Brooklynn?” Ford demanded. “That if you’ve met somebody, they must be good? Ted Bundy had a girlfriend. Jeffrey Dahmer worked in a chocolate factory. Just becauseyou’renice doesn’t mean everyone is.”
“Obviously.” She stood abruptly. “There’s nothing wrong with seeing the best in people.”
He stood, too, and came around the desk. “There is if those people are criminals and murderers.”
“They’re not.”
“Because you’re such a great judge of character.” His sarcasm was thick. “Said the one who fell in love with a stalker.”
His words were a blow.
She stepped back, not even sure how to respond.
His eyes widened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean?—”
“Yes, you did.”
His mouth opened, snapped shut. He seemed at a loss for words. Too bad he hadn’t felt that way thirty seconds before.
The problem was, he was right.
She was a terrible judge of character. She liked people. She trusted people, and when they disappointed her, she forgave easily.
She hated conflict, and she wanted everyone to like her.
Which made her…a fool.
She’d been a fool to forgive Lenny so many times, to think he would ever treat her with respect.
She’d been a fool to believe Ford would see her as a help, not a nuisance.
She’d been a fool to believe she could be more than the burden to society her father believed her to be.
She was just…a fool.
Tears burned. She swiveled and headed toward the door. Not wanting him to see how much he’d hurt her. Not wanting to be a burden or a nuisance or any of the things she knew she was, and couldn’t help but be, no matter how hard she tried.
“Brooklynn.”
“It’s fine.”
He took her hand, his touch gentle. “It’s not fine. I’m sorry.”
She could’ve yanked away. He held her hand loosely, giving her the option.
