Page 37 of Hers to Tame
Walking back into the house, I find another section that starts with the words “No tarts,” in capital letters with circles around it. Those can’t possibly be Colin’s words even though I recognize the same strong sloppy letters. Did he actually have to remind himself not to sleep with skanks? I shake my head, refocusing on the rest of the list.
This list was briefer but just as powerful. He had included: more romance, you can’t just jump her, and stop trying to fix everything. What finally convinces my heart to finish shattering is the last line. It has obviously been written recently. It says, “If you can’t be good for her, let her go. She deserves more.”
When the doorbell rings almost an hour later, I’m still holding the notebook. Did he come back?
“Hey Maggie, it’s me,” Lily calls out. Trying to wipe the tears off my face, I open the door. “Oh sweetie, what’s happened now? My dick of a brother hasn’t upset you again, has he? I swear, I’ll blacken both eyes if he did.” Stepping inside, she wraps her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. I have to laugh lightly.
“What is with you Rhetts that you always run in with fists flying? Yes, he upset me, but not how you’re thinking. He told me he loves me, he always has.” Tears start to stream down my face all over again. “I don’t know what to do, Lily.” She takes my hand, leading me to the couch, before heading to the kitchen.
“I think the first thing we need to do is have some coffee. I seem to remember some Baileys left over from last time. Then we can figure this out.” Much like her brother, she rushes in like a bull to solve any problem that might be in the way. When she returns, she plops down on the couch, handing me one of the mugs. “So what has he screwed up this time?”
I tell her everything, from the party at Grayson’s through today. I do leave a few of the sordid details out, since no one really wants to hear about their brother’s sex life. When I get done she sits still in contemplation for a moment.
“Wow.”
“All you have to say is ‘wow?’ I need help here. I don’t understand what game he’s playing anymore.”
“Honey, for once in his life, I don’t think he’s playing a game. I think this is the real Colin and he really loves you. Now that I have perspective looking back, I’m sure he has always loved you. I just assumed it was an infatuation on his part before now.” She turns to look at me. “So what do you want to do?”
“I don’t know, that’s why I need you to tell me.”
“I can’t tell you, you already know what you want. Maggie, we always thought you were the nicest of all of us. Colin’s right, though, you were also the strongest. If Mom had died when I was in college, I would have fallen apart. But you kept your shit together. You did more than that, you fought back. Do you remember seeing Colin at the funeral?”
“I don’t remember much about that day, thankfully. He was there?”
“Yeah, he flew in from California to be there. He spent the day helping me clean your house while you rested at ours. He had to fly back out that night. He didn’t want me to tell you, he just wanted to do something to help.” I’m in total shock.
“I also watched him cheer louder than he did for me when you walked across the stage at graduation. My brother can’t help it. He can be the biggest jerk in the world, but he also has the biggest heart I’ve ever seen. We all kept what happened with Professor Dickwad from him, because we knew he would have swept in like an avenging angel. As much as he hurt you, be guaranteed he’s hurting ten times worse.”
I sit quietly for a couple of minutes, weighing my decision before looking up. “Lily, I think I need a ride to the airport tomorrow morning.” She smiles at me.
“Good for you. I’ll be here first thing.” I follow her to the door. If I’m going to talk to Colin, I need to get a bag packed. I also need to get my thoughts together. When she reaches the door, she gives me another big hug. Pulling back, she holds me by the shoulders.
“Next time he says something stupid, and he will, close that hand into a fist. You should at least take a couple of perfect teeth out of that stupid face for the effort.” I laugh as she gives me a wave before heading to her car.
The next morning, true to her word, Lily is waiting for me with Matthew. Matt somehow folds into the back seat so Lily and I can visit on the way to the airport.
“Feel free to smack him again for me. You know, really rear back before letting him have it,” Matt says when they drop me off.
“I’ll be sure and do that,” I laugh as I give Lily another hug. Turning to Matt, I throw my arms around him too. I’m pretty sure it freaks him out, but he might as well get used to it now.
“Maggie,” Lily says before I pick up my bag. “Just remember, whatever happens, we’ll still love both of you.” With a nod, I walk toward the door before she can see the tears that start down my face. I’m exhausted from not sleeping last night, so it feels like days before I make it to Colin’s condo. The doorman waves at me in recognition when he helps me in the door.
“Mr. Rhett isn’t here, Miss Emerson. I don’t expect him back for several hours.”
“May I wait in the foyer for him to return?”
“Of course. Can I get you anything?” I beg off, wandering to one of the couches. He brings me a water anyway, which I’m grateful for. I feel dirty, tired and slightly dehydrated from a long week.
I’ve chosen a seat so I’ll see Colin the second he walks in the door, however, it doesn’t take long for me to drift off to sleep. It feels like I’ve barely closed my eyes when something is trying to wake me, but I’m so tired.
“Maggie,” I hear the voice say again. Prying my eyes open, I find Colin squatting in front of me. “Hey.” I sit up, trying to get my bearings. “Are these your bags?” he asks, picking up my suitcase. He stands waiting for me before asking, “Did you want to come up?” I nod, following him to the elevator. We don’t speak on the way up or as he opens the door. “Are you hungry?” He asks, crossing toward the kitchen.
“Colin, wait. I came here because I heard what you said through the door. I have a few things I need to say to you.” I see him flinch slightly, but he walks over to stand in front of me. “I need to get this said before I chicken out, so I need you to just listen. Okay?” He nods his head, drawing in a deep breath before looking into my eyes, his arms crossed over his strong chest, waiting. I know he’s expecting the worst, but that’s not what I’ve come to say.
“I need you to answer some questions first. Then I need you to hear what I have to say.” His eyes are a dull blue as he waits in resignation.
“I’ll answer whatever you want to know,” he says with steel in his voice.
