Page 32 of The Sting of Love
“Willow, I won’t lie or pretend that this hasn’t gotten out of hand. It has, and I’m not happy about it. I had to call the cops. It was only then that William allowed me to get your things.”
I shake my head at that. “Why does he hate me so much? Why is he being such an ass? I haven’t done anything wrong.”
He takes a moment to consider before giving the answer. “It’s power. He’s on a power trip. He knows he messed up and wants to justify his actions. He’s pushing you down as he does it, but I’m not going to let that happen to you.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I say, and for the first time in forever, I have a sense of calm settle over me. “I can’t thank you enough.”
“Don’t worry. We’re going to do all we can to help. And … um, we know about his secretary. We’ve known since last week. Your mother really wants to talk to you. Just to see how you’re doing.”
I shake my head even though I know he can’t see me. “Dad, I’m going to be real with you. I can’t talk to her now. Not right now. Not even in the next few days. I just need to heal a little more.” I told him how Mom blamed me for everything. He was upset, but as usual, he didn’t confront her. That’s one of the things I can’t stand. Mom gets away with her bullying because he allows her to, so she keeps doing the same old shit to me.
“Sweetie, she honestly just wants to know how you are.”
“I get that she might, and I appreciate that she cares, you know I do, but I don’t want to risk hearing how my ex-fiancé was cheating on me because it was my fault. I can’t risk it, Dad. It would crush me because it’s absolute shit. Sorry to swear.”
He hates swearing but laughs. “It’s okay, baby girl. I get it, and I understand. I’ll just tell her you need some time. I think you did the right thing by going to Italy. If you’re happy there, stay for a while. I do miss you, and I was hoping we could do some painting together, but I think Lurlene is who you need right now.”
He’s right, and I’m grateful for his understanding. “I miss you too. We can paint when I get back. I promise.”
“I’m holding you to that.” He chuckles, and the phone line goes a little staticky.
“You don’t have to. I’ll be back soon, and stronger, I hope.”
“Don’t worry about William anymore. Sometimes when one door closes, another opens somewhere. I know you loved him, and he hurt you. That’s the bottom line. I won’t allow him to hurt you anymore. Your artwork is safe. I’ve made arrangements with the staff at the gallery to get three months’ worth of pay, and that’s all you need to know right now. We can sort out the rest whenever you get back.”
“You’re the best, Dad.” I smile.
“Anything for you. Call me if you need me, okay?”
“I promise.”
He hangs up, and I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the wall in the living room. I’m in the passageway between rooms, so I walk in and get closer to the mirror. That afterglow is still there, but what I notice too is that I look like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders.
Things are far from sorted out. I still have nothing, but it would have saddened me deeply if William had thrown away my paintings.
The door opens, and Lurlene comes in with a cautious smile on her face. She takes off her sunglasses, and mischief flickers in her eyes.
“Hi, Aunt Lurlene,” I say, feeling my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I only call her aunt when I’ve done something wrong.
“Hello, Niece Willow. Is the drop-dead gorgeous naked man still upstairs in your bedroom?”
“No.”
She’s carrying a few grocery bags and makes her way to the table to set them down. She then turns to face me and tries to bite back a smile.
“He was really gorgeous. You did exceptionally well, my girl.”
“I’m so sorry. I really am. I know it’s not okay, and I don’t want you to think that when you’re away, I’ll have all sorts of strange men over.”
“Sugar, if they’re as gorgeous as him, you can have them over anytime.” She laughs and tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. “Besides, who do you think you’re talking to?”
“I know. It’s just… I don’t want to take advantage. I also don’t usually have men around where I live.”
“No, you don’t. You seem to forget that I really know you, and you seem to think I’m upset by this. I’m not. I thought I’d even go out and give you some space.
I was supposed to be away for the whole day, so it’s my bad for coming back early.”
I grit my teeth. “And you caught us naked.”
