Page 101 of Finally Mine
“Would it be wrong to point out that you, ah…performed admirably just now?”
He snorted, but she could sense a lightening in him. Aldo nuzzled into her neck.
“I’d also like to point out that we were very physical, and I didn’t shatter into tiny pieces.”
She felt his lips on the juncture of her neck and shoulder.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” he whispered against her skin.
“I’m glad you’re here. Now, what are we going to do with the…um…evidence?”
“There’s a garden hose back here somewhere—”
“Aldo! You are not hosing me off!”
* * *
Ty calledan emergency vet to check on Lola, who was given a clean bill of health and a prescription for as much steak as her heroic wiggle butt wanted. The Dawsons’ delivery driver returned with a dozen pizzas at about the same time that Luke’s foreman, Angry Frank, showed up with a three-man crew to board up the window and door. An hour later, Hannah’s husband, Finn, burst into the house dressed like a mountain man. Luke’s younger brother, James, arrived shortly after that.
Harper declared it to be a sleepover since no one was keen on anyone being left alone. Aldo didn’t leave Gloria’s side. Sometime around 4 a.m., they all collapsed in the living room. She was curled up on the couch, Aldo at her back, his arms wrapped around her as if he couldn’t bear to let her go.
She closed her eyes and checked in. She didn’t feel like a victim of violence tonight. No. She felt a little tiny bit like a hero. Her very own hero. She’d vanquished her own demon. And yeah, it had been terrifying. But she did it anyway.
She snuggled back against Aldo reminding herself that he was there, so solidly there. This was what it felt like to win. She was going to hang on to this feeling for a very long time.
“Psst. Gloria?”
Gloria lifted her head to look at Harper who was sprawled out on the floor with the dogs in the dark.
“Yeah?”
“You were awesome tonight.”
Gloria grinned. “You, too. Thanks for fighting a psychopath for me.”
“Thanks for braining him with a frying pan and saving my life. You’re my hero.”
Aldo squeezed her once around the waist, echoing Harper’s sentiment.
55
“Little Gloria Parker beaned that asshole with a fry pan.” That’s what they’re saying around town. They’re still talking about it, but no one’s calling me poor anymore. There’s no pity there. And you know what? As long as I’m not pitying myself, then no one else has any room to do it either. Lesson learned. So many lessons learned.
I know I should be curled into a ball sobbing somewhere having flashbacks, but I have never felt stronger. Or more sure of myself. I did it. I saved myself. I am my own hero.
And I was from the minute I walked away from him. I just didn’t know it.
But I do now.
I know Aldo wishes it could have been him. He hasn’t said it. But he’s got his own baggage when it comes to Glenn. He’s got this real-life action hero thing going. So having to take a step back and let someone he cares about take care of themselves is hard for him. But he’s doing it.
He didn’t get the closure I did that night. But he’s so proud of me, and that feels incredible.
I think I might love him.
I haven’t told him yet. I want to hang on to it a little longer, figure out if it’s the truth. But I know whatever I’m feeling for him is real.
I’m doing this. I’m living. I’m normal. And I’m going to take advantage of every second I get.
