Page 102 of What Remains True
“Yes. Look, this isn’t my business. I know that, and if this had happened a few weeks ago, before that woman dropped off that child to Adam, I’d have probably kept my opinions to myself, but I just can’t stand by and let this happen.”
“What has you so upset?”And how does it pertain to me? Is this about the bull riding?
“If you are not in a position to make a commitment toAdam, you need to leave him alone. Not only is it wrong, a sin even, but that little girl shouldn’t be exposed to that sort of thing.”
“What are you talking about? My commitment?”Sin?
“I know.”
“About what?” Merry Anna sat back in her chair. “You aren’t making any sense.”
The waitress came up. “Are you ready to order?”
“I’ll have the chicken salad sandwich, same as Tara. And one to go.” Merry Anna flipped the menu to the waitress. “Also some water, please.” Her stomach churned.
“While you were at the rodeo with Adam, a man was at your house. Being a good neighbor, I walked over and asked him what he was doing snooping around.”
“Snooping?”
“He went right inside your house. I saw him with my own two eyes.”
That feeling from this morning was back. “Who?”
“Your husband.”
“I told you I’m divorced.” Merry Anna picked up her phone and scrolled through the pictures. “This guy?”
“Yes.” Tara’s lips pulled into a tight line. “He was quite convincing that you two are still married.”
“He has no right to be here. I have receipts and final divorce papers to prove it.” She hugged herself. “I don’t know how he found me. I purposely didn’t tell him where I was staying.”
“He said your parents sent him to bring you back home.”
That burned in her gut. “Not even my parents know where I am.” A shiver ran up her arm, reminding her of the feeling she’d had this morning. “When did you see him?”
“Yesterday.”
“I must’ve been at Adam’s house when he showed up.”Anger bubbled inside her. “Tara, I promise you I’m not running around on a husband I left back in DC. I would never do that, and I know how precious this situation is with Adam and his daughter. I would never do anything to compromise that.”
“Don’t be mad at me,” Tara said. “I was just acting on what I heard.”
“Thank you for stopping him and caring enough about me to stop me if I were doing something foolish, but I promise you I am not.”
Tara lifted her mug and took a sip of her coffee, then set it down. “Cold.” She waved at the waitress, lifting the mug in the air to get her attention. “I’m so relieved. I was really disappointed. I know we’ve only just met, but you’re kind of like a daughter to me. My children are spread out hither and yon. I don’t see them much anymore. I’ve loved spending time with you.”
The waitress came over and topped off Tara’s coffee and put a glass of water in front of Merry Anna.
“I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions,” Tara said. “It didn’t seem right, but he was very convincing.”
“It’s fine. I’m glad you let me know. It gives me the creeps that he was in my house. I’ve always felt so safe here in Antler Creek. Kevin can be very manipulative.”
“It is odd. You know, it’s funny, because the whole town is abuzz thinking Adam is using you just to help with that little girl, and here I was thinking the opposite.”
“The whole town thinks that?” If it was one thing she hated, it was being made a fool of.
Tara’s mouth dropped open, as if she realized what she’d said was probably out of line. “Sorry. Not everyone. I don’t even know…everyone.” She waved it off.
“I haven’t even told Adam I used to be married. I need to tell him about this before Kevin tries to convince someone else we’re still married. No telling what other snooping and lying he’s been doing around here.”
