Page 27 of Stonewall

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

I ENDED UPstaying the night at Sophia’s.Lenny ended up showing up last night trying to talk to me, but I refused. He talked with Lord before finally leaving. I knew I would have to give him an explanation today, and I didn’t look forward to it at all. I sent a text to Tildie explaining why I left. She thinks I’m wrong and should talk to Lenny about it. And I will today.

I was sitting on the swing on Sophia’s porch when I saw a white car coming up the drive. As it got closer, I realized who it was, Mary. There was no mistaking her long blonde curly hair. She parked, got out, and looked at me with uncertainty before coming up the stairs.

“Mary, what are you doing here?” Sophia asked, coming outside to greet her friend.

“I came to talk with Brooke if that’s okay with her,” she asked, her voice soft, her eyes kind as she looked at me.

Sophia looked back and forth between us, her eyebrows raised in curiosity. “I’ll just leave you two alone to talk,” Sophia said, going back inside.

Mary came over and sat down beside me on the swing. “Brooke, Tildie came to me this morning and explained why you left.”

Damn, Tildie, I know she thought she was helping, but I told her that in confidence. “She shouldn’t have done that,” I muttered, feeling extremely uncomfortable talking to her about this.

“She cares about you and wants to help. But, Brooke, you’re wrong about Lenny and me…” she started.

“He loves you! I saw it when I watched you two together,” I cut her off, my voice filled with hurt.

“Brooke, of course, Lenny loves me; we have been friends for a very long time, but he’s notinlove with me. There’s a big difference,” she insisted.

I gave a huff, “Maybe you just don’t see it, but everyone else does,” I replied, hating how jealous and petty I felt toward Mary, who I could tell was a sweet person. I felt so rough around the edges next to her polished demeanor.

Mary laughed, taking my hand in hers. “Brooke, listen to me; when Lenny and I were growing up together, he lived next door. He was at my house all the time. My Mom died when we were twelve, and my Dad worked long hours. Sometimes he would be away a lot. As teenagers, we were alone in my house, but Lenny never once made a move on me in a romantic sense. Never. And when Jay came along when I was fourteen and took my heart, Lenny never fought for me. Would a guy who loved me so much never make a move and let another guy move in without so much as trying? Even when Jay and I broke up, nothing. Maybe he felt confused about what his feelings were for me. I can’t speak for Lenny. But, I promise you it’s sisterly love.”

“The look I saw in his eyes when you were talking says different,” I argued, remembering the tenderness I saw in his eyes.

“Brooke, whatever you saw in his eyes had nothing to with me and everything to do with you. Lenny was telling me about you and Gael. He asked me to round up the other women to help you settle into a new place. He was unsure what you would need to get started. He cares for you, Brooke, and wants everything to be perfect.”

I wanted so much to believe Mary. “How can I be sure?”

“Talk to him, Brooke! Lenny has never had a girlfriend or even dated that I’m aware of, and that makes me one hundred percent sure you’re very special to him. So be open with him about what’s bothering you. Trust me when I say Lenny is one of the good ones, and he would never play games with you.”

“I feel so foolish, but you’re right. I need to talk to him. I should have yesterday instead of running away like a child,” I groaned, covering my face with my hands.

“We all make mistakes, and I ran away too, only I wasted five years, don’t make the same mistake. In fact, why don’t you and Gael ride back with me? I can watch him while you talk to Lenny. I will get Marilyn from Jay and go to my house with him, and he can play.” she offered.

“He has a dog name Germie he takes everywhere. Are you okay with that?” I warned her.

“I don’t mind one bit,” she assured me with a big smile.

“Okay, and thank you, Mary, for taking the time to come and talk to me to clear things up. I’ve just been going through a lot, and my emotions are all over the place.”

“You’re very welcome. Now let’s grab Gael and Germie. Jay said Lenny had been moping around, taking his frustrations out on everyone. Wrath and Poison are now sporting black eyes,” she shared before standing.

I stood following Mary inside to round up Gael. I need to be open with Lenny even though it’s a hard thing for me to do. I don’t get close to people for this exact reason. I don’t want to be hurt.

It only took a few minutes to get back to the clubhouse. We walked inside to find Shadow waiting on Mary holding their baby in his arms. So different than what I’m used to seeing. I don’t think Flex ever held Gael. “Where is Lenny?” Mary asked Shadow.

“I think I saw him go into the shared living area. Why?” he answered, looking curious.

“Brooke wants to talk to him. I will show you the room. Jay, can you watch Gael and Germie for a few minutes?”

“Sure,” he replied, looking down at the dog licking his boots and giving Mary a look that said hurry up.

I followed Mary to a hallway, and she stopped and opened one of the doors, and I heard her gasp.

I shouldered around her to see Lenny sitting on a couch, head back and eyes closed, with a blonde woman sitting beside him, her hands on his chest. I bolted from the room, so done with men.

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