He carried her all the way to the truck, his place in the food and drink queue now the last thing on his mind, then settled her inside, fetching a soft blanket from the back to drape around her, hoping she’d stop shivering. ‘You’re safe now, love. I promise.’
‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered, gathering the blanket up to her neck.
‘Hey, you have nothing to be sorry about. You got stuck, that’s all. Loads of people have claustrophobia. It’s really common. Even if they can do things like trains, they still don’t appreciate being stuck in one if it breaks down or something.’ He leaned in the opened door and stroked back a piece of hair, fallen loose from her scarf. ‘You’re okay.’
Ginny sniffed, raising watery eyes. ‘It’s triggering for me,’ she whispered.
Will got the immediate impression there was a backstory that didn’t involve being stuck in a lift one time. ‘What is it?’ he asked gently, placing a hand on her shoulder.
There was a lost little girl somewhere deep within those hazel eyes that blinked his way.
‘My mum sometimes locked me in the cupboard under the stairs if I was naughty.’ Her voice broke, along with Will’s heart. ‘I wasn’t naughty,’ she added quietly, shaking her head a touch. ‘I was the good one.’
Will reached in, huddling her into his body as much as he could. He had no idea how she could care so much for a motherwho’d been so cruel. It made no sense, but it wasn’t the time nor his business to discuss the matter, so he just held her until she stopped shaking.
The large car park of the service station wasn’t the best place for a walk, but he felt she needed some air, even if infused with fumes.
‘You okay for a minute?’ he finally asked, stretching his back. ‘I’ll just go fetch us some lunch, then we can sit over by those bushes and take five.’ He made sure the window was down and that she was okay with him closing the door before he shut it softly.
He got a few stares as he quickly grabbed some food and ordered drinks, and the man behind the counter asked after Ginny. No one accosted him about the broken door, not that he cared. All that mattered was seeing to Ginny.
She was sitting up and breathing normally when he returned, which was a relief. Her face was still pale, but at least she wasn’t shaking anymore.
‘Come on,’ he said, holding up the food. ‘Let’s go hang out with nature for a bit.’
Ginny got out the truck, keeping her eyes on the greenery over the way.
Will couldn’t be sure if she felt embarrassed to look at him or if she was still in a bit of shock, so he offered an elbow, which she took, and guided her to the side of the car park.
Two empty crisp packets, a bottle of lager, and scattered cigarette butts were tangled into the thick brambles lining its edge, not exactly giving off a calm feeling, and what with the hum of nearby motorway traffic, it wasn’t the best place to have a picnic, but needs must.
Will plopped down onto the cold, hard ground, encouraging Ginny to join him, which she did. ‘Here, eat something. We’ve still got a long way to go.’ He glanced at her sorrowful face as shereached into the bag for a chicken sandwich. ‘Or would you like me to take you home?’
‘No, I’m okay.’ She raised her sandwich. ‘Thanks.’
Will couldn’t help himself; he leaned over and kissed the side of her head.
‘I’m sorry about before,’ she said, then bit into the wholegrain bread.
‘You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. And just so you know, you certainly don’t ever have to be sorry around me. It’s okay, Ginny. Everything’s fine. I don’t want you worrying about this.’ It was clear she already was.
‘I don’t freak out often,’ she said, offering a small smile.
‘Well, whenever you do, we’ll sort it.’ He gestured at her crossed legs. ‘I reckon you’ve got it in you to boot down doors to help me if needed.’
Ginny’s laugh was quiet, but the fact she had one cheered Will no end. ‘You got doors keeping you in?’
‘Ah, we all have.’ He shook his head, more so at himself. ‘Everyone’s got something going on, and I’ve got too much crap in my head for me to manage right now.’
Ginny gently nudged his elbow. ‘Maybe I can help.’
‘That’s kind, but no one can do anything about my past. It’s done, isn’t it? All you can do is live with it now.’
‘I guess it depends on what’s haunting you. Today has made me think I might need some therapy. I’ll talk to my friend Jan when we get back. See what she says. I know a few people that have therapy sessions with her.’
‘Sounds like a good idea to me. Perhaps I’ll join you.’
‘Was being raised in care that bad?’
