“They don’t have to be nice to everyone, not everyone in this town deserves that, but everyone working on that set today deserved respect.” As I say it, I know that’s the root of the problem for me. Respect. We’re all trying our best to make something out of this life, and it’s hard enough as it is without removing respect from the equation.
“I hope you’re roping yourself into that list,” Dalton says from beside me. When I give him an eye roll, he shrugs. “I’m serious. The way he spoke to you was not okay. And I’m sorry I hesitated even a moment before stepping in. Someone should have been there for you the moment he raised his voice.” He pauses. “Does he speak like that to Mae?”
The breath I’d been holding seeps out. It’s easier to talk about Mae with Dalton. “He plays it off like he’s joking, but it’s been bothering me more and more lately. He takes advantage of her popularity and still can’t give her the love she deserves.”
Dalton swallows, and the leather on the steering wheel strains under his grasp. Is he actually getting upset over this?
“It’s okay, you don’t have to get torn up over it. We’ll both manage.”
“How has ‘managing’ gone for you lately?” I know his question is out of a place of concern but it’s not what I need right now. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes immediately. “If you need me to help, you know I’m around.”
At the change in his tone, I’m able to lean back in my seat. Trenton typically finds his disrespect at the bottom of a bottle, but I’ve noticed an uptick in abuse when we’re not in the presence of an outsider. “Don’t ask me that,” I answer. “It may mean you working even longer hours, and I’d hate to ask that of you when I’m not the one signing your paycheck.”
“I wouldn’t mind,” Dalton says with a shrug. “I just think that if things have been escalating, it might be good to talk things through.”
Aghast, I quickly set the record straight. “He would never put his hands on her, if that’s what you’re implying.” I swallow, realizing that I’ve come to believe that sentiment less and less lately.
The car rolls to a stop in front of my building before he has the chance to answer. I find that I’m not ready to end the conversation with him yet, but I don’t want to talk about Mae and Trenton any more. In a surprise to all, especially myself, I invite him upstairs. “Don’t respond to that right now. You could come upstairs, and we could talk specifics if you’d like.”
Something changes in his eyes, his whole demeanor goes rigid. “No, I shouldn’t.”
The flutter of butterflies in my stomach plummets, and my sour mood returns. I feel the heat on my cheeks as I scramble for my purse and the door handle.
“Can I explain?” Dalton calls out, but anything else is cut off by the slamming of the door behind me. He’d made me feel respected and listened to. He’d offered to do whatever to make me feel more comfortable, and immediately shot me down. The more I think about it, the angrier I get, but at myself. I should never have said anything.
I feel myself actively shrinking back into my shell as I beeline for the lobby of my building. I throw my whole body through the front door, only slightly looking over my shoulder to see if Dalton has sped off.
He hasn’t.
Chapter 12
Dalton
EVERY BIT OF ME hates how I left things with Raleigh at the curb of her apartment building. In my defense, she hadn’t let me get a word in about my reasoning. I was surprised when she asked me to follow her up. I almost blindly listened, but then I thought about Merle being home alone longer than planned. Something tells me she might not appreciate having her very kind offer being passed over for a dog, but that’s how it played out. I wish I could have explained before she escaped.
I’d made sure she made it inside before driving away, fully aware that any work we’d done to become friends may have been jeopardized by a heated day and stubborn temperaments. Reaching for my phone at a stoplight, I’m surprised to see three little dots next to Raleigh’s name. As if the phone has scalded me, I toss it back into the cup holder and drive forward. Whatever she’s cooking up for me I’m sure it's stern yet hilarious.
I fully expect a novel to be written next time I check, but as I turn off the car and dare to look back at the screen I see:
Raleigh:I just wanted to let you know that I genuinely appreciate everything that you do. I’m sorry for the way I handled our conversation earlier. It’s been a long day and I just thought I’d trauma dump on you lol.
Dalton:I’m more than available for a trauma dump.
Dalton:I should’ve used my words better, I just had to get home to Merle. Photo incoming.
My thumb hovers over the send icon as I rush up the stairs to my apartment where Merle is sitting, anxiously awaiting my return. Snapping a quick picture, I attach it to my text and send it to Raleigh.
She responds seconds later.
Raleigh:Well damn, Dalton, you could’ve told me you had someone wonderful to go home to at night. I would have backed off.
A laugh gets caught in my throat. Raleigh Davis. Flirting with me?
Raleigh:Sorry that was inappropriate… *Embarrassed emoji
Raleigh:I’m not texting you to flirt btw. I actually need to know if you can run security at Trenton’s Halloween party. Mae and I typically go alone, but all things considered with Trenton and the stalker I’d really appreciate it if you or one of your guys could be there. The theme is 1920s but don’t feel obligated to dress up.
Raleigh:I really am sorry for before.
