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“Breathe,” he encouraged. “It’s going to be alright, and we’ll figure this out – because that’s what real friends do. We have each other’s backs. Okay?”
She felt tears sting her eyes, wanting to believe him.
“Okay, Eric,” she whispered. “I’m really glad you called.”
“Me too. We’ll talk soon.”
Before she could say anything else, the line went dead and there was a strange disconnect before it beeped weirdly. She hung up the phone and sat there on the edge of her bed, looking at it.
This was all so strangely odd that he was from this part of Texas, too. Did Lily know that when she suggested Madison write him? Of course, she probably did! She said she ‘had a friend stationed overseas’that wanted someone to correspond with – and immediately wrote Eric quickly.
Dear Eric,
Thank you for calling and I really appreciate you listening. Please keep this between us and don’t share it with Lily. I need to keep things close to my chest until the hearing is over – and while I don’t think she would deliberately leak anything to my ex?
I can’t take a chance with Max.
I’m really looking forward to our coffee – and perhaps we can sit away far from any windows? Just so his hired goons have to work to get their photographs.
Safe travels,
Madison
5
MORRISON
“Who’s Lily?”Eric whispered aloud in confusion, reading Madison’s email dated a week ago when he was last on the computer. He hated that they had assigned times and had to take turns using the computer, but it was better than nothing. ‘Snail mail’ was awfully slow, and he knew it took almost a week or so before a package would arrive at his parents’ house from here.
His flight towards home was leaving in the morning, and he was really glad he had a chance to check his email once more. Madison was really worried about the people being paid to follow her getting a photograph to use against her in court. He didn’t want to be a burden, nor did he want to be the excuse used to rip her son from her… and while it went against everything in him?
He would give in and do what was best for his friend – and her strange situation.
Dear Madison,
I was thinking about the coffee and had a better idea that might be easier for everyone involved. Why don’t you come have coffee over at my parents’ place? There would be no issues, no problems with it being in a public place, and my family could say ‘hello’ to my new friend. Plus, Trigger would have a fenced yard in case she needs to go to the restroom.
… And I don’t mean to sound dense or confused, but who is Lily?
I’m not going to say a word about what you shared with anyone – much less someone I don’t know. I mean, maybe I went to high school with someone named Lily, but I seriously don’t remember that person if I did. Is she claiming to know who I am?
I fly out early tomorrow and won’t be on here again before I land in Texas. So, I suppose we’ll talk soon? I’ll attach my parents’ address and call when I can. Wish me luck – this is the first time I’m flying with Trigger, and she’s a hyper little pup!
Take care,
Eric
* * *
Late the next day,Eric collapsed at home in his childhood bed, utterly exhausted. Every time the plane would take off or land at one of the layovers, Trigger would whimper and howl fearfully, climbing into his lap bodily instead of sitting in the airline seat he’d bought for her.
… And lost her bladder on him once.
He had no idea what to expect, and this was an experience for the both of them, that much was for sure. During the layovers, Trigger was openly grabbing stuffed animals within reach in her mouth, thinking it was time to ‘play’… and Eric ended up buying the mauled toys, stuffing them in a plastic bag so she could stay entertained.
Trigger was like handling a child during each flight – and this ‘doggy-daddy’ was beyond exhausted. As he lay there, fully clothed, boots still on his feet… he heard someone at the bedroom door and simply opened his eyes, unmoving.
“Eric, how about I warm up some leftovers so you can go to bed with a full tummy, and we can talk tomorrow? I know you are exhausted, baby.”
