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“You’re welcome,” Dillon replied.
After he left, Jamie asked, “Are you really okay?”
“I am. Believe it or not, I’ve started to get used to John’s high-handed tactics. He’s never gotten physically violent before. I think that the only reason that he did today was because he realizes that he is really starting to lose control over me and that infuriates him,” Clara said.
“Hopefully, he’s gotten the message that he just needs to leave you alone,” Jamie said.
“Hopefully, he has,” Clara echoed, but deep down inside, she knew that John was just building up steam.
After Zeke was in bed, Clara poured herself a glass of wine and called Charlie to tell her about everything that happened that day.
“It sounds like John is starting to get a little out of control,” Charlie said.
“He is. He really scared me,” Clara said. “I hate the fact that he scared Zeke, too. Zeke asked if he had to go with his father this weekend.”
“What did he say when you told him that he did?” Charlie asked.
“He just took it in stride, like he always does. I swear that there is a grown-up man inside that little boy,” Clara said.
“Sometimes, I wonder,” Charlie replied. “So tell me more about your knight in shining armor who showed up to save the day.”
“Dillon is just a friend,” Clara said.
“Yeah, okay.” Charlie laughed.
“He took me and Zeke hiking. I have to admit that we had a lot of fun. He is super sweet to Zeke, who looks at the man like he is some kind of hero.”
“How do you look at him?” Charlie asked.
“Like he’s some kind of Greek god that stepped out off the page of a sexy magazine,” Clara admitted. “He is incredibly good looking and is very well put together.”
“Are there any sparks?” Charlie asked.
“There are on my side. Every time there is the slightest touch between the two of us, I feel as though a bolt of electricity explodes in me,” Clara explained. “It’s something that I never felt before.”
“You’ll have to push the envelope and see where this leads you,” Charlie said.
“He hasn’t given me any indication that he is remotely interested in me, except as someone in the friend zone. He probably wouldn’t be interested after witnessing today’s drama, anyway. You know how much men hate drama.”
“You never know. He might be the understanding type,” Charlie said.
“I don’t know if I’m ready to pursue a relationship, anyway,” Clara stated. “John was super nice and sweet until Zeke was born. Then, he turned into some kind of controlling monster.”
“Not all men are like John. Most men aren’t. You can’t judge Dillon based on your experiences with John.”
“What if I just have very terrible taste in men?” Clara said.
“I’m not telling you to run him down the altar. I’m saying to give him a chance to see if the relationship goes anywhere,” Charlie advised.
Clara sighed and said, “You’re right. If he gives me any indication that he is interested in more than just a casual friendship, I’ll give it a chance. What is the worst that could happen?”
“Good, you can’t be gun shy forever, and you deserve someone to love you.”
Clara changed the subject, and the two friends talked for another hour about everything and nothing. She was smiling when they hung up the phone. Charlie always knew how to make her relax and feel better about everything.
Friday came all too quickly. Clara had Zeke’s suitcase packed, and he was ready to go when John showed up that afternoon. He looked cautiously around the café to see whether Dillon was lurking about. When he saw that the place was empty, he strutted in like a banty rooster.
“Is the boy ready to go?” he asked.
