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“You okay, honey?” Elise asks, causing me to turn from the window I’m sitting in front of.
“No.”
“You want to talk about it?”
I look around the room for Maggie. The two slept over last night to keep me company. I wouldn’t stop sobbing once it all came crashing down on me.
“She went back to our hotel to get us some clothes,” Elise says to my unspoken question.
I move my legs so she can sit with me at the window while the rain pours down outside. She sits and places a reassuring hand on my knee. I look into her eyes and give a wobbly smile.
She reaches to tuck my braids behind my ear and cups my cheek. My heart aches as the gesture reminds me of my sister. If Brooke were here, she would know just what to say.
I sigh and shake my head. “I hate this. We shouldn’t be fighting.”
“You know, Pook said that’s how she knew you two were in love with each other. You love pressing his buttons and he loves allowing you to.”
“For as long as I can remember, he’s always been like a raging bull when it comes to me. If someone bothered me, he’d set them straight in a heartbeat. Pook was always there to calm him down, but if someone messed with me… he would fly off the handle and lose it.
“Last night, that scared me. Not that I think he would hurt me. It all happened so fast.
“I don’t even know what that guy said to set him off. I’m so confused. I knew that temper was bad, but I’ve never seen him like that.”
“Believe me. He was within his rights to be angry. Tom texted me last night to tell me what the guy said. Trev may have saved your life as well as mine and Maggie’s.
“Him protecting you is nothing new, so tell me what’s really stuck in your craw,” she says, looking deep into my eyes.
“He called me a baby. That hurt. What if I’m never enough for him?
“What if this is all moving too fast and I’m not ready? I already have all this guilt and sadness. This might be the wrong time.”
“Lynn, you’re eighteen and a beautiful young woman. Being in a relationship is a natural thing at your age. It’s a part of growing and exploring,” Elise says softly.
I sigh. “My father already treats me like I’m still nine. I was shocked when he came to tell me I could join you guys on this trip.”
“You’re not the only one. I was just as shocked to hear you were coming along. I knew it would be what Pook wanted, but I was more than surprised, nonetheless.
“Your daddy has always been more protective of you than Brooke, but can I ask you something?”
“Yes.”
“Do you really think Trev sees you as a baby? Because whenever I see him look at you… that’s not how a man looks at a baby.”
I shrug my shoulders.
“You might be looking for something to go wrong, Cakes. What I heard was a concerned boyfriend. Now that I know what was said, I totally understand what he was trying to convey to you.”
“See, now I feel even more immature. Maybe I’m not ready for this.”
She gives my knee a squeeze. “Only you can know that. I believe if you love someone, you shouldn’t waste time overthinking everything. Your sister was in love, but she overthought a lot to protect that love.
“Cherish this time. Allow that fine-ass man to treat you like gold. He loves you.”
I nod but remain silent.
“You know what? I’m going to head back to my hotel. You give him a call and talk to him.”
“What am I supposed to say?”
