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“I wish I could tell you, but it’s not my business. I’m sorry, Garrett, you can’t come.”
I throw the screwdriver onto the beige carpet. He’s in the living room talking to Whitney and I heard her gasp before the front door shuts behind Howard. Whitney’s eyes are brimming with tears, she’s covering her mouth with one hand, and she’s trembling.
“What’s going on? Why won’t anyone tell me anything?”
“I’d tell you if I could, Garrett, I swear, but I promised Howard and Raegan I wouldn’t say anything.”
“So it’s about Raegan and you can’t tell me?” I yell; I can feel an ache in my chest, and I know it’s my concern for her bubbling up. I want to help her, I want to do all I can, but she won’t let me. “I’ve been trying to get her to open up to me all this time. And you know everything? What the hell.”
“Garrett, none of this is easy for her. Have you ever thought she may want to open up to you but she’s scared of what you might think? It’s not always about you, why are you so damn insensitive?” Her tears come faster now.
“Shit, I’m sorry, Whitney. Please stop crying.” I pull her against me, kissing her head as she sobs into my chest.
“If I tell you, you have to swear to God you won’t say a word. I don’t want anyone to know I slipped up.” She sniffles, wiping her eyes on my shirt.
“No, I won’t put you in that position. If she wants to tell me, she can.”
And every part of me prayed she would. I wondered if Raegan was in trouble. I held Whitney while we waited for either a phone call or an appearance from Howard or Raegan.
But an hour had passed. There was nothing.
Chapter 22
Raegan
I was so relieved when Howard answered the phone and I could tell by the tone of his voice he was both worried and pissed. I didn’t know who else to call. I thanked the woman for allowing me to make the call; she seemed sympathetic, as if she knew there was more to the situation than met the eye. I imagined lying in bed with Garrett, my head on his chest, listening to his breathing even out as he fell asleep. I stared at the walls until a guard came and got me.
I don’t think I’ve ever jumped up so fast in my life. I’m more than eager to get out of that horrible outfit. Once my clothes are back on, I feel more like myself. As they open the main door for me, the smell of freedom surrounds me and I spot Howard in the waiting area. I don’t want to cry. I told myself I wouldn’t. But one look at him and I can’t help it. I throw my arms around him, so relieved to see him.
“I’m so sorry for calling you, I didn’t know who else to call.” I sob into his chest. So much for staying strong.
“Don’t apologize for anything. I’m glad you called. Now what the hell happened?”
I sat in his truck drawing in a deep breath as I began the story, starting from when I got home after Whitney’s baby shower. He stared in disbelief as I gave him every detail. His knuckles turned white as he clutched the steering wheel. Part of me expected him to rip it from the column. When I finished, we’re both silent for a long time until he finally speaks.
“Whitney and I have an extra room. It is no trouble at all so don’t argue with me, Raegan. Stay with us until you can get on your feet. You can’t go back there, what he did was cowardly and I can’t allow you to go back knowing what I know. I’m so sorry about your winnings. You worked hard for that money.”
“I know,” I whisper.
“Shit, I forgot Garrett is at the house. We were putting baby furniture together when you called. I can call Whitney and have him leave.”
“No, Howard, its fine. I owe him an explanation. He’s been trying to figure me out. He’s done nothing but be nice to me and I’ve kept everything from him because I’ve been upset with myself. I can’t go on like this.”
He raises an eyebrow as if waiting to s
ee if I were going to change my mind, but I look at him confidently. Since last night, I’ve learned to appreciate the fluffy clouds in the sky a little more. I didn’t want to take the green grass for granted again either. This is freedom. Where Dad sent me was pure hell. The thought of having to spend more than one night there made a sour taste rise in my throat.
When we arrive the first thing I spotted was Garrett’s truck. My heart races as I contemplate what I am going to say to him. I get out of the truck, trying to even out my breathing. Before we reach the front door, it flies open and Whitney bursts out.
“Raegan, oh my God,” she whispered as she hugged me. “I’m so sorry you had to stay there. Why didn’t you call last night? Oh never mind that, you’re staying here right? We’re going to be roommates!”
“Yeah, it’s going to be awesome. I just need to get my truck and some clothes.”
“Raegan, you can’t go back there.” Panic edges her voice. “What if something happens?”
“He should be at work, I’ll be okay. I need my truck.” My vehicle was special to me, like a home on wheels. A home I never got with my Dad.
“I’ll go with her.” Garrett’s voice causes me to startle. He’s in the doorway, arms crossed over his chest, watching me with concern. My heart skips a beat or two as our eyes met. Seeing him makes my heart flutter.
