AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I live by it. I see it all the time. This is…nice. Different,” I said.
“Not that word again,” she sighed.
Fuck. Why did I say that?
“Danielle, different can be very good. I mean think about the desserts. We each picked a different one, but when we shared, it only enhanced the already amazing flavors,” I said.
She chuckled. “You’re really going to compare your feelings to desserts?”
“Can’t it be that simple?” I asked.
She looked at me seriously for a moment and then said, “I think it’s better than over thinking it. From now on, when I’m not sure how to handle something, I’m going to the dessert shop until I find a remedy.”
I laughed. “I might have to buy an entire chocolate factory to figure out what’s going on with the restaurant.”
“I know you mentioned it wasn’t a good day, but you didn’t share why,” she said. “There’s no reason why we can’t enjoy the stars and talk at the same time.”
I wanted to tell her but part of me was worried about her reaction. What if she felt the same way the police did? Guess this date would end real quick.
“You know I met with the insurance company this morning, right?” She nodded and I continued. “They need the final police report before they can issue any payment or approve payment for the building to be rebuilt.”
“Sounds like standard procedures. How long will that report take?” she asked.
“That’s the problem. I have no idea. The police are still investigating.”
“You mean trying to find the woman who set the fire?” she questioned.
“That’s one part, I’m sure.” It was time for me to tell her. “And I believe they are still looking at me as a suspect.”
She reached out for my hand and said, “Robert, you have to tell them you didn’t do this.”
“I have.” I’m not sure they believe me.
“Then what are you worried about?” she asked.
“Have you ever dealt with the police before?” I asked. Her eyes filled with sadness and I almost wished I hadn’t asked. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“It’s okay. I had to deal with them when I was married. My ex-husband wasn’t the nicest man at the end of our marriage. He became controlling and also a cheater. When I confronted him about it, he became…abusive. I had to call the police and wanted him removed. They came but he knew a few people on the force, and they didn’t believe me.”
“I’m so sorry you had to go through that,” I said. I hated the thought that someone had put their hands on her. I wish I had known her then. The police wouldn’t have to worry who beat his ass. I’d happily have admitted it.
“I eventually went to court and got a restraining order and they removed him from the house. It was not easy for me to get someone to believe me. But I didn’t give up. You shouldn’t either. If they won’t believe you, then find some other avenue that will. Or…maybe you can hire a private investigator to find the mysterious woman. Once they have her, then they will know you’re innocent,” she said.
“So, you believe me,” I said.
“Of course, I do. Our first date was at that restaurant. I could see it in your eyes how much that place meant to you as you talked about it. You could have never done what they are suspecting you of,” she said firmly.
“Thank you, Danielle.”
She smiled. “No. Thank you. I haven’t talked to anyone about what happened with my ex, except for my best friends. Not that I like it, but I feel better now that I said it.”
“I’m glad. I feel the same way. And you’re right. I will keep fighting until I know my name is clear,” I said.
She leaned her head on my shoulder and we sat there quietly, swinging and looking at the stars. I slipped an arm around her and she snuggled even closer and I pulled the blanket up to cover her arms so she didn’t get cold.
We must’ve been on that swing for twenty minutes when I noticed her breathing had changed. She’d fallen asleep. I’d worry that I was boring her, but I took this as a positive sign, she was comfortable with me. She was relaxed. And for the first time in days, so was I.
I had no idea how long we’d been there, but I continued the swinging motion while she got some rest. But when my cell phone rang, it startled her and she sat right up, trying to get her bearings.
