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I held up my hands, gesturing wildly for her to stop. “Please. Don’t tell Jonas,” I pleaded.
She frowned, but pressed end call. “Why not?”
I looked away. “It’s not his concern. You know we’re not… companions anymore.”
“That wouldn’t stop Jonas if you’re hurt. He’d want to help,” Dani said with conviction. But seeing the panic in my eyes, she paused. “Tell me everything that happened and let me help you. That’s the only way I’ll agree. But, Lily, I won’t lie. I’ll just ask Jonas to give you some time. You understand?”
She won’t lie, like me.I nodded, swallowing hard as self-loathing settled in once again. “I don’t want Jonas involved. It was a….” The word accident caught in my throat. I couldn’t say it. Why? Looking into her soft brown eyes, I couldn’t say the lie anymore. I looked down at my hands. They were trembling. “I want to put what happened behind me.”
“I need to know more than that,” Dani said as she reached out and stroked my hair.
“What are you even doing here? How did you get here…?” I said.
“I went with my instincts and called David to take me here after your text message,” Dani said, rubbing my back.
“Why?” I asked. “You barely know me. Why do you want to help me?”
She smiled. “Because, what I know I like very much. You’re sweet, smart, and kind. We Crane’s don’t walk away. You’re stuck with us.” She winked. “And I once volunteered at the Women’s Shelter.”
My bottom lip quivered as I said, “Thank you, Dani, but I’m not going to a shelter. I don’t need help. I just want to put this behind me.”
“No decisions at this moment. I’ll get you some water, and we’ll talk about it,” Dani said, walking out of the room. I sat up in shock at her ease and marveled at her command. She and Jonas were so alike.
She returned with a glass of water and handed it to me. I drained it dutifully. She removed her Burberry jacket, came and sat down and rubbed my arm, waiting patiently for me to tell her what happened. “Lies only lead to more lies. Before you know it, you’ve lost yourself in lies.” My father’s words echoed through my mind and this time I didn’t try to cover the truth and recalled how he used to finish that speech by saying, “You’re better than that, Lily. You’re a Salomé.”
No more lying.I stared off and gave voice to as much that happened over lunch as much of it as I could find the words for. My need to have my actions understood littered my retelling. I did it for the photos and videos. It was sudden. Yes. I stayed through lunch because I wasn’t ready to give up hope for them or Declan. When I was done, I felt empty.
“I take it this isn’t the first time he did this to you?” Dani asked quietly.
I paused as I thought about her question. There had been a few other times, but they were so far in between that I didn’t think of them as significant. I wasn’t ever hurt severely. Did they count when it wasn’t as severe? A shake, a shove? Do they count too? Was I making excuses? I didn’t know. “A few in the past.” I looked up at her, sure to find admonishment. She only gave back more empathy, her rubs on my arm comforting.
“He won’t come around again. So it’s over.” I let the tears fall from my chin. “Declan assured me he was going to rehab,” I continued, “So he’s trying to get help.”
“That’s enough for now. But I will have more questions,” Dani said. “I’ll also need you to get some help.”
My heart started to race. “I don’t want to press charges. A man’s life shouldn’t be ruined for a moment’s mistake.”
She stared at me blankly, then exhaled long. “One thing at a time. I was thinking some more talking. But nothing at this minute. I want you to rest.”
“You’re leaving now,” I said, my voice small. I sucked in air.
“Nope,” Dani said. “I’m going to get you something to put on your sore face and some herbs to help you rest.” She stood and made her way towards the door.
“Dani?” I called.
She turned back. “Yes, Lily?”
I dropped my head. “Thank you for listening and helping.”
“I think you need a little more than the herbs,” Dani said. She opened her arms and slowly closed them around me in a hug. I took it, wanting nothing more than to be held and comforted. I wanted my mom and dad, but they were gone. I wanted Jonas, but I pushed him away and may have very well lost him completely. I was alone, and I didn’t want to be. Thankfully, Dani didn’t question. Just held on to me.
EXCERPT FIRST CHAPTER OF TIGER LILY PART TWO
“Lily,” Dani whispered.
I snuggled against her warmth as Dani’s fingers traced a circular pattern on my back. My tears had dried up a while ago, yet I couldn’t bring myself to let her go. She held me well past what would have been considered polite. My need for touch and assurance outweighed my embarrassment.
We were only acquaintances at best. She was the ex-wife of my now ex-lover, Jonas Crane, making everything bizarre. Nevertheless, I clung to her as she continued to provide the comfort I needed, even if I didn’t deserve it. The circumstances that brought her to my bedside in Jersey City hadn’t disappeared. She had more she wanted to discuss with me, but if I had my way, that conversation would never happen.
