Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77999 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“But I do.” I swallowed, hoping it would loosen the knot in my throat. “I’ve tried to hide it, but I care about Wes. I always have, but you knew that. It’s why you brought me here.”
“I brought you here to help my son, and you did that.” He stood and adjusted his leather jacket. “As far as I’m concerned, nothing else matters.”
“What about Wes?”
“What about him?”
“Are you going to tell him?”
“I see no reason to.”
“Really?” I pushed. “You don’t feel guilty about not being truthful with him?”
“I might’ve coaxed you into coming, but you stayed—even when you didn’t have to, and because of that, he’s up and walking again. If you see things differently, then do what you gotta do.”
He grabbed a biscuit from the plate and started for the door. Before walking out, he glanced back at me and said, “You did good, Antonia. I’m indebted to you, and that’s not something I say very often.”
“I’m glad I could help.”
He gave me a nod, then walked out and closed the door behind him. I took a few minutes to clean up the kitchen, and as I cleared the table, I thought about everything Preacher had said. While I was pleased that he was going to help my father, I wasn’t sure what it would entail.
I couldn’t explain it, but I had a feeling there was more to it than just financial struggles. I had no idea what that might be, but I trusted that Preacher would figure things out and help him. Once I finished putting the dishes away, I went to my room to get some work done. I’d almost finished my final report, but I needed some help from Mark to fill in some of the gaps.
Once I was settled at my desk, I grabbed my phone and gave him a call.
It only rang once when he answered and said, “I was beginning to think you forgot about me.”
“Not a chance. I’ve just been busy trying to get these reports and affidavits ready to send over. I just need some information from you.”
“Sure thing.”
We went over things, and as soon as I had everything I needed, I told him, “I will get these sent over this afternoon.”
“I thought you were coming in.”
“I am. But I’ve got a lot going on here, so it won’t be until later in the week.” I glanced over at my calendar before adding, “I should be there Thursday and will probably stay for Friday, as well.”
His voice was heavy with disappointment as he muttered, “Okay. Do whatever you need to do.”
“I’m sorry, Mark. I know I’ve put a lot on you, but I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t have good reason.”
“I know. You don’t have to worry about it.”
“What’s going on? You sound upset.”
“It’s nothing.” He sounded heartbroken as he admitted, “You know the guy I was seeing?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, he broke things off last night.”
“What? I thought things were going so well.”
“I did, too, but apparently, he didn’t feel the same.”
“Oh, Mark. I’m so sorry. I know you really liked him.”
“I did. More than I cared to admit.” He sighed. “I guess that’s why I didn’t see that things weren’t as great as I thought they were.”
“Ah, that’s rough.”
“You’re telling me. I was just hoping to talk to someone about it, and you're the first person I thought of.”
“I’m really sorry, but I’ll be there in a couple of days, and we can talk all you want. I’ll even treat you to dinner.”
“That would be great.”
We talked a little longer, and once I was certain that he was okay, I got off the phone and tried to focus on my work. It wasn’t easy. My head was all over the place. One minute I was thinking about Weston and his tests, and then the next, it was Dad and his money trouble or work and all the things I was missing there.
I just couldn’t focus, so I sent in my reports and left the rest for later. I did a little laundry and swept the floors, and that led to dusting and vacuuming. By the time I was done, I was in desperate need of a shower, so I grabbed some fresh clothes from my bag and headed to the bathroom.
I did the works. I washed my hair and shaved my legs, and once I got out, I plucked my brows and painted my nails. I was feeling pretty good, so I kept going. I dried and straightened my hair and even put on a little makeup, but when it came time to put on clothes, I’d lost all my gusto. I slipped on a pair of leggings and a t-shirt and called it a day.
I was on my way to the living room to watch TV when Wes walked in with Skid and Luna. The door had barely closed behind them when Wes told him, “You know where the bathroom is. Do what you need to do.”