Where is she getting the information to justify these wild claims? “I thought Ford only told you our names.”
“That’s right, but one look at him was enough to know he’s met his match. Like your daughter and Elsa, some connections really click. You know what I mean?”
I try not to gape at her, but my jaw seems to have a brain of its own. Is this type of invasive behavior normal for parents? I might need to step up my helicoptering, if that’s the case. It’s hard for me to imagine my mother in this situation. Would she corner Crawford and pry answers out of him? I can’t see her doing that, but my mom wasn’t around to experience me dating anyone of significance. Maybe she’d be a fierce mama bear. That’s a nice vision to imagine. I place a palm over my stomach when the roiling begins. Crying in front of Kellie would be a grave mistake.
“Um, ah.” The garbled noises stumble out of my mouth. What am I about to admit? Vague for the win. “I guess that’s true.”
She beams at me, patting my arm. “Then my job here is done.”
“Good?” Yeah, it’s official. I’ve been bamboozled. To be fair, I stood still and let it happen. I should’ve known. I almost snap my fingers at the sneaky wit of this lady.
“I’ll be seeing you, Keegan. Take care until next time.” She’s about to vanish faster than she appeared.
Before she takes two steps, I halt her retreat. “Hey, Kellie?”
She glances at me over her shoulder. “Yes, dear?”
I lick my lips, allowing courage to brew inside of me. “Can you do me a favor?”
“Of course.” Her eyes crinkle in the corners with a genuine smile.
“If you see Ford, tell him we say hello. And, maybe, that I hope he’s doing well.” Holding a grudge will only allow bitterness to eat away at me. I don’t need another reason to fester over the past. We can be civil adults and move forward in very separate directions.
Kellie laughs, the sound more of a titter. “Oh, that won’t be necessary.”
Ouch. I guess being cordial is off the table. Just to test my newfound conviction, I ask, “Why not?”
Her full smile returns. “I have a feeling the opportunity to tell him yourself will arise very soon.”
That prediction has me whipping a glance behind me and across both sides. Of course there’s no sign of him. I ignore the sinking sensation in my belly. “I’m not so sure about that,” I murmur.
“Never doubt a mother’s intuition, right?”
“If you say so.” I’m sure the stare she’s getting from me is blank.
Kellie winks at me. “I’ll accept you eating those words when I’m proven to be correct.”
I can see where Crawford gets his confidence and snarky attitude. “And if you’re wrong?”
She shakes a finger at me, the scold already clear. “I’m sorry if I led you to believe that was an option. It’s not, dear. What’s happening between you two is just a simple misunderstanding.”
Once again, I find myself questioning how much she knows. “He wasn’t exactly ambiguous.”
Kellie leans forward to squeeze my hand. The motherly gestures jumpstarts my stunned heart. “You might assume things are over, but I’m willing to bet Ford is far from done with you.”
I almost shiver from certainty vibrating in her words. A powerful surge floods my veins a moment later. On a scale of one to being a lost cause, where I do fall if I’m hoping she’s right?
Healing Hug #29: A shot of pure relief.
Concrete pumps under my skin with each city block I pass. I’ll be a solid mass ready for battle once I arrive. The miles tick on, erasing more distance between salvation and freedom. Comforting sunshine and my slice of paradise fade in the rearview mirror. All that looms ahead is thundering darkness and soul-sucking shadows. After taking a final left, the steel fortress comes into view. My muscles seize, threatening a lockdown on their own accord. But this is something I must do. Fear doesn’t exist in my vocabulary since he disgraced me for the final time.
The parking lot is decorated with luxury vehicles in all shapes and colors. My bike stands out like a bolt of chrome lightning in the midnight sky. Seems fitting, since I’ve always been an inky stain on my father’s manufactured prestige. I speed toward the front and snag a guest spot. Security will realize I don’t belong when my tires are burning rubber on the way out. I’ve always excelled at making an exit.
After dismounting the only worthy ride in plain sight, I stride to the arching metal entrance someone paid way too much for. The thick soles of my boots pound into the pavement. That steady beat conducts the rhythm attempting to go wild in my chest. I’m finally taking Keegan’s advice and facing my largest demon. Slaying him to the ground would be my preference, but saying my piece will have to suffice.
I swing open the set of frosty glass doors, revealing a disturbing amount of stark white. Dressed in all black and leather, I’m the instant target for anyone with decent eyesight. Lucky for me, this is the last place where I want to belong. The lobby smells heavily of plastic, rotting dreams, and fitting into a mold. One whiff of the artificial odor singes my nostrils. I couldn’t survive a day trapped within these pristine walls.
The receptionist tilts her chin up at me, the angle sharp and haughty as fuck. If she thinks that bullshit display is making anybody feel inferior, I can give her a few pointers. I pay her zero mind and stride by without a second glance. A stunned squeak puffs from her injected lips, but I’m already too far gone.
A small jolt shoots through me when I notice the tracks of mud trailing behind me. So much for his spotless floors. That’s the first jab of happiness
