“Isn’t that nice? You lost a partner, but I gained one.”
He sputters on his inflated ego. “Grant is working at that filthy garage with you?”
“Damn straight. I’d say it’s long overdue. Maybe we’ll send you a flyer once the logo is updated.”
“Gloating does nothing to impress me.”
“No? Could’ve sworn you tried teaching me the opposite.”
“Being a grease monkey is never going to get you a decent woman.”
“And the days of me tolerating your disrespect are over. Keep that in mind before dropping by.”
“I’m not listening to this from you.” My father swats the air, dismissing me with a flick of his wrist.
My patience snaps faster than a fraying piece of twine. I lunge forward and grip his collar. “You better hear me. If I see you again with this shitty attitude, prepare for a restraining order.”
“Is that supposed to scare me?”
I pat his cheek in the same patronizing manner he’s always done to me. “Nah, it’s just some friendly words of advice. Take it or leave it, pops.”
He struggles out of my hold, forcing me backward. “Get out of my sight, you ungrateful little shit.”
“With pleasure.” I slam out of his office the same way I came in, taking great satisfaction when the wood splinters further.
The slaying is done. Not an ounce of remorse or regret weighs me down. All I feel is relief whisking the ache away. The iron walls constantly holding me back vanish and I’m free to move forward.
There are two girls waiting on me, whether they realize it or not. My pulse thumps faster with each rushed stomp out of this prison. Hopefully I’m not too late and they’re still willing to be mine.
Only one way to find out.
Healing Hug #30: For chances not necessarily earned, but given regardless.
I walk along the cobbled path with too many thoughts fighting for control. The words blur and stick together, forming a clusterfuck of epic proportions. Prickles of doubt battle with stony resolve. Where do I even begin? How will I fix this? Why didn’t I come sooner? Is this going to be a massive failure? Do they even want me to try? My arms are loaded up with tokens of apology. The need to grovel has never struck me until I let Keegan and Millie slip away. I’m ready to crash down onto my knees and beg for their forgiveness.
The door swings open before I can knock. Keegan stands just beyond the threshold, wearing a grimace to match the threadbare tee that’s one stitch away from ripping apart. Her shirt would pair well with the tatters of my heart. I almost smile at the sight. Just having her within reach has relief pumping into my deprived veins.
Keegan quirks a skeptical brow, but she doesn’t appear surprised to see me. Her visible irritation makes it seem as though she’s been expecting me. “Can I help you?”
“I’m an idiot,” I blurt. That’s what I open with? I truly am an idiot.
That slim brow arches higher. “Newsflash, Ford. That’s not a secret.”
I thrust the flowers at her. “These are for you. I have some for Millie, too.”
Keegan accepts the heaping bunch, but barely glances at the colorful assortment. “Thanks.”
I try not to let her terse tone discourage me, but the clamp around my ribs cranks tighter. A shallow exhale breezes through my frown. I peer around Keegan’s steely blockade. Millie hovers on the last stair, gripping onto the banister with both arms. She’s hesitant, keeping a safe distance, and I don’t blame her.
I swallow the thick lump clogging my throat. “Hey, Peep. I’m really sorry for leaving when you were upset. And for not saying goodbye. There’s so much I need to apologize for. Maybe you’ll be able to forgive me one day.”
My peace offering for her now feels insignificant and small. Millie’s bundle is also full of vibrant blooms, much like the arrangement I brought for Keegan. Her variety has a few special additions. Instead of leafy green accents, the florist used gumdrops and jellybeans. I thought it was a nice touch for the little candy addict.
Keegan snatches the second bouquet out of my hands. “You can’t just swoop in and expect us to instantly forget what happened. I’m not going to collapse into your arms, grateful that you showed up.”
I hold up my empty palms, the weight of nothing has never been heavier. “I don’t think that. Not at all. I let the past get to me. That’s over with now. I confronted my demons, like you so eloquently suggested.”
“Good to hear you took my advice.” She crosses her arms, crushing the stems without flinching. She isn’t making this easy on me, that’s for sure. A swell of pride simmers inside of me. My stubborn girl hasn’t lost her fight.
“I appreciate you giving it to me straight. That was needed. I’m a sad, lonely, pitiful, stupid—”
She slices through the foot of space separating us. “Stop reciting the list I’ve already created.”
My gut clenches. “That doesn’t sound good.”
“What do you expect, Ford? A warm welcome after you tore apart the flimsy trust we’d managed to restore? You know the crap I’ve been through. I don’t need empty promises or meaningless words. After two weeks of nothing, I figure there’s nothing left to say.”
I’m shaking my head halfway through her speech. “No, Kee. That’s not true. There’s plenty left for us. Everything. Please don’t give up on me. I screwed up. I know. Dammit, please.”
The tension radiating from her thin frame hasn’t eased. She stands strong and proud, lifting her chin to pin a fiery glare at me. “You blasted me with so much shade that there’s permanent damage. All that callous indifference thrown at me, without hesitating. How do you think I feel, huh? You laid the explosives, set the detonator, lit the fuse, blew up the bridge, and walked away unscathed.”
The truthful lash is brutal enough to make my legs quake. “I’ll agree to the first two, but I’ve been living
