“I appreciate what you meant to do, Caleb. But I am a grown, capable woman. And I am fine. I did not need you to speak for me.” She put a gentle hand on his arm.
“If you weren’t going to stand up to him, then yes, you did. That’s my role.”
“He can only hurt me now if I let him. He was worth neither my anger nor my words. He wanted a confrontation. Why should I give him what he sought?” She blinked up at him, willing him to understand. “I know what sets Gordon off. Do not be surprised if he slashes his own tires, then calls the police to blame such a thing on you.”
“I don’t give a shit, Lottie. He treated you with terrible unkindness and disrespect. I won’t have that.”
“I would rather not listen to it. However, if it means keeping the peace, his insults, which no one else will hear, mean nothing to me.”
“It means something to me. Pissant bullies like that only understand strength. Silence is weakness to them. He would have continued to browbeat you until he found just the way to make you feel every bit as miserable as he does. He’s angry and jealous and determined to at least ruin our evening, if not ruin your life. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let him.”
“I would rather not give him the satisfaction either.”
“So don’t!”
“I am handling it in my way, and you took that choice from me without discussion. You silenced my voice, just in a different way than Gordon.”
“Are you going to compare me to that ass**le?”
Around them a family gave them a wide berth as they walked into the restaurant. A laughing couple in their twenties walked out with bright smiles, the woman wearing a Christmas sweatshirt that said, “BE NAUGHTY. SAVE SANTA THE TRIP.” A nip was finally beginning to fill the air.
And standing here knowing that Caleb did not grasp her point of view—and worried that he might never—very nearly broke her heart.
“No. I will merely tell you that I do not need and will not have another man taking over my life. Will you drop me at Mari’s house, please?” She walked toward his truck, clutching the Styrofoam and forcing herself not to look in his direction.
“I was going to take you home and—”
“I think it is best if we say good night.” She drew in a shaking breath. “And good-bye.”
Chapter 6
December 22 – Lafayette, Louisiana
Carlotta pulled up in front of Kata and Hunter’s apartment and waved at her daughter, who stood on the balcony with a smile and gestured her inside.
The late afternoon sun blinded her as she exited her sedan and headed up the stairs. Kata popped back through the apartment and met her at the door with a hug.
“It’s good to see you, Mamá. I’m so glad you’re going to spend Christmas in Lafayette. Hunter is en route home now. I expect him in the middle of the night. Mari had Carlos take the boys to a movie, so she’s been baking and waiting for you.” She frowned. “It’s Christmas and we’re all going to be together. Why do you look so sad?”
She tried to paste on a bright smile for her daughter, but felt anything except happy. In fact, she had been unable to feel happy for nearly three weeks. “I am tired.”
Kata only narrowed her eyes and dragged her to the sofa. “And I’m Santa Claus. Out with it.”
“I do not wish to burden you.”
“You’re my mother, not a burden. You’ve always been there to help me with my problems. You kept me from making the biggest mistake of my life and divorcing Hunter. You raised me and loved me and…how can you think I’d ever do anything but listen and try to help?”
Carlotta fidgeted. Kata really should know something. On Christmas Eve, there would be a big surprise party at her new house. Kimber, Tara, and Delaney had all been planning it feverishly and keeping her apprised. Luc and Alyssa were catering from their restaurant, Bonheur. Everyone would be there…including Caleb. If she didn’t tell Kata the truth now, her daughter would only ask later, when she should be focused on her new home and having her husband with her for the holidays.
She heaved a big sigh. “Caleb and I tried having a…relationship. It did not work, and I miss him far, far more than I imagined I would after such a short time.”
Kata’s eyes bulged. “He dumped you? That makes no sense. That man has been crazy about you—”
“No, Mija. I told him that such a relationship would not work. You and Hunter have settled your issues with control and power, and I know your…” She looked at the discreet collar around her daughter’s neck, and after many conversations, understood what it represented. “Your private life has helped with that, but I—”
“Stop there, Mamá. Hunter and I have worked it out, and yes, understanding that his dominance isn’t meant to flatten but help me has made a huge difference. I know the Colonel is a force to be reckoned with, but he would never make you miserable like Gordon.”
“Not intentionally. He has a good heart. But he does not understand my need for independence, I fear. And to please him, I wonder…would I simply let him have his way?”