Zenith in Love (Zenith Series #5) - Leanne Davis Page 0,98
come home with you.”
Rob nodded as he put his hand out and Jim automatically got up and shook it. “I know you don’t care about my opinion, but I’m proud of how you handled this.”
Something strange blossomed in Jim’s chest. He never felt anything like it. Since when did he care so much about Rob’s approval?
Chapter 16
KAYLA LISTENED AS ROB told her everything he and Jim talked about. Rob called her the moment he left Jim’s as he drove home. She listened until the end and asked, “You think he has a problem?”
“Yes. He had more bottles hidden in the closet. He drinks alone and goes to extremes when he does, so yes. I believe he knows he has a problem. Or the very start of one.”
“What does he think?”
“He had to admit it was odd behavior that must mean something negative. I don’t think he’s hopeless, but be aware, Kayla, it is all on him whatever he does. Not on you. And neither is it a reflection of how he feels for you.”
“How did he look?”
“Like the saddest, most alone person I’ve ever come across. He was slouched on the couch, staring at his feet.”
“Yes. I know that look. And he kind of is alone.” Or he was. She knew she temporarily changed that for him. But the alcohol? She never dreamed or imagined that. Not Pastor Jim. Her Jim. That was his outlet. Before her, sex, friendship, and cursing weren’t the ways that Jim vented. His choice was random alcohol binges.
“Do you think I should go over there?”
Rob sighed. “I prefer that you run far away as fast as you can. But do I think he’s fragile right now? And vulnerable? Yes, it can go either way for him. I think you should talk to him.”
She gripped her phone tightly as she searched for her shoes and keys before leaving the room. She sniffled and wiped off her tears. Stopping dead, she said, “I love you, Rob. Thank you for doing that. I know it wasn’t what you wanted to do. But I needed you.”
“Ah… that’s exactly why I did it. I love you too. And if he is the man you think you love, I’ll help you both, in whatever way I can.”
She flopped into her car, smiling even though no one could see her. “I know. You’re my dad.”
He laughed into her ear softly and gently. “Yes. That is exactly what I am. Will you be careful? Promise me. Don’t get too hung up. See the reality and walk away if necessary.”
“I will.”
“If you don’t see it and I do, promise me you’ll listen to me and hear me.”
She shut her eyes and bit her lip. Please don’t let it get there. But she nodded, again even though he couldn’t see her. Finally, she sniffled and said, “I promise, Rob. I promise.”
“But don’t go to Jim’s. He was leaving his place. Just stay home, and I’ll see you in a few minutes. Okay?”
Her heart deflated. Where would Jim go? Acid climbed up her throat. It hurt. But she went back inside the house and paced and waited and fretted. Finally, she heard Rob pulling in and she ran out to meet him. Flinging the front door open, she found Jim standing behind Rob in the doorway. He came here? To her? Obviously.
Her entire body nearly melted into a puddle on the ground. Jim came to her? He wasn’t ready to turn his back on her and never speak to her again. That’s all she could picture him doing. All afternoon, her stomach roiled in knots. She wondered how he’d react. She feared he’d simply never want to see her again. She fought the urge to rush him.
But of course, Rob was standing in front of him. Rebecca came in when she heard the door and was also anxious to see how Rob’s meeting with Jim went. Expecting to see just Rob, as Kayla did, Rebecca descended the stairs hastily. Kayla’s hair was a crazy mess piled on top of her head in a rough knot. No makeup. Slouchy sweats and a t-shirt without socks. No shower either. Kayla was biting her nails, pacing, and trying to figure out what Rob could possibly say to Jim. Each time she pictured the moment Jim opened the door to Rob, she tried to imagine what the hell happened. Would Jim hate her for betraying his confidence?