Between Now and Heartbreak - Dylan Allen Page 0,79
for what she wants, but then gets to go to sleep at night knowing she’s not beholden to anyone…and something that’s a little less. Not because she’s choosing Duke. But because she’s not choosing herself.”
“I like that. She’s scared to rely on me.
“Of course she is. She’s clearly crazy for you, but she must be terrified. Her father sounds like a nightmare. Her mother and younger brother are nonexistent. Her other brother is dead. Everyone she loves is gone. You are leaving.”
“I have to. I need to see Dean.
“I’ll call Jack. He’ll help. Dean was pissed but he wants to work with you. He’ll draft a new one. All you have to do is sign it. You can take care of her if she needs it, but better yet, you can take care of yourself, too.”
“You’ve got it all figured out,” I say in awe.
“Why do you sound so surprised. I always do.”
Another call beeps in and Dina’s name flashes on my display. My gut tightens, I’ve been waiting for her call and trying hard not to think about it at the same time.
“Listen I gotta go. Thank you for being there for me.”
“Always,” she says quietly before she hangs up.
“Hey, give it to me,” I say by way of greeting.
“There is 99.9% chance that Susan Kendicott is your mother. But I was right, it’s not her DNA sample on that website.”
Some of my tension eases, but a thousand new worries crop up.
“Wow. So, who is it?”
“Only one person it can be. Unless she had other children we don’t know about. I’m trying to get a sample of the Tremaine patriarch’s DNA. But in the meantime, I want you to write a note to that other account.”
“And say what? ” I ask, my anxiety ramping up as I realize that this isn’t over.
“This time, tell him that you know he’s your brother. Tell him you’re in Winsome and say you want to meet.”
31
EXILE
BETH
I’m floating in a pool of contentment and levity. I’m lying in the arms of the man I love, naked, wet and clean. We got into the bath after we fucked in the shower and I’m dozing off. I’ve been cradled in his lap, my head lolling on his chest while he hums and sings and massages my scalp.
He shakes me gently and I crane my head to look up at him. His eyes are so tender and a little sad. It’s our last night before my father comes home and everything is about to change.
“Did you know they call the Statue of Liberty the Mother of Exiles?”
“What?” I blink away my grogginess and try to focus.
“Yeah, that’s the name in the poem that’s on the plaque there. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”
“I know that poem. I’d love to visit one day.”
“I want to be with you when you finally heed her call.”
My heart does something strange… it expands like it’s taking a huge breath and then it starts to race.
“My, but you do have a way with words,” I say.
He wraps his arms tight around me, spilling water over the side of the tub. He lowers his head so that he can nestle his face into my neck. I’m in heaven. I don’t even remember what we were talking about a minute ago.
“Oh, this mouth has got a myriad of talents. Words are just the tip of the iceberg, right?”
“Mmmm, tell me more,” I whisper when his lips start to nibble at my neck.
“Let me show you.” He grips my chin and turns my head so he can kiss me.
“I hope I never get used to the way it feels to be able to kiss you whenever I want,” I say.
And instead of smiling, his eyes darken.
“What’s wrong?”
“But, you can’t kiss me whenever you want, can you?”
His question startles me and I start to ask why, but he gets up, stepping out of the tub. He wraps a towel around his hips and sits down on the closed toilet next to the tub. The sudden loss of his body isn’t as disturbing as the look of resolve in his eyes. He looks like he’s ready for battle.
With my heart in my throat, I stand up, wrap a towel around myself and sit down on the edge of the tub across from him.
“What’s going on?”
“I don’t want to sneak around. I don’t want to hide that we’re together. Not the way we’ve hidden our friendship. I know your dad’s word