Page 81 of Without Judgment

Mason blew out an exasperated breath. “Let’s hope so. He could change parts of the story. Wouldn’t surprise me if he tried to make himself a victim in this.”

“Did you not see his face? He was a victim.” I couldn’t believe I was having this conversation, let alone defending my ex, but where was Mason’s empathy?

“He was manipulating you. Not that I’d wish for anyone to get beat up, but he made his bed. Just don’t get back in it with him.”

I dropped his hand. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

He raked a hand through his hair in frustration. “It means I didn’t like you holding his hand or believing for a moment he’s a victim. You. You are the victim of this. You are the one who’s innocent. Not him. Him trying to say the stress of the wedding made him do this— I know you have a soft heart, but you cannot for one second think to forgive him—”

What the hell? He was almost acting jealous which was absurd. I knew he couldn’t be. In any case, I’d heard enough. Holding up my hand, I interrupted. “The only people trying to use me right now are the police, and I told them no. They can do their jobs, and Edward can make his statement. But I’m done. DONE being involved. As for forgiveness, whether I choose to give it or not, that’s my decision. And it has nothing to do with having a soft heart. It’s about liberating myself more than it is about absolving him. It means he no longer holds the power to hurt me or affect my life in any way. I hope he makes it right by giving a statement, but at the end of the day, I no longer have the energy to spend another second on what he does or doesn’t do.”

Nor did I have the energy for Mason’s temper or judgment over how I was handling things.

“Okay. I get it. I’m sorry. I plan to talk to your father about another couple weeks security, just as a precaution. I can go with you to Dallas or wherever else you’re looking at schools.”

My heart wanted to fist bump my libido at the thought of getting more time with him. However, my brain pulled rank. It turned out I had an expiration date for being able to keep things casual between us. And this was it. “Don’t you have to get back to Austin?”

“Yes, but—”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll stay with my brother in Dallas until things calm down and then make sure I take precautions.”

He didn’t appear happy, making me wonder why not. Shouldn’t he be relieved? He should be thrilled he didn’t have to babysit me a moment longer and could get back to his life.

“Avery, I—”

My brother’s voice caused Mason to stop what he was saying.

“Hey. The police are going in now. What do you want to do, sis?”

I wanted Mason to finish what he’d been about to say, but he didn’t look like he would now.

“I guess go home to Dad’s house since we’re so close. That way I can unpack and repack before heading to Dallas.”

Mason put his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Be careful and ensure the alarms in the house are set whenever you’re home. Okay?”

Right. He was forever ensuring my safety. That’s probably what he’d been about to say. Be sure to set the alarms.

“Okay. Bye Mason.” I followed my brother out and decided the second time didn’t make it any easier to say goodbye.

***

It felt strange to be back in my dad’s house in my own room sitting on my bed. The first thing I’d done was take a proper shower. Although it had felt heavenly, I found myself missing the lake. Missing the little tub Mason would dump warm water into every morning for me without my having to ask even once. I assumed he was happily on his way back to Austin by now.

My brother and Emma were sticking close and staying the night at the house. Both had been completely supportive about waiting a day before returning to Dallas. It would give me a chance to get more clothes, not to mention speak with my father. I needed to get it over with, but appreciated he was giving me space, waiting until I was ready to talk.

His patience spoke volumes. Typically, he wasn’t inclined toward that quality; however, valuing my time showed me he was respecting my boundaries.

I walked downstairs and knocked on his office door. Funny how this time around I didn’t have nerves. Mason had called it at the cabin when he’d said I’d be okay no matter what happened. I believed that now.

“Come in.”

I opened my father’s door to see he’d already risen from his chair and was walking towards me. “How are you?”

“Okay. Did the police or your team find out anything more?”

He hesitated but then the words poured out. “Yes. I’ll fill you in on everything, but first I need to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for taking away your voice. For making decisions about you when I should’ve been asking you. And most importantly, for not believing you. Your mother would be so pissed with me. And unbelievably proud of you.”

Tears fell at his unexpected, heartfelt apology. I allowed him to embrace me in a long-overdue hug of comfort.

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