Page 33 of Safe With You

Her phone dinged a few minutes later with Drew’s text tone. She dug it out of the pocket of her sweatshirt. “I guess I’m popular this morning. First, my mom called, trying to guilt me again, then you texted, and now Drew.”

She sent a quick response to his good morning text and tucked the phone back into her pocket.

“So, how did you and Drew meet?”

Katie half turned in her seat to look back at Ethan, keeping her dripping oar over the side. “Church. It was the last thing I expected, considering I didn’t even want to go. But Grandma kept encouraging me, so I did. About six months later, I bumped into him, literally. It was embarrassing since I wasn’t paying attention, but we got to talking, and he invited me to lunch the following Sunday.”

“Do you think he’s the one?”

She mulled that over. Was it weird she didn’t have an immediate answer? “I don’t really know. I think we have a pretty good relationship, but we haven’t discussed the future much beyond his career plans.” She shrugged. After just about three years, it did seem like they should have a better idea of where the relationship was headed. “I don’t think marriage is his priority right now.”

“Is that all right with you?”

She hesitated, her mind returning to the other night and her loneliness. Waiting for the relationship to progress had been easier when she had Grandma to focus on.

He quickly spoke up again, his tone apologetic. “I’m sorry. That was too personal. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m not used to having anyone to talk to about it other than Grandma.” Even then, she’d tried not to burden Grandma with too many of her problems. “It would be nice to have some idea of the future of the relationship. But I guess I’ll have to see how it goes.”

Ethan remained silent for a long moment, and Katie wondered if he would give her any advice. He was a guy, after all. It might be nice to hear things from his perspective. Yet, before she could ask, he changed the subject.

“So, your mom called again.”

She rolled her eyes and had to stop herself from giving in to her uncharitable feelings. “Yeah. This time, I think she even worked up some fake tears. It’s exhausting to predict what manipulative tactic she’ll try next.”

“Have you talked to her since Tuesday?”

She dipped her paddle into the water and shook her head. “I keep letting it go to voicemail. We can barely communicate when things are normal. She won’t accept anything I say unless I agree to give up the cottage and split Grandma’s money, so why answer?”

“You shouldn’t. It might not be physical, but manipulation is still abuse. You don’t have to subject yourself to that.”

His words sank deep into her mind and soothed the turmoil she realized she was still hanging on to. Even though she knew it, having someone validate and reinforce her decisions was nice. “I just don’t know how she ever got that way. Grandma never thought she could have kids. My mom was an answer to many long years of prayer. A miracle, really, but then she turned out like this, and I can’t imagine how it broke Grandma’s heart. She and Grandpa tried so hard.”

“Unfortunately, with some people, you can give them every opportunity and do everything you can for them, but they’ll still insist on following their own path, even if it’s destructive. I’m sure it did break their hearts, but the miracle wasn’t wasted. They got you. I know your grandma would never have traded what she had with you for anything.”

Warmth bloomed in Katie’s chest. She hadn’t considered it like that before. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

After dropping Katie off at her dock and putting the canoe away, Ethan headed into the shop to tinker until lunchtime. He opened the big overhead door to let in the fresh air and picked up a piece of sandpaper to work on a nearly finished shelf. With this last sanding, he could stain it.

His conversations with Katie played through his mind as he worked. Of course, what she’d said about Drew stuck in his mind. He didn’t know what that boyfriend of hers was waiting for. He would’ve popped the question a long time ago. It seemed unfair to drag Katie along without clear intentions. But what did he know? He’d dated Anna longer than he should have. He shouldn’t be having such a hard time judging the guy. He’d had to confess it a lot lately.

He’d just finished sanding when a motorcycle rumbled up the road. Instead of passing by, it slowed down and turned onto the driveway. He left the shop as the familiar Yamaha Maxim stopped near the house. The rider killed the engine and pulled off his helmet.

Ethan grinned as he strode toward him. “The PK returns.”

Adam Donovan, Pastor’s oldest son, flashed a smile as he stepped off the bike. After Katie, Adam had been Ethan’s best friend growing up. That close friendship continued into adulthood despite the time Adam had spent away on mission trips over the years. This latest trip had lasted five months.

They met with a quick, back-slapping hug.

“How have you been? How was Uganda?”

“Amazing, as always. You should go sometime.”

Ethan had thought about it right after breaking up with Anna, but it hadn’t worked out. Someday, maybe.

He eyed his friend. He looked good and was obviously still into lifting weights. Where Ethan had dark hair, Adam was blond, especially now that he’d spent so much time in the hot sun. One might think he’d just gotten highlights.

“What’s this? You look like you’ve been on a tropical vacation. Either that or in a tanning bed.”

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