Page 97 of The One I Left Behind

“His hand is swollen, but he tells me he’s fine.” She motions to the couch. “Do you want a drink?”

“No, thanks.”

I sit on the couch, and she sits on the chair. Just that feels crushing. I miss her cuddling up into me on the couch.

“First of all, I’m sorry, Gillian. I acted selfishly when I went behind your back and told Brooks to look into Waylon. I should’ve come to you with my worries so we could handle them together.”

She sighs. “Ben, we’re a team. If we’re together, I have to be able to trust that you’re not hiding stuff from me. Even if you’re trying to protect me.”

“I know. My dad?—”

“Good ol’ Bruce.”

“I’m giving you time to forgive me. I won’t pressure you, but you should know that I’m so damn sorry. I’d do about anything to take it back.”

She stares at me, and I can’t read her. It’s frustrating as hell. “I know you would, and thank you. In the end, it’s probably for the best. It’s kind of a weight off my shoulders. Clayton knows now, and…” She rolls her eyes. “The whole town too.”

I wince and nod. “I’m here for a different reason, though.”

She rears her head back. “Oh, what?”

“Waylon isn’t going to go away. He thinks Clayton is his ticket to money and fame. Brooks overhead him telling another guy in jail how his kid is going places and a bunch of other shit that could just be him running his mouth, but it might not be.”

“He’ll never win custody.” Her voice is strong, but I see the worry in her eyes.

“True. But he could make Clayton’s and your life hell.”

She nibbles the inside of her cheek. “So? What do you think we should do?”

“I want to pay him off.”

She bolts off the chair. “Ben.”

“I know what you’re going to say, but with people like Waylon, money works. I pay him, and he signs away any rights to Clayton. It’s a win.”

She paces the room. “I can’t ask you to do that. I don’t even know where we stand. I just interviewed in Lincoln this week. We might move. And?—”

“I told you I’d go with you. If you want me to.” I clear my throat.

Gillian shakes her head. “I’m not taking you away from your family again.”

“You’re not taking me away. I’m choosing to go with you.” I stand and break the distance between us. “I don’t care if you never talk to me again. I mean, I care. I really fucking care. You’ll break my heart in two. It’ll be irreparable. I’ll never come back from it.”

I get a small smile from her.

“The money is worth it if I know that you and Clayton are safe.” I hold my breath, hoping she’ll agree.

“I would have to pay you back.”

I huff. “No, you wouldn’t.”

“Ben…”

“Hey, you’re mad that I didn’t go to you first before I talked to Brooks. This isn’t your problem, Gillian, it’s our problem. If you want us to be together, then this is me telling you, I heard you, and I’m changing.”

She rubs her forehead. “Do you really think the money would help?”

I nod. “Yes.”

---