Page 58 of Embracing Trust

I put my hand on his knee and give him a reassuring pat. “Just know I’m here for you. You know…if you ever want to talk.”

“I’ll just tell you I saw some shit over there that I can’t unsee.”

I nod and wait for him to continue, but he doesn’t.

Ryan points towards the door. “Mind if I shower?”

“Of course not. There’re towels in the bathroom cabinet. Help yourself.”

And with that, Ryan stands, opens the patio door, and heads inside. I’m left on the deck alone to ponder what he just said. Besides my trust issues, it looks like Ryan has his own issues. Maybe we have more in common than I thought. We’re both fighting our own set of demons.

Chapter Twenty-six

Ryan

Once Friday afternoon hits, I’m ready for the weekend. Although Julia and I see each other quite a bit during the week, we enjoy spending our weekends together. We have more time to go out and do the things we both enjoy. The best part is waking up on Saturday morning with Jules in my arms.

Thankfully, after Mark’s birthday bash, Julia didn’t ask many questions about the nightmares. Seems like she just accepted my explanation and moved on. I suspect she didn’t want to push me on the reason, and I’m glad she didn’t. The nightmares are not something I’m ready to talk about yet. I was hoping they would subside over time, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

I finish hanging a piece of drywall when my cell phone rings.

Great. It’s Mom.

“Hello, Mom.” I try to keep my voice chipper because I don’t really like talking to Mom when I’m trying to work.

“Hi, Ryan. I won’t keep you. I’m sure you’re very busy, but I was hoping you might join us for dinner tonight. I know—”

“Tonight?”

“I know it’s short notice, but there’s a surprise guest.”

I chuckle. Anything to get me to come to dinner. Mom’s surprise guest could be anything from one of my brothers to the local handyman. I close my eyes and rub the back of my neck.

“Surprise guest, huh?” Mom loves surprising people and there’s no need to ask who it is because she won’t give anything away.

“Roast with mashed potatoes and gravy.”

I can hear the smile in her voice. I love my parents, but they can be relentless with me. Maybe if there’s company for dinner, they’ll take it easy and not pester me too much about my plans for the future.

“You know, that does sound good. I probably can’t be there until around six. I’ll need to swing by Patrick’s for a shower.”

“Perfect. We look forward to seeing you.”

After I hang up with Mom, I shoot a quick text to Julia. For a moment, I consider inviting her to join us, but the folks don’t know Julia and I are seeing each other again. Although I’m feeling positive about where things are headed with our relationship, I don’t feel like being peppered with questions from my parents.

Ryan:Hope you’re having a good day. Heading to my parents for dinner tonight.

Julia:Hi. Just working on some photo edits. Ugh.

Ryan:Not good?

Julia:Not so much. Looks like I may be at this for a while. Still on for tomorrow night?

Ryan:Absolutely. I’ll call you later.

Julia:Enjoy your evening.

After I shower, I’m tempted to put on athletic shorts and a t-shirt, but since I don’t know who awaits me at dinner, I decide to dress it up a bit with a nice pair of jeans and a short-sleeved Henley.

---