Page 22 of A Small Town Risk

“Nice to meet you,” I say with a nod.

“Nice to meet you,” she says before addressing Mom. “I’m sure you know he’s been served and on his way over. I’ve come prepared. John, Tom, can you come in?”

Two huge guys enter the room. They look like wrestlers. Mom and I are speechless.

“They’re here just in case things get out of hand,” Shirley says as we hear a loud bang at the front of the house.

“Where the hell is everyone?” I hear Dad yell.

“Back here,” Mom hollers.

Dad storms into the room, clearly upset.

“I see you got them,” Mom says, looking at the papers clutched in his hand.

“We aren’t getting a divorce,” he says, slamming the papers on the table in front of Mom.

She doesn’t bat an eye. She’s used to Dad ranting and raving, but isn’t backing down this time, not wilting under his stare.

“We are getting a divorce,” she declares. “If you refuse, I’ll expose the truth about your mistresses and financial misconduct.”

She slides the papers back toward Dad.

As expected, he tries to weasel his way back into her good graces, and when that doesn’t work, he gets nasty. Ultimately, he leaves in a rage, swearing that he won’t give her a penny. He doesn’t know that the lawyer recorded every word he uttered. He’s screwed.

The lawyer promises Mom everything will be fine and that she’ll nail Dad to the wall. “He won’t know what hit him.”

I plan to stay an extra few days to help Mom get organized. Dad showed up again late that night, drunk and looking for trouble. The security team called the police, and they arrested him for disturbing the peace and DUI. Our lawyer secured a restraining order to keep him away.

Mom decides to sell the house and everything in it and move to New York. She’s had enough of Dallas and all its painful reminders. I understand her decision.

When I leave, Mom seems to have everything under control. She hugs me and apologizes for not being the mother I deserve. She promises to visit me once she’s settled in New York.

I have to say I’m really proud of her for what she’s done. But it makes me wonder about my own future and whether I will end up like her. I guess time will tell.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

PARKER

Pulling into Manning Falls, I roll down the truck’s window and breathe in the fresh Colorado air. It feels like another lifetime since I left. I hope the drama of my parent’s divorce is behind me now.

I park behind my building and grab my bag before getting out. Opening the back door to the store, I feel myself relaxing. I’m so much happier here than in Dallas. It’s peaceful, even if my love life is up in the air.

I make my way upstairs and drop my stuff on the floor. I need a nice long bath and some sleep. I’ve kept in touch with Elle and Catherine about everything happening with Mom and Dad. I texted them when I touched down in Denver and told them I would talk to them tomorrow. The only one I didn’t stay in touch with was Ryan. I only texted him twice. I didn’t let him know I would be home today.

I unload my beauty products onto the counter and dump my clothes into the laundry basket. Put my phone and purse on the counter. I fill the bathtub with water and pour lavender Epsom salts. I undress and get into the tub.

The warm water feels heavenly as I lay back and close my eyes. I don’t know how long it’s been, but I hear footsteps, and the water’s cold. I sit up and grab my towel. I set the security alarm when I came home, didn’t I?

The steps get louder. I spring out of the tub and quietly shut the door. Thankfully, my cell phone is on the bathroom counter. I grab it and get ready to hit 9-1-1.

“Parker. Where the hell are you?” Ryan yells out.

I lay my hand on my chest to slow my beating heart.

“I’m in the bathroom. What are you doing here?” I quickly dry off and slip my robe on.

I yank open the door and find Ryan standing in my bedroom. I’m shocked.

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