Page 36 of Saving Shepperd

Where the hell did all of that just come from? And why now? Why this morning, of all mornings, did I have to go down this path in my brain. I was having such a great morning after leaving Law’s house. But this bullshit lived right at the surface of everything I did. Every relationship I had—and destroyed. Every conversation I took part in. Every interaction with family, friends, and especially strangers. Being bitter toward, frankly, everyone and everything became my best defense mechanism. It was easier to push people away than let anyone get close and have them discover how fucked up I really was.

Until I met Law.

With that realization, the car came to a stop, jarring me from my thoughts. When I looked out the window, I realized we were in front of my workplace, and I couldn’t get out of the car fast enough.

“Hey, Shep, wait a sec,” my dad called while leaning across the center console so he could maintain eye contact with me.

“Dad, I’m going to be late,” I said but mentally reminded myself that he really had saved my ass this morning. “Thanks for the ride,” I forced out past a lump of emotion I resented for rising in my throat.

“No worries,” he said with a kind smile. “Do you need a ride home? I can swing by and pick you up. What time are you off?”

Was that hope in his expression?

“No, don’t worry about it. I’ll catch a ride.” I tried to wave him off, but he persisted.

“With who? Really, it would be no bother.”

“My boyfriend is picking me up. We have plans,” I lied. Twice, really. First, who said Law Masterson was my boyfriend? Second, I had no idea what his day looked like or if he’d be able to give me a ride. Truth be told, I probably wouldn’t even ask him.

“See you later, Dad,” I said in hopes he’d drive away.

“Okay, let me know if your plans change. Love you, kiddo,” he called, and all I could do was lift my hand to about hip level and give a pathetic wave.

I hadn’t uttered those words to anyone in years. I had no intention this morning to overturn any other apple carts in my mind. I already had enough to think about after that uninvited self-introspection.

On my lunch break, I dug my phone out of the bottom of my bag and realized I’d never turned the ringer back on from last night. I had a handful of texts from Maye and Law and couldn’t deny the way my entire body reacted when I saw he reached out.

The first message came earlier that morning.

Hey you. How’s your day going? Hope you made it on time. XO

A second message came about an hour after the first. As I read the text, a grin spread across my whole face. I took a surreptitious look around the lunchroom to see if anyone saw the way I was fawning over my phone’s screen. Thankfully, the two other people in the room were involved in their own conversation and likely didn’t realize I was in the room with how rapt they were paying attention to each other.

Interesting. I wondered if there was something going on between them based on their body language. I’d have to check out that theory with Joy when I got back to my desk to see if she picked up the same vibe.

Hope you’re okay. I thought I’d hear back from you, but you must be busy. What time are you off today? Still want to go to your parents’ to pick up some of your stuff?

Shit. I forgot we had that loose plan in the works, and I wasn’t sure if I could take more interaction with the folks today. I shot a message back to Law and figured we could just see how the evening played out.

Hey yourself. Sorry I missed your messages. Forgot to turn the ringer on this morning. Made it on time but not sure about tonight. My car died in the driveway this morning, so I’m kind of stuck.

I absolutely hated having to admit that to him for more reasons than I could list. If I knew this guy as well as I felt I did, the next message would be some version of him coming to my rescue. I never wanted to appear needy or dependent. On anyone. Especially not a man, and especially not a man I cared about. And there was no doubt after last night, I cared about this one possibly more than I’d ever cared before. But I didn’t need a savior, and I didn’t want to seem incapable of fixing my own shit.

What time are you off? I can swing by and pick you up?

You don’t have to do that. I’ll figure something out.

It’s settled. What time should I come by? The sooner I get to see you, the happier I’ll be, so we both win.

Very clever.

You know it! Time?

I’m done at 3:30. If you work later than that, I can find a ride. Seriously.

See you at 3:30. Shoot me the address, please, or drop a pin when you have a chance.

You’re too sweet. You know that?

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