Page 68 of Endgame

Finding my attention, he holds my emotions at a standstill, “I know how hard today must be for you, and the thought of being here terrifies you, but I need you to know that I’m here. I promise not to interfere in any way. If at anytime you feel overwhelmed and want to leave, we leave. You get bad vibes from the realtor—we’re gone. If you decide you don’t want to sell it, I’ll do everything in my power to help you keep it. If you decide to paint all the walls yellow, we buy the paint. It kills me I can’t do anything to take away your pain, but I will make it my life’s mission to always be a refuge for you. Whatever you need is yours. Okay, sweetheart?”

He’s gazing at me so attentively, making me want to shatter into a mournful sob right here, right now. He’s always looking out for me. Alwayschoosingme. He wants to be my refuge. It’s similar to the safety my parents once shielded me beneath.

I would seek shelter under Callaway’s wings every moment of every day if he’d let me. It’s with him I feel the safest.

Holding back my tears, my glassy eyes find him, hoping he sees my gratitude conveyed in them.

“You are slowly becoming the person I look for on my darkest days, Callaway.” He nods in response, his eyes penetrating my heart as he lets me hold onto his words.

“I hate this.” The tears I’ve been hiding have a mind of their own as I fight to demolish the dam I’ve held secure since I lost them. An outpouring of every emotion I’ve pushed under the surface breaks free, and a wretched sob leaves my lips, my body shaking in convulsions I never saw coming.

The tears won’t stop.

Callaway grips me tighter, proving he has nowhere else to be. The mourning and the grief spewing out of me have been held together and locked in for so long I can physically feel the burden shift and leave my body. He’s here, and he’s my always-present refuge in this moment of anguish.

Why have I not seen it?

“Shhh, I’ve got you. You don’t have to do this alone anymore. I refuse to be another one to leave and let you down.” His broad hands have both found their way to cradle my face, forcing my sights firmly set on him. I believe him. I know I can do this. Not once did Callaway make me feel less than for getting emotional or mock my sensitivity; he meets me right where I am and supports my struggle.

I can do this.

It’s time to close this chapter and say goodbye.

30

DAKOTA

Navy:Proof of life, my dirty dick sucker.

Dakota:I’m burning into flames. Send hot firefighters.

Navy:Well, in that case, I’m on fire too.

Dakota:You’re so stupid. Hahaha.

Navy:How’d it go this morning? Also, don’t think I didn’t see you sneak out of the bathroom with my brother last night. What’s up with that?

Shit. She saw us. I’ll play it off for now. I need to figure out how to handle this because no doubt she will bring it up again.

Dakota:It went better than expected, let’s say that. And I would never do that :)

Navy: Yeah, yeah.Wanna meet up for some retail therapy? I need new everything.

Dakota:Yes, let's. I need to find a bikini that will make me feel confident enough to stand in front of a bunch of hot athletes for tomorrow's shoot. Not that I’ll be standing there in a bikini, but if it gets hot.”

Navy:….and you need to get naked?

Dakota:Only if your brother will join me? ;)

Navy:Okay. That’s enough. Pick you up in twenty.

A little retailtherapy sounds like what I need.

My mind is reeling: the house, the upcoming photoshoot, Callaway.

I’m the most useless person when I’m overstimulated, so shopping will do my mind some good and give me a much-needed break.

A mental leave of absence if you will.

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