Page 86 of Tempting the Heart

I propped my arms along the bench as she sipped her coffee. “I had to set boundaries for myself as well. My parents were verbally abusive, and there came a moment when I realized I could be stronger than the hurt. I haven’t spoken to them in fifteen years.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“Yeah. I think that’s why I made the call. I was just triggered.” She glanced down at the sidewalk.

“That reminds me. You mentioned at the hospital that my dad had said something to you that made you make the call. He didn’t threaten you or anything, did he?” Worry prickled through me as I waited for her response.

She shook her head and brought her eyes to mine. “No. It wasn’t that.”

“Do you mind telling me what it was? You don’t have to, but I was curious.”

She set her drink on the bench and folded her arms over her chest. “Your father had said something unkind to me when I was showing him an exercise, and I don’t even remember what it was he said, but it stopped me in my tracks, and I point-blankasked him why he was so mean to so many people, his sons included.”

I stared at Bethany, who took a slow breath and picked up her drink.

“It was his answer that made me call APS. But it wasn’t for their safety, it was for yours.” Her eyes stayed on mine, and I wondered why I'd never asked him or my mom myself. Afraid of the answer?

“What did he say when you asked why he was so mean to so many people?” I swallowed down my nerves, hoping she’d tell me.

“He simply said, ‘Because it is fun.’”

I sprang off the bench and shook my head. “Fun?”

She nodded, noticing I was now standing on the sidewalk in frustration. “Yeah, fun. I don’t know what I expected, but I guess the wordfundidn’t enter the equation. It just… triggered me.”

“I’m so sorry, Bethany.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. You aren’t your parents.” She let out another deep breath. “Hopefully, that answer gives you insight and releases you a bit. I know you’re not where I am with cutting off my parents, and you don’t ever have to be. But maybe knowing your dad considers itfunto sling insults and hurt puts things in perspective for you.”

“It really does.” I ran my hand along my chin, remembering I forgot to shave today. My dad would really flip if he saw an unshaven version of me.

“But I apologize for making that call. It wasn’t my place. He’d just say little things that made me think that if someonestopped by for a visit, a bit of fear might shape them up.” She looked at me. “Does Mae know I made the call?”

I shook my head. “No. I just told her a worried citizen did it.”

“I hope there weren’t any repercussions for you,” she added.

“No. They’re independent adults, and honestly, if your friend hadn’t done such a good job of freaking out my mom, my parents probably wouldn’t be at the senior living apartment. Mentioning the court system made her nervous.”

“Nancy has a way with words.”

“My brother and I thank you for this, but I don’t want you to beat yourself up about it. Like you said at the hospital, the medics submitted a report about the house, too. It was probably the combination, and it’s for the best. My parents are closer to medical care and have a clean apartment. Housekeeping comes in weekly, so if things start to get out of hand, my brother and I will be notified.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear it.” She leaned over and gave me a quick hug. “I hope to see you around Marigold. Off I go to my next appointment. I just needed a mocha. Mae makes the best.”

I smiled proudly. “She does.”

I watched Bethany take off toward her clinic and shook my head.

Fun? No wonder their eyes always danced when they were in the middle of it all. A chill ran through me as I thought about what that really meant for my future with them. I’d probably never cut them out of my life, but I certainly could see carvingmyself an even better life away from them with even less contact than now. I’d just make sure they’re fine.

Letting out a sigh, a little bit of tension left my shoulders as I made my way to the coffee shop. I hadn’t stopped in today, and I’d made a habit of it these last two weeks.

After sleeping with Mae, I wanted to be around her even more. I also wanted to protect her, and hearing that my parents made a sport out of hurting people worried me about the future.

I opened the door to the coffee shop that had a line of people waiting to order. Mae had both of her employees working today since it was Friday, and she definitely needed every ounce of help.

The sound of the coffee grinder fought with the music from the speakers above. Laughter echoed through the space, and the smells of coffee and buttery croissants filled the air.

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