Page 71 of Loved By Tandy

“I think you already know about how things went south with Delaney. Because she wouldn’t talk to me.” He leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “Granted, we had a rough start because I wouldn’t talk to her.”

“Matthew and I talk.”

The look Eli gives me makes me want to wash his eyes out with soap.

“I just want Granddad to be happy. And you too. I guess I thought if you knew the rest of us really like you, that maybe you’d change your mind.”

“I’ll think about it.” I stand and dust off the back of my pants. “I need to head back inside before they tile the entryway. I appreciate that y’all stopped by.” I shoo them toward their trucks. “Now go before I ask y’all to take off your shirts and pose for pictures.”

Laughing, they walk away from the porch.

I run back upstairs. “Derek, I’m back inside. Just holler when I need to start my twenty-four-hour timer.”

“Will do. And I think you’re crazy.” Derek chuckles.

“I believe that has already been established.” Trapped upstairs, I’ll have lots of time to think about what Zach and Eli said. Just like I promised.

It’s beenfour hours since my confinement began, and I’m bored.

I change into my jammies and crawl into bed with a Big Hunk bar. Every afternoon this week, Matthew has left one on my porch. Every bite reminds me of how much I miss him.

The sun sinks low, and I scroll through social media, watching videos about nothing and hoping something will catch my interest and distract me from my thoughts.

Maybe Zach and Eli are right. I should talk to Matthew. As much as I don’t want to get between him and his daughter, I should probably let Matthew make that decision.

But it’s easier to choose on my own. Or am I deluding myself that it’s less painful to walk away than to have him pull back? I admit that self-protection is a big part of this.

Fifty years ago, we both left. He crawled out the window, and I responded by leaving town. Now, I’m getting out of an uncomfortable situation and claiming it’s what’s best for both of us. But is it?

At the five-hour mark, I’m pacing and staring at my phone. Then I tap out a text to Matthew.

Me:Maybe we should talk.

I should’ve googled to see if I can unsend a message before sending it. Because I hit send less than a minute ago, and I’m already having second thoughts.

Matthew:We should.

Me:I’m trapped upstairs until tomorrow afternoon. But I can text.

Matthew:If you look under the bed, you’ll find a surprise. A care package of sorts.

Me:Derek told you I was staying up here?

Matthew:He did.

Me:I miss you.

Matthew:I miss you more.

Me:It’s my fault Donna is mad. She overheard me talking to Lilith on the phone, and the part she heard made it sound like we were living out a spicy romance.

Matthew:I want to be in a spicy romance with you and not be the villain. Any chance of that?

Me:What about your daughter?

Matthew:We talked. Too hard to rehash that conversation over text. Next time we’re together, I’ll fill you in.

Me:I’d invite you over now, but you can’t come in the front door.

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