Page 138 of Doughn't Let Me Go

“That’s what I’m doing.” I wave my hand across the desk. “With this.”

“So itisfor her, then.” She smiles coyly.

“I’m about two seconds from ripping up this contract and firing you.”

Mel laughs. “No you’re not. You love me too much.”

“You’re on my last nerve right now.”

“I’m just trying to make sure you get the girl and don’t let her run away from something that’s good.”

“I’m not going to let her go. I’m gonna fight for her.”Even if she won’t fight for us.

“Good.” Mel nods, approving of my decision, then closes her eyes, letting her head rest against the back of the couch. “Now finish signing that paperwork so I can become a millionaire too. Mama’s got a few new pairs of heels to buy.”

She’s quiet for a while, the only noise in the room my pen scratching against the documents.

“You know, Porter,” she says softly, not opening her eyes, “not all women need action. Some of them just want the words. I think Dory might be one of those women.”

She doesn’t speak again, falling asleep a few short minutes later.

Tell her.

It’s so simple.

Tell her.

So easy.

* * *

Tonight,I don’t bother knocking.

I don’t dare give her the chance to shut me out.

Instead, I twist the handle and let myself into her room.

I expect to find her sitting there on her bed, waiting for me.

But when I don’t see her, worry begins to brew.

I check the en suite.

She’s not there.

Is she gone?

No.

No.

Surely she wouldn’t leave.

Right?

I do the dumbest shit like checking under her bed and in the closet like she’s just hiding and playing a game.

But it’s no game.

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