Page 37 of Until Kendal
I finished my tea then asked, “Was he an alcoholic like mine?”
“Yes.” She met my gaze then nodded. “He even tried to sell me when I was fourteen to his drug dealer.”
My stomach tightened at the thought that she’d been so betrayed. “Tried?”
She put down her coffee and took my hand. “I ran into the woods, and my mom’s church friends kept me safe that day. I guess he found another way to pay that time, but when he was arrested, I’d slept easier.”
The stones in my stomach settled but were still there. I wished I could change the past. “When did he get out?”
She let me go and poured herself a second cup. “The day before we crashed.”
The picture came together now. Our cars repairs were done today, but I stayed focused on her. “When you were crying at the hotel.”
She took a sip of coffee like she needed the drink for strength. “I wish you hadn’t seen that. I don’t cry often.”
Her gaze seemed glassy. If she cried, I would hold her, but I whispered, “It’s okay, Kendal.”
She took a deep breath and focused on her drink until she finished it. “I always wished I was born to a different family and had siblings. I always wanted to belong for real and not just hide and survive.”
For a long time, I hadn’t accepted my own luck when it happened to me. I hoped I had the right words when I said, “You can. We can head to New York now and not look back.”
She squeezed my arm and pivoted like she wanted to get up. “I’ll be the best employee you have on your side.”
She then went back inside. I followed, and she collapsed on the couch. I joined her and pressed my hand to my heart. “I’ll keep you safe, Kendal.”
She cupped my face and nodded. “I am looking forward to the fresh start, and I won’t ever betray you.”
“I have faith in you,” I said, hoping she saw right into my soul.
She let me go and stared at her hands. “I’m not sure what to say.”
I pressed my hand on her shoulder. “I get you’re not ready for a relationship, but I can’t walk away from you.”
She pivoted toward me. “Why?”
For the first time in my life, I had an internal truth. I curved my lips higher. “I’m falling in love with you.”
I knew she didn’t love me back. I wasn’t stupid. So I stood and gave her space. She was scared. I’d been like that once, too, unsure my life was real. So she could have all the time she needed.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Kendal
Joel was in the bedroom, talking on the phone. I was alone, and a tear broke through me. I hadn’t expected anyone like him ever existed. I rocked back and forth and wiped my eyes. I was stunned.He loves me?
My entire body was spaghetti, not just my legs. I had to tell him I wasn’t ready. However, once I was sure I could stand on my own two feet and not break down, I picked up my phone. I had one more person who needed me.
I needed to stay in total control. On the second ring, my mom answered, and We said, “Hello.” Then I asked, “Mom, are you done packing yet?”
She sounded like she was moving things. “No, but I will be soon.”
How long did it take to pack her pictures? I rubbed between my eyes, and my heart raced faster again. “I saw Dad the other day."
Her voice rose as she asked, “Where?”
I should have told her. Talking about myself or what I saw wasn’t part of my character. I'd pretended I hadn’t, and despite having a bodyguard, she deserved to know. So did Joel. I winced, wishing I were stronger and not afraid. “Downtown, near the hotel.”
“I’ll get back there as soon as I can, and we can all fly together.”
