Page 135 of Hutch
“Does she know you’re planning an Inquisition?”
See? My girl gets it without me having to spell it out for her.
“I’m sure she has her suspicions and we might have warned her about it as well. I think she wants you there for backup.”
“Okay. Then I’ll make supper for you guys tomorrow night.”
“What are you making?” Collin’s interest is immediately diverted from the restraining order at the mention of food.
“How about Nana’s fried chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, and a few southern sides.”
“I love fried chicken.” Collin’s smile could brighten even the coldest and dreariest of days. Or so says Mom.
“Then I’ll make a lot of it.”
“Now, let’s get back to the subject we came here to talk about. What else can we do to make you feel safe and not want to run away?”
She shifts and starts to fidget. “I hate feeling like this. I was almost convinced I was back to normal, but seeing his number light up my phone…I’m not sure I’ll ever feel normal again, not really, and I don’t think you can do anything about that.”
“But I can baby.” I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her close. “I’m here and I’ll always be here. If I’m in California, Canada, Florida and you need me, I’m on the first flight back to you. No questions asked. Even if gets me in trouble and costs me my contract, you’re more important to me than any of the rest of it.”
“But why?” she whispers. “You barely know me.”
She’s asked me this several times and my answer is still the same. “I know enough to know you’re it for me, Red. I’m patient and I’ll wait on you to catch up to where I already am. So don’t over think it and just roll with it.
“We love you, Daisy.” Collin gives her a goofy grin. “You’re stuck with us.”
She smiles hesitantly.
“No more talk of running away?”
She sighs. I hate it when she does that. “I still think it’s the best option.”
“Girl, you have to be there for your man and your bestie’s first NHL game!”
“I still haven’t decided he’s mine.”
“Please.” Collin looks offended. “Everyone on campus knows he belongs to you. Except for you. Might as well admit it.”
“He’s right. I’m yours whenever you’re ready to accept it.”
“I’m trying to get there.” She ducks her head, hiding her face. She’s very shy when it comes to some things and this is one of them.
“If we’re done here, we need to go and answer all these emails.” Collin picks his phone up and waves it at me. “You also need to call our lawyer and get that restraining order set up. Then we need snacks and to get ready to grill the boyfriend…” Collin stands and starts walking toward the Jeep, still muttering about his to do list.
“Is he okay?”
I look at his retreating back. “Yeah, he’s just stressed. Once he gets on the ice on Monday, he’ll feel better and when he knows you won’t run, then he’ll really feel better.”
“He’s a good man.”
“He is.”
“So are you.”
I kiss the tip of her nose. “You ready to head back to your house so we can work on all this?”
“Yes. But I don’t know if I’ll make it to dinner tonight. I just need some breathing room to think about everything. Tell your Mom she’s welcome to come tomorrow when I cook for y’all.”
