Page 31 of Playing For Keeps
Is that part even true?
Is he saying that to minimize what he’s done?
The only time I saw anything remotely like that was when his dad was standing in his office watching me with Dori in the backyard. Aiden pointed him out to me to make sure I saw his reaction to me.
Was that what was going on?
Was Aiden being abused back then?
A part of me doesn’t believe it. He would’ve had marks on his body.
I should talk to him to get the facts, but I can’t bring myself to go there yet. I’m too upset about the situation to remain calm and collected.
Hunter pulls out a cheese tray with various fruits and meats on it as well. “My assistant put this together yesterday when this all started. I thought she was going to extremes, but it was smart thinking on her part.”
Melanie slides onto a stool. “I love Katy. She always knows what we need.”
I glance at Melanie. It lands hard that she knows Hunter’s assistant by name. It’s a reminder that Dori had a life here that I wasn’t a part of, and now I wonder if she would’ve been better off without me.
The thought gets stuck in my throat as my eyes begin to sting. I’m about to lose my shit and become an emotional asshole.
I turn away and clear my throat. “Do you mind if I use your restroom to wash up?”
“Sure. It’s down the hall on the right-hand side,” Hunter says to my back.
I stride away, holding in my pain. “Thanks.”
I get inside and lock myself away as stinging zaps reverberate against my ribs. Thoughts of Dori flood my thoughts.
Every photo of her I’ve stared at over the years takes form on the screen of my mind. I sit on the lid of the toilet and cup my face in my hands while I picture Dori in all her beauty.
Her soulful green eyes stare back at me. Her larger-than-life smile shines my way. Her sweet laughter fills my ears.
She dances around without a care of who’s watching, shaking her luscious hips from side to side. She skips through Chuck’s yard to the Mammoth Sunflower field as her thick auburn hair floats in the wind around her gorgeous face.
“If I get another chance to be with you, Dori, I’ll never let you down again.” I tilt my head to the ceiling. “Please bring her back to me. I promise I’ll take the best care of her and never put her at risk again. I’ll keep her safe for good. Please give me another chance. Give us one more shot to get it right.”
Hopefully, my prayers will be answered because I can’t imagine a life without her. Being with her these last couple of months has been the best time of my life.
I close my eyes and reach for her. I need to feel our connection. She needs to feel our love.
“You told me to fight so we could be together. Now it’s your turn. Do whatever you can and find your way back to me.” I send her all my love from the depths of my soul.
“Temptress, I need you. I promise never to do you wrong again. Let me show you how much I love you. Come home.”
I sit in silence with my heart beating wildly in my chest, trying with all my might to will her back to safety. I send her messages of love and adoration, begging her to fight as hard as she can.
This can’t be the end. I hand my faith over to God and trust Dori and I will be together again.
As I wait for a sign my prayers will be answered, my mom’s voice breaks through my thoughts.Don’t give up, my beautiful son. Don’t give up on love. Stop the hate and lean into love.
A soothing warmth blankets me as my dreams from when I was unconscious after the shooting race to the forefront of my memories.
I remember playing soccer with my sons. Dori was there watching, holding her hand out to stop me from going to her so I could spend some time with my boys. After I had played with them for a minute, she appeared again.
She was in a wedding dress and disappeared through a ripple in the backdrop. I had a choice. Stay with my sons or follow her. There wasn’t a question in my mind. I knew I had to be with her.
I open my eyes and gather all that hope and determination. “You said to feel our connection, and I would find you. Now it’s time you do the same.”
