Page 16 of Words from the Heart
Chapter 13
Delilah knew she’d hurt Parker, but she needed time to understand what was happening. She’d only been in town for six weeks, so the feelings she was trying to make sense of scared the crap out of her. Part of her was still struggling with guilt. Guilt for not visiting Momma Belle… Guilt for wanting a man so soon after walking out on her engagement… Guilt for not having any idea what she was supposed to do now.
After running some errands in town, Delilah sat at the kitchen table staring at the wooden box. What would the next one say? Would it be happy words or more disappointment? Snatching the next one out, Delilah tore through the envelope.
Delilah,
I am not sure what to say. Everything you have done, from the time you were born until now, has made me proud. But I received news today that you were engaged. I presume to that useless man John. I know you think you’re in love, but I think you want to believe it’s love. Maybe it’s because you never had a father in your life, lord knows I tried to be both parents the best I could. I know you had questions about who your dad was, but your mom never told me who he was and then she was gone. I tried so many times to find out, but I came up short. Regardless, I am digressing. You are a remarkable woman, a woman who deserves so much more than what John gives you. You can’t see it, why would you. You’re blinded by false love. That man treats you as though you are beneath him. Forcing you to put your career on pause so he can find his own first. What kind of man does that? Not someone who is in love.
I know it doesn’t matter what I think. But I KNOW there is someone better for you. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. But you must learn this on your own. Just know, I’ll be here to catch you when you fall. Because I know he will break your heart. It’s only a matter of when. I hope it’s before you get married. Would make things so much easier for you. Either way, I’ll be here waiting for you. Until then, I love you baby girl.
All my love,
Momma Belle
p.s. Don’t shy away from something good when the time comes. You deserve the best, Delilah.
Momma Belle had known all along John wasn’t right for her. Delilah folded the paper up and tucked it back into the box. She laid her head down on the table, the tears flowing like a broken faucet. She wished Momma Belle was here now so she could ask her what to do. Delilah had no friends here anymore. Hell, she had no friends anywhere. John had truly isolated her from everyone and until now, she hadn’t realized it. Done feeling sorry for herself, she decided to go out. After a nice hot shower, she pulled on a pair of jeans and a cropped top. Slipping into her worn boots, Delilah grabbed her keys and headed out.
A smile stretched across her face as she pulled into a parking spot. Downtown Florence was a picture frozen in time. The old buildings reminded her of something from decades ago. Slipping her phone and wallet into her back pocket, she headed towards AlaBrew – a local bar most of the college kids hung out at, but it would serve her purpose tonight. Because all she wanted to do was drink away her sadness.
She’d been at the bar for a bit when a young man approached her. “Hello, I’m Jackson. I don’t recognize you, are you new to town?”
Delilah turned to the handsome man propped against the bar next to her. He was attractive, but she didn’t feel the least bit interested. “Newish. I’m Delilah Greyson. My grandmother lived in St. Florian, I grew up here, but left after college.”
“Ah, I see. Well, can I buy you a drink?”
“Look, I’m not interested, but I appreciate the offer.” Delilah turned back towards the bartender. She’d drank quite a bit already, making the drive home a problem.
“Who say’s I’m looking for something serious?” He brushed her hair off her shoulder.
“Look,” Delilah jerked from his touch, “I said I wasn’t interested.”
