Page 70 of Drive Me Wild
“But what about me? I never got a chance…All my life, I thought he didn’t want me, thathewalked away from us. Fromme. But it was you!”
I’m shaking as I wipe the snot from my upper lip onto my sleeve.
“I’m so sorry. I should have told you sooner. I should have done a lot of things sooner. As I sit here listening to you possibly making the same choice I made, I realize that was a mistake.I should have given you the chance to get to know him. Or to knowanyman, and what a relationship could be so you could see that we have to face our fears if we want to have meaningful relationships.”
My face is burning, and my eyes are stinging.
“You sound like Renée.”
“I always liked that girl.” She wiped tears from my cheek. “Can you forgive me for keeping you away from your father?”
I look at my mother, my teammate, who was the center of my universe for so long. And as angry as I am, I also understand what she did. How scary it can be to face someone who you think is going to break your heart and decide to break it before they can.
“I don’t think I could have before, but knowing how afraid I am of letting myself fall completely in love with Caleb, I understand why you did. I don’t like it, but I understand it.”
“Oh honey, life is full of heartbreak, no matter how careful we are. Give Caleb a chance, and if he breaks your heart, then you cry and shout and let yourself be miserable for a while, but then you get back out there with lessons learned.”
“How long did it take for you to learn your lessons?”
“I’m not as bright as you. It took a long time.”
“Mom, do you know how to get in touch with my dad?”
“All I have is the name of the town I used to live in and the bar I used to work at.”
“It’s a start.”
Chapter Thirty-Four: Caleb
Idrive up to the gate and punch in my code. When the gate swings open, I pull in my truck, and my buddy Tommy follows me.
We park next to the roll-up door, and I hop out and unlock it. He pulls it open while I turn my truck and trailer around.
“You’re sure you want to do this?”
“It’s time. Take your pick.”
“I want the Charger. It’s always been my dream car.”
“Did you bring cash?”
“Yeah, my bank wasn’t too happy about draining my account.”
“Listen, if this is going to break you—”
“Naw, man. This car is going to make me.”
Tommy chuckles to himself as I hand him the keys.
“Pull it onto the trailer, and we’ll get it over to your place.”
“I’d rather put my other car on the trailer and drive the Charger home.”
“Whatever you want.”
He hands me a thick envelope of cash, and we get his car hitched up. I take a look at the other two cars in the garage,knowing it’s their last night in my possession. Then I drive Tommy’s car to his place and unhitch it.
“I can’t believe you’re selling these cars. End of an era.”
