Page 258 of Chaos has a Name
Yeah, he knew.
Love was sharing what was precious and sacred, and she’d done just that.
“Want to talk it out?” he asked. “I’m an excellent listener and problem solver. I navigated Ethan, the early years. They were a nonstop adventure.”
She wasn’t going to say anything at first, but then, she knew this moment was important to both of them. It was a symbol of their relationship and trust.
It was a way they would bond, since they didn’t have sex to build that bridge. They had to build it a completely different way.
“I was so scared.”
He did what he promised and listened.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t get back. It was so dark and so scary. I couldn’t call for help…”
More tears came, and he wiped them away with the edge of her towel. It had come undone, and she was leaning against him naked.
And the tits didn’t bother him at all.
Well, that was a first.
“Get it out. You’ll feel better,” he promised. “I’ll not judge you.”
She cried more, and while she broke down, he just supported her. As he was, the whole time, he was soothing her with gentle kisses to her temple, or his hands on her arm.
When that wave of pain dissipated, she said four words.
“I hate it here.”
What did he say to that?
Yeah, he was not a big fan himself.
Not now.
This place was marred for him too. Gene remembered being invited to Ethan’s wedding to Elizabeth, and actually coming.
He sat with all of the people as they exchanged vows, and he’d been forced to see his worst nightmare come true. He left, and Ethan found someone else.
A woman.
He carried that wound for a damn long time, and this place was a reminder of it, even though things had worked out.
He’d lost years with him.
“I feel like I’m out of control. Like I have so many sharp objects juggling above my head, and I’m about to start dropping the ball.”
Oh, been there.
Done that.
“It’s terrifying waking up in the dark and bound. I don’t know why it’s scaring me this badly since it ended well. I just can’t manage my emotions right now.”
Oh, he knew why.
“Honey, it’s because our lives are complicated. You have a family who needs you, and now this is dumped in your lap. You’re at your overload point. You’re dealing with too much. You’re worried about Ethan’s sanity, Wyler’s choices, and everyone you uprooted to come here. This is the most normal thing for a person. You’ve reached your breaking point.”
Oh, she had.
