Page 104 of The Widower
“Life’s full of surprises.”
“And those bodyguards of his? Do they just stand there watching you with that permanent scowl?” Lauren glanced around at the two men Colin had stationed nearby.
“It’s the first time I’ve been out alone, and Colin insisted on it. I’m still not sure it’s necessary, but arguing with him about anything is pointless. It’s easier to just accept it.”
“Him worrying about you is actually kind of sweet,” she teased. “Sounds to me like he’s falling for you too.”
I smiled like an idiot. Could Colin really be falling for me? No… that seemed impossible.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Better to let things happen naturally.”
“Fair enough. So, any news about who did that to your house?” Her tone shifted—this part of the conversation wouldn’t be so lighthearted.
“According to Colin, no. The police still don’t have any solid information. It’s pretty obvious someone was trying to send me a message, but I just hope they understand that I don’t know where Rudolph is—and I don’t want to know either.”
“I get it. Honestly, staying at Colin’s is the best thing you could do. Thank God he offered. Imagine what you’d do if you weren’t there.”
“I don’t even want to think about it. My house was almost completely destroyed. I wouldn’t have anywhere to sleep.”
Today, I decided not to mention anything to Joshua about the day before—about my failed attempt to get him into a moving car. I still felt guilty for making him anxious, for pushing too hard.But to my surprise, he was the one who brought it up.
“Isabelle, I want to try again. I think my dad would be happy if I started riding in cars again.”
I gave him a small smile.
“All right, let’s try. But Joshua… do it for yourself first. I know your dad would be proud, but what matters most is how you feel.Your opinion about things is always the most important.”
“Okay.”
As soon as we got in the car, I could see the fear in him again—his hands trembling a little more than usual. An idea came to me, though I wasn’t sure if it would work.
“Try closing your eyes.”
He hesitated for a moment, but then he did.
“How about we go to your school with our eyes closed?”
“Me and you?” he asked, keeping them shut.
“Yes. Mine are closed too.”
“Okay.”
I told Tito to drive toward Joshua’s school at a slow, steady pace and took Joshua’s hand in mine. I had no idea ifthis would actually help, but life is full of trial and error—we get things wrong a hundred times before we finally get them right.
The car began to move, gently, and I felt him squeeze my hand every few seconds.
“I know you’re scared,” I whispered. “But I’m right here with you, and I promise we’ll be fine.We’ll be there before you know it.”
“You promise?”
“I do.”
Tito kept driving at an even pace, and little by little, I could feel Joshua relaxing. Whenever the car stopped, he tensed again, startled, and I’d lean closer and whisper that everything was okay.
The ride was short. After a few minutes, the car came to a stop. I cracked one eye open and saw the school just ahead.
“We’re here,” I said softly. When Joshua opened his eyes, his surprise was written all over his face.He could hardly believe he’d actually done it.
