Page 27 of By The Book
“I know.”
She squared her shoulders and forced her arms to her sides as she walked over to the couch to sit beside him. “What did Denz say to you earlier today?”
Once again, Tommy’s face filled with color.
“That it better not happen again.”
She imagined that was the mild version of what had transpired given what Denz and her father had told her, but she accepted Tommy’s version at face value. “And you said?”
“That I understood and it wouldn’t. He has the system now,” Tommy said, his tone bleak. “He saw me hide it and he took it.”
“Well, considering your penchant for sneaking into my closet, maybe it’s best if Denz keeps it for now.”
“But—”
“No, Tommy. I understand you’re grieving for Dad. I am, too. Some part of us will always grieve no matter how much time passes, but grief has to be dealt with properly, and behaving the way you’ve been… That’s not the right way. Those boys at school, the suspensions… I’m going to make some calls. See if I can’t get you back into counseling.”
“No. I don’t want to go.”
In that moment, she remembered Denz’s words about how mamas don’t back down, and she straightened her spine. “Too bad. You’re struggling, whether you’ll admit it or not. And as your mother, it’s my responsibility to help you or else I’m not doing my job. Understand?”
He didn’t agree, but he didn’t protest, either. “Grandpa will be back soon. I thought maybe we could see if he’d take us for a golf cart ride, just to check things out since it’s been awhile since we’ve been here.”
“Does he know?”
The question was asked in a small, thready voice that carried the weight of the shame Tommy felt. It made her feel better, knowing that he at least seemed to grasp the gravity of what he’d done and was regretful. “I haven’t told him. And I won’t, unless you force me to.”
She started to get up when he stretched out a hand and pushed her sleeve up a bit. She watched as he swallowed hard and his lower lip trembled when he saw the black bruises.
“I’m sorry, Mom.”
“I’m glad. Now it’s time to prove it by never touching someone like that again. Yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Okay, so watch TV until Grandpa gets back. I’m going to go sit on the porch swing.”
Claire left the couch and Tommy and made her way through the quiet house to the back door. Just as she pushed open the storm door, she heard the television click on again.
She softly closed the door and leaned her forehead against her hand after it latched. The porch smelled a bit musty, and she knew it came from the heat and humidity and years of storms.
But right now, it smelled like home and safety and memories, and she struggled to battle the fear and uncertainty rising up inside of her when she thought of the future and Tommy and all they had yet to face.
This too shall pass.
It was something her mother had often said whenever worries abounded and problems became troublesome.This too shall pass.
Even if it passes like a kidney stone,Claire mused.
Chapter 13
During the next week, Denz shared a couple of meals with Claire’s family in the evenings after work. He found himself looking forward to that time, sitting there at the table and talking about their day.
Claire and Tommy were pitching in with Tom’s business and working a few hours every day on set in hopes of spotting a celebrity, and Denz teased her about her fascination.
Denz had quickly lost the rose-colored glasses he’d first worn after joining Guardian Group and being assigned to guard celebrities. He’d been responsible for a few—not all but a few—who were a lot more trouble than he felt they were worth.
But maybe he’d head to the location anyway? See what was happening there?
