Page 39 of A Me and Him Thing
“Mine too.” I breathe out heavily.
“You know you don’t have to do this, right? We could go home and pull out your hair, one strand at a time. It would be less painful.”
I let out a bark of laughter. “Actually, I do need to do this. Remember when you were talking about closure? Today, the final page is closing.”
“Hey, I’m kidding. You’re right. You need to do this. It’s all part of the healing process. But you don’t have to do it alone.”
No, I don’t. Ren will be with me the entire time, a guardian of my heart, protector of my soul. My sanity is safe. I won’t do or say anything crazy or unhinged.
Speaking of safety. “Ren, this is a seventy-five zone and you’re hovering between sixty-five and seventy.”
“Everyone else is speeding. It seems like we’re going slower than we actually are.”
“They’re passing you for a reason. You drive like a grandma.”
“Thank you. My grandma was a fabulous driver. Never had a ticket in her life.”
He never gets offended. Although I’m not trying to offend him. Just joking around. “Have you?”
“Nope. Not one. I rest my case.”
“Watch out for logs. I rest my case.”
Ren pushes on the gas and brings his car up to speed. “Touché.”
WHEN WE ARRIVEat 5201 Beachcomber Lane, Ren studies the shingle-style two-story home with the white picket fence surrounding it. The morning sun shines brightly, illuminating the house as though it’s being showcased.
I look at him, awaiting his reaction.
“Charming,” he says. “Sort of like living in a storybook.”
“The theme continues as you move inside. You have been warned.” One glance at my face and I know he can see my anxiety.
“You can do this, Bree.”
I nod. I need to do this. It will set me free.
We’re about fifteen minutes late—because Ren drives slowly, albeit safely. I’m not complaining. I like his calm demeanor that translates to everything he does.
I assume the shower is in full swing already.
Ren looks nice. He’s wearing dark jeans, form fitted to his tall body. His black dress shirt is tucked in, and he’s wearing a tie. The leather belt at his waist tops off the slim look. Casual, but classy. My eyes are drawn to him, and as usual, they want to wander all over him from head to toe. He’s perfection.
We match without even planning it. I’m wearing a black wrap-around dress that’s casual, but my strappy heels and silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings dress it up. My long red hair is glossy from a deep conditioning last night.
I’m used to dressing up in work attire. It’s a hard habit to break.
As we walk up the front walkway, many thoughts wander through my mind. Is this a test of sorts? I don’t want to think of it like that. But deep down, I know a ton of emotions are going to bombard me when I see Sawyer.
That’s not the test, though. The true test will be the emotions I feel when I see Sawyer, and then Ren. I won’t be comparing them; I will be experiencing the range of emotions I feel as my eyes land on each one separately. What will I feel? Will there be a marked difference between my feelings toward the two men?
I already know the answer in my heart. But I want to feel it, to confirm it. Then I’ll know without a doubt.
The front door is open, with only the screen door between us and a crowd of well-wishers.
“You got this,” Ren whispers in my ear.
This man has been my champion since the day I met him. I’m not sure how I would’ve handled the last few months without him. I’m able to be here today because of him. He befriended me in my broken state and put me back together. I love our companionship. I know it’s only a taste of what’s to come. He’s been amazingly patient with me.
