Page 92 of A Me and Him Thing
Jack said there are things I don’t know, things I don’t understand. Maybe he really was just here to explain the truth.
It doesn’t matter. I could let my thoughts spin in circles all night long, or just tell Ren everything. I trust him. If we don’t have trust between us, then we have nothing.
I wait until I figure he’s basically done with his responsibilities at Exodus. Then I shoot Ren a text.
Me:I need to see you. It’s urgent.
Ren:I’ll be there.
It’s an hour later when Ren shows up at my door. He looks as handsome as ever. But his fatigue is noticeable in the circles under his eyes and his slow movements. His schedule is catching up with him. He’s in desperate need of a vacation. Or maybe five days of nonstop sleep.
“Hey, Bree. Are you okay?” He takes a few steps toward me as if he’s going to embrace me, then seems to remember himself.
We can’t have a physical relationship right now.
I would give up everything I own just to feel his arms around me, to bask in his comfort. Especially right now.
“I need to talk to you.” I glance behind him, wondering if Jack is hiding outside, ready to pounce. “Close the door. And lock it.”
Ren does so. Then he studies me, taking everything in. “You look upset. And you’re shaking. What happened? Did someone hurt you? Dad texted me, asking for your address. Did you need help?”
“Come sit with me. We need to talk.” I take the couch, and he takes the wingback chair across from me. I want him close, but I know it’s not a good idea.
“I have to tell you something, something that happened today. To be honest, I don’t know what to think. I’m not makingany judgments or accusations. I’m just telling you exactly what happened. Because we’re a team, and we can face this together. Right?”
Ren’s expression is a mask of worry. I hate that I’m putting it there.
“Right. Absolutely. But why are you shaking? You look terrified. What happened?”
I start from the beginning. I don’t leave out a single detail. I tell Ren every specific thing that happened, including his father showing up at my door.
When I’m done, he’s dead silent for several moments. Ren slowly stands. “What are you saying?”
I feared “Kill the messenger” might be his first response. “That’s just it. I’m not saying anything. I don’t know what to think. I’m just telling you what happened.”
Right now, I really miss the old me, the girl who would’ve challenged Jack on the spot. The girl who would’ve thrown open her door and told him a thing or two about bullying women.
I don’t like feeling weak and scared. This isn’t me. I sit up a little taller, the fight entering my soul once again. I can be a good person and still have a backbone. I’m not a Melanie. But I don’t have to be a Scarlett either. There’s a happy medium.
“Hold on. You actually saw my father put a white powder in Allie’s food? Are you sure?” Ren runs a tired hand through his hair.
“I’m positive. I wouldn’t say it if I hadn’t seen it.”
Ren’s brain is working at hyper speed. “It can’t be a sedative. She’s far too restless most nights.”
“That was my thought as well.” It’s a thought that leads to scary places. If Jack’s not sedating her, then what is he giving Allison?
Ren runs both hands over his face, another sign of fatigue. “Dad, what are you doing?” he mumbles. “So what’s he givingher? Is he trying to release her from this horrible state she’s in? I mean, my dad would never hurt Allie. Maybe he thinks it’s for the best.”
“Maybe.” A sweet release? I could see how Jack might succumb to that route. It’s tough to see Allison suffering. Because she is suffering. She might have brain damage, but there’s no doubt that she’s suffering. It’s horrible to see anyone suffer, especially a loved one.
Ren goes on as though he’s talking to himself. “The doctors didn’t expect Allie to live this long. Maybe Dad couldn’t take it anymore. There’s no other explanation.”
I slowly unbutton my blouse.
Ren’s eyes widen. “What are you doing?”
I let my blouse hang over my shoulder, revealing the bruise on my arm.
