Page 30 of Perfect for Her

“Not yet. Harlow and I made a deal early on that we would let him set the pace. He knows who I am and it’s up to him when he’s comfortable calling me that.”

Drew nods but Kate gets this look on her face and I take a breath, knowing she has more to say but is holding it.

“Come on Katie, spill it.”

“It’s nothing really, I just wondered how you felt about that. I mean, he’s your son and he’s calling you Mark? Isn’t that weird?”

I nod my head because it is.

“Aren’t you mad?”

I chuckle softly, thanking God that this situation is happening to me and not to these two because from the way Kate is talking, I don’t think she would handle it well.

“It’s weird for sure, but it’s not like Harlow kept him from me on purpose.”

Kate says nothing, so I keep going.

“Look, Kate, I understand that you have a hard time with this, and that’s fine with me but you keep it in this house, okay? Harlow is not to know about this conversation because she has enough to deal with.”

Drew tilts to the side, obviously wondering what I’m talking about, and because I need to get all the anger I have inside about the situation out, I spill everything. The stalker, the reason she moved back to the States, and the delivery that sparked all of this a few weeks ago.

“You’re telling me that Harlow has a stalker, one that knows where you live and you’re here with us instead of being with her?”

His accusations hit the center of my chest and I close my eyes, counting to ten and taking a breath. I know he means well, but that dig is one I will not allow aimed at me.

“Before I explain myself, which I shouldn’t even have to, might I add, I need you to check yourself or I will walk out that door and I will not come back. You cannot sit there and know me the way you do and insinuate that I do not care about my family enough to protect them.”

Drew opens his mouth to say something but I shake my head, holding up my hand to stop him.

“I know you meant well, but from now on, keep those thoughts inside that head of yours, okay?”

He has the good sense to look ashamed.

“But for your information, Addison is there with her today, taking care of the kids until Ethan comes home, and then I’m staying over tonight and for the rest of the weekend.” My eyes glance at the clock and I stand, knowing I need to start making my way home to get my things and head over to Harlow’s place.

“Look, man, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to come out that way.”

I nod, fighting the urge to say something sarcastic back at him.

“Can I ask what’s happening with the stalker? Do the police know?”

I nod, telling him the sordid tale of the shitty procedure and the justice system’s lack of resources for a woman being hunted by someone she doesn’t know. He and Kate mirror my own reaction when I found out.

“That’s fucked up,” Drew mutters and I made a noise of agreement just as my phone rings.

When I look at the screen and see Harlow’s smiling face staring back at me, I grin, placing the phone to my ear.

“Hey, sweetie, I’m just leaving Drew’s place now and heading to my place to pack before coming over to your place.” I expect to hear a sound of agreement but what I get is a noise I never want to hear again.

Her sobs filter through the phone as my entire body locks and I brace myself on the wall in front of me.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” I ask, closing my eyes and praying for my heart to calm down before I pass out.

“Ethan never got on the school bus.”

My body goes cold, white noise filling my ears as the reality of what is happening settles into my bones.

“He’s gone.”

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