Page 26 of The Daredevil

“Fine. Just making sure the business is running smoothly.” There was no need to worry her about the accidents. Aunt Klara had visited many of the excursion sites and knew most of my employees.

“That’s wonderful to hear. Don’t forget to eat and rest. You work too hard, and I’m not there to remind you.”

My chest warmed at her motherly words. She became my second mother when she took me in, and I was fortunate that she loved me just like a real mom.

“Don’t worry, I remember.”

“Good. I’m calling to let you know I’m going on vacation with some friends to Australia for two weeks. We got a great deal, so I can’t pass that up.”

“You can go wherever you want and whenever you want. I’ll pay for it. You should also retire.”

I had all the money in the world to take care of her for the rest of her life. Aunt Klara was a hardworking woman and deserved to live comfortably. I wanted to buy her a new condo by a lake, but she preferred the small house where she raised me.

“I’d be bored out of my mind if I retired. The library keeps me active. It’s a wonderful place for knowledge, and knowledge is power, right?”

I laughed, remembering how she had drilled that into me during school. “Yes. With expansive ‘knowledge,’ I suggest you stay home. Or volunteer one day at the library. I’d rather you take it easy.”

“Are you calling me old?”

“No. Justwise.A wise woman knows her nephew cares about her.”

“I suppose you learned a thing or two about charisma in school. I pray all those girls aren’t victims of your charm.”

“There are no victims. I save all my charms for you—the only woman in my life.”

“Hold that thought. I need a moment to pick up my eyeballs. They just rolled out of my eye sockets.”

Aunt Klara’s sense of humor made growing up fun. I had a home because of her. What would my life have been like if she hadn’t been around? I thought about that often and was grateful I didn’t have to know.

“You wait until you meet the right woman, and you’ll forget this aunt of yours. But that’s how I prefer it.”

I didn’t want to continue this conversation, especially the route it was going on.

Changing the topic, I said, “You used to bring home a bunch of books from the library, and the only books that interested me were about geology and volcanoes. The rest were romance novels for you.”

“There’s nothing wrong with romance novels. You can learn a lot from love stories. Life revolves around love. That’s what everyone’s looking for. Since we’re on this topic,are you seeing someone? Why haven’t I met any of your girlfriends?”

Christ. I didn’t do an efficient job steering her thoughts elsewhere.

I’d never brought a girlfriend home to meet my aunt. Why complicate things when I didn’t have to? If I brought a girl home, she wouldassumethe relationship was going to last. It couldn’t. There could be nothing more beyond casual dating. I couldn’t love her because I didn’t believe in love. Love caused too much trouble. The last woman I admitted this to left without hesitation, which was the best solution for both of us.

Love created a lot of pain. I’d witnessed it in my family when mydad left my mom, me, and my sister. If he had been around, would he have been able to find Emma? Mom had gone grocery shopping with Emma and only turned to unlock the trunk of the car when someone pushed her, grabbed my sister, and ran off. Mom wasn’t the same afterward. Her heart broke when the investigators said they couldn’t find her.

“Aunt Klara, you should know I don’t believe in love. Why put a girl through all the trouble when things aren’t going to last? I’msavingher.”

Aunt Klara sighed. “That’s sad to hear, Royce. I thought I gave you enough love that you could believe in it.”

“Love for family is different. I love you and my friends.”

But to love a woman with all my heart was something I couldn’t imagine. That would mean I needed to open myself, allow her to enter my heart and know my soul, which was too private. It was best to keep things simple. No one got hurt.

“Iknowyou,” Aunt Klara said with conviction. “You’re capable of so much more. Being able to love your family and friends is an important step.”

“Don’t you remember what happened to your sister? My dad claimed to love us, but he left us.” Bitterness stung my tongue. “His abandonment broke my mother’s heart. I’d be in foster care if it weren't for you.”

I hadn’t realized my voice held so much anger. Aunt Klara was innocent—she didn’t deserve to be on the receiving end of any of this.

A moment of silence pulsed in the air.

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