Page 5 of The Heart You've Borrowed

“So you’ve been through this?”

“Yeah, my ex-husband. He was a real piece of work.” She laughed.

“What happened?”

“He was an asshole, abusive. I stayed because I was terrified to leave. I didn’t want him to hurt me or my family. He was that kind of crazy. I guess he forgot he had a wife at home when he brought home a woman and started to fuck her right there in the living room. I heard noises and went to see what it was. I wasn’t expecting that. But I’m glad I saw it. I packed a bag that night and left. Never looked back. As far as I know, he never came for me. I filed for divorce and that was that. It’s been four years and I never heard from him again.” She shrugged.

“When do you stop living in fear?” I asked my voice low.

“I’ll let you know when I figure that out.” She laughed.

“Thanks again for letting me stay here.”

“Of course, when I left I had no one. I met Maggie a few months after I left and we’ve been best friends ever since. She knew what happened and offered to let me stay here so I could save up.” She smiled.

“It’s good to have friends like that.” I nodded.

“I can be that friend for you, we can. You have no idea how shitty I feel about all of this, I hate that I hurt you. I always liked you.” She sighed, standing from the bed.

“I liked you too.” I gave her a weak smile.

“You will be okay Charlie. It will take time but I promise, things will get better. You’ll see. Andy is cooking and dinner will be ready soon, get ready for the best food of your life.” She winked before leaving my room. I laid back on the bed staring up at the ceiling. The only person I want to talk to about this is Lio. I pull out my phone and go to his contact. I want to call him but I don’t want him to be involved in this mess. He deserves better.

***

When I go downstairs for dinner I’m met with a mouth-watering smell. If it tastes half as good as it smells I can’t wait. When I enter the kitchen I see a much younger man than I was expecting. He has long blonde hair pulled into a bun on the top of his head, he’s wearing a pair of dark jeans and a fitted white t-shirt that clings to the muscles in his back like it was made just for him.

I never usually looked at other men but holy cow. This man is beautiful. His side profile alone is enough to make my knees weak. He turns to face me and his smile gives me butterflies.

“Good Evening Ms. Mae. My name is Andy, it is a pleasure to meet you.” He offers me his hand, I shake it. I swallow hard.

“It’s nice to meet you.” I finally answer.

He turns back to the stove and continues cooking. I take a seat at the island and pull my phone out. As I thought, my boss emailed telling me I was not to return to work. I laughed, of course, Jett would do this. He thinks this will make me come running back. I have a little money saved that should be able to pay for my mother’s care for a few months but I needed to find a new job and fast.

“Is everything alright Ms. Mae?” Andy asks.

“Um, no. I mean yeah, everything is fine.” I sighed.

“I’ve been told I’m a great listener.” He smiled as he set a plate down in front of me. My stomach grumbles and I realize I haven’t eaten since this morning. My mouth waters just looking at it.

“Do you ever think about the what-ifs in life?” I asked Andy as I put a forkful of food into my mouth.

“All the time.” He answers.

“Do you think if you had the chance to go back and change something you would?”

“No, I don’t think so.” He shrugged.

“Really?”

“If I changed even the smallest thing in my past, I might not be where I am today. I’ve been through some pretty messed up shit in my life but I’m happy with where my life is at now. So no, I don’t think I would change anything.”

“Wow.” I nod.

“Things will get better Ms. Mae. I know it may not seem like it right now, but you will see. With time things will get easier.” He smiles at me.

“I sure hope you’re right Andy because right now it hurts like a bitch.” I laugh.

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