I went back inside to begin dinner. Donny would be clamoring for his supper before long. Dale was in his room, as usual, but had recovered somewhat from his scare on the playground at school a few days earlier.
I’d just put some chicken breasts under the broiler when Talon walked into the kitchen.
“Hey, Sis.”
“Hey, yourself. Good day?”
“Decent. Hard to concentrate, though, with all this other stuff happening. How’re Jade and the boys?”
“Jade’s in the bedroom. She said she’ll be in for dinner. Donny’s outside, and Dale’s in his room.”
Talon shook his head. “I worry about that boy.”
“I do too. Maybe it’ll get better after the adoption.”
“It’s been postponed until next week,” Talon said.
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I got a call today. The judge had an emergency.” He shoved his hands into his pockets. “And I’m not sure it will help. The kid needs time more than anything.”
I simply nodded. If anyone knew what Dale needed, Talon did. He’d been through much of the same.
He continued, “You know, whatever Dale went through, it was worse than what I endured. I can’t imagine watching my little brother suffer the same. It would have made it a thousand times harder.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. Talon so rarely mentioned anything specific about his time in captivity. I felt like a complete dolt for remaining silent.
“I’ll go check on him.” Talon left the kitchen.
Good job, Marj. Here I was
concerned about a stupid note from Bryce, and the rest of my family was dealing with major abuse trauma.
I was in love with a man who could never love me back. So what? I’d taken up Melanie’s valuable time today when she could have been helping people with real problems.
Jade was right. I needed to get back in the game. She didn’t know about the cutting, but I’d stopped myself from doing it again after Bryce left me that hideous note. That had to mean something, right? Maybe I was okay.
Not okay exactly, but at least better. Good enough to date. I wouldn’t fall in love, because I was already in love. Dating didn’t have to lead to love. I was dead set against dating websites, so I’d have to do this the old-fashioned way. Back to the gym tomorrow, and I’d have a look around.
I removed the broiled chicken from the oven and seasoned it. By the time I was ready to call everyone for dinner, my phone buzzed. Not a number I recognized.
“Hello?”
“I’m looking for Marjorie Steel.”
“You found her. Who is this, please?”
“This is Barry Wilson from Newhaven Center, returning your call.”
“I don’t recognize this number.”
“Sorry. The center gave me your message, and I’m returning it from my personal cell. I wanted to wait until I got off work.”
“Oh. Sure.”
“What can I help you with?”
“I’m Daphne Steel’s daughter, and I understand you were one of the nurses assigned to her a few days ago.”