I stand and round my desk to stop in front of him. “I’m sorry for what happened to you and her.” I can’t bring myself to bring up Jack. “I gave her journals to the police, but I have copies if you decide you want them.”
“I’m not ready,” he says.
“I know. She loved you intensely. Just know that.”
“And I pushed her away and right into his trap.”
“What happened to Allison wasn’t your fault. Jack did this, not you.”
“Right,” he says and when he starts to turn, I throw myself at him and hug him.
He’s stiff for a moment, but then he hugs me back. When I ease away from him, staring up at him, his eyes are bloodshot, pain radiating off of him. I want to say more, I want to help him but he shuts me down. “Get to work, Ms. Wright.”
I smile through my teary eyes and say, “I’ll be right here.”
“Good,” he says, simply, and to me, that’s his way of saying “thank you” and that I’m valued.
He starts to turn and then says, “Her cat was at the shelter where she volunteered. I found her on their website. They had no idea it was her cat. I called and adopted her.” With that, he turns and leaves, and my heart squeezes. He has her cat. My God, he really loved her. I hunt for the tissue box.
***
Christmas arrives quickly and while Dash, Bella, and I enjoy a family meal with my mom and stepdad, Tyler is with his mother, who has left him in charge of the company. Dash and I exchange gifts with everyone at the house but save ours for at home. We have just left my parent’s place when my cellphone rings with my father’s number. I glance over at Dash. “You going to answer it?”
I nod and take the call. “Merry Christmas, Allie.”
“Merry Christmas,” I say, a twist in my gut.
“I’ve been out of the country. I lost my phone and for the life of them, the cellphone company couldn’t get my number on a new phone over there. I just got back and got it fixed. Not only did I see your calls, I was told you came by my apartment.”
“I did,” I say. “I thought you called. Or texted. But I think I was confused on that.”
“No, but not because I didn’t want to. You made it clear I wasn’t welcomed in your life.” He hesitates. “I didn’t know that crap Brandon pulled.”
“Why didn’t you say that?”
“You were quick to believe me guilty and hell, why wouldn’t you? I haven’t been the best father.”
“I should have given you the chance to speak on the matter. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”
“Not as sorry as I am. How is your mother? Did she beat cancer?”
“She did.”
“Good. She won’t believe this, but she really was the love of my life. I took her for granted. Youth and money can do that to a man. Speaking of, I hear you’re dating Dash Black.”
“I am,” I say. “He’s a good man.”
“Maybe one day you’ll think I am, too, and I can meet him. Go enjoy Christmas. I’m on air this evening, so I have to get to the studio. When you’re ready, say the word, and I’ll come visit you.”
“I think I’d like that.”
“Good. I hope so.”
We disconnect and I glance over at Dash. “He says he didn’t know about Brandon.”
“Do you believe him?”
“I want to. He wants to come visit and meet you, too. I just don’t want to get hurt again.”
“You’ve been through a lot this past few weeks. Maybe in the new year, you’ll feel ready.”
“Yes. Maybe I will. What is that saying, life is short and it’s here to be lived?”
“Yes,” he agrees. “That’s the saying. I don’t know who said it, but it feels like words to embrace.”
***
Once we’re home, Dash insists he give me my gift first. To my surprise, he blindfolds me and actually leads me out of the apartment. “Where are we going?” I ask, laughing as I realize we’re in the elevator.
“First stop: the parking garage,” he says, nuzzling my neck and tickling my ear with his hair. I’m laughing all over again when we step off the car into the garage.
“Now what?” I ask, smiling with the anticipation of what comes next.
Dash pulls off my blindfold, and I find a silver Beamer with a huge bow on it right in front of me.
“Oh my God, Dash.” I glance over at him. “Are you serious? It’s so expensive. And you already got me a ring.”
He holds up the key. “Want to drive it?”
“Yes,” I say, bubbling with excitement.
We climb into the car and I run my hand over the leather. “It’s so pretty and it smells new.”
“Drive her, baby.”
“I think I will,” I agree, cranking the engine.