Cruz just left. His words were short and sweet. He looked at Mel, then at me, shook his head, and just said, “You got yourself a good one. Don’t fuck it up.” He’s not wrong, and I don’t plan on it. In fact, I plan on doing quite the opposite and making her mine permanently.
“I’ll get it. You’ve been busy being a busy-body. It won’t hurt me to answer the door this time.” Melanie goes to stand up, but I hold her back.
“Sit down. You promised me you would rest.” I hold her back, getting to my feet.
“I’m not an invalid, you know,” she huffs. What she doesn’t know, and what I’m not going to tell her, is that her mom somehow managed to post bail. I was on the phone to Gene as he was boarding the plane to get down here, so I’m sure this is him.
“I know, sunshine, I know.” I open the door. The man of the hour is here, trying to hold his laughter back as we shake hands.
“She’s still at it, I take it?” he questions.
“Hasn’t stopped. I’m hoping with you being here and us talking, maybe she’ll realize why I’m insistent on her laying low. It’s good to finally meet you, Gene.”
“That’s who she is, full of piss and vinegar, even when she was a toddler. Though, she had her daddy and me wrapped around her finger. I’m guessing not much has changed. It’s good to meet you. Thank you for taking care of her. She’s spoken a lot about you. I know her daddy would be happier than a pig in shit to know she’s found someone to take care of her.” I’m sure that wasn’t easy for him to say. From what Melanie told me, Gene and her dad were the best of buds. Even if they were night and day in career choices.
“She’s it for me, you know? I’m not going to let anything happen to her,” I no sooner say that before I hear her coming around the corner.
“Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?” She wraps her arms around Gene’s neck, and I give her that time with him. Mel hasn’t processed everything, but I have a feeling after Gene tells her the shit her mom was willing to do to get that almighty dollar sign, things may change.
“I wasn’t going to not come. Fox called me late last night, and I took the red-eye out here. That was some kind of ride, I’ll tell you. Come on, we have a lot to cover, and I have to be wheels in the air in five or so hours.”
“You can’t stay longer?” Mel asks.
“Afraid not.” He wraps his arm around Mel’s neck, and I see her wince. I’m not going to say anything just yet, not to either of them. I’ll let Gene know she’s still feeling some lingering pain when we’re alone. I know my woman—she’d give me a tongue lashing to rival my mother’s.
“I guess you’re here to deliver the paperwork and to give me more bad news?” she asks as we sit down, Gene moving to the chair, allowing me to sit next to Melanie.
“The house is sold. As soon as you sign, the closing process will be done in a matter of thirty days. Right now, the things you asked to keep—his records, guitars, minus the one you have, the collectibles, and his desk—are in storage. Your clothes are being shipped down here. Do you know what you’ll do with everything?”
“I want you to have the desk, and I don’t want to hear it. You know Daddy would want you to have it. As for the other items, I’m not sure yet. Fox and I were just discussing that last night, though we were interrupted. Can you hold on to it a bit longer until I figure things out?”
“You didn’t have to ask. Everything is sitting in the detached garage. We do need to move on to the next discussion. Then we’ll sign the papers?”
“Alright, I’m sure it’s horrible, isn’t it?” I bring her into my side, letting my warmth give her some kind of comfort.
“Well, pumpkin, she was here with a gun. The worst of it is, she’s out on bail. Though I just had it revoked, and I’m asking to add charges. It means she’ll be held down here until trial. Fox already said he or someone else will be around. I still want you well aware of your surroundings and not going off on your own. At least until I know she’s back in jail and remains there until sentencing, okay?” Gene and I chatted while Melanie was in the shower. It was fast, but enough was stated, and I was all in for his plan.
“Yeah, of course, but what other charges are you slamming her with? Not that I care, but I’m curious just the same.” Melanie’s body shivers, a yawn takes over, and I know she’ll be wanting a nap soon but will hate to see Gene go.