“He won't talk to me.”
“Give him some time, dear. I am sure he is just hurt, and you know how we men can be. Hurt can come across as anger. You two are so much like your Mimi and me.”
“I wish we were. You guys have a perfect love.”
“I wish it was perfect. It is far from it. We just made a promise to each other that we wouldn't give up. Maybe that's why we’re still married. Your grandmother has threatened to murder me on more than one occasion. The problem starts when you are oblivious to what’s going on around you. When innocence is questioned, it makes you defensive. Maybe your intentions were pure, but maybe Chris’ weren’t, and Luke picked up o
n that. Do you remember Shirley?”
“Yeah, she used to work for you.”
“Yes, Shirley and I worked together a lot. One day, Mimi told me she had to go. I didn't understand why. She insisted Shirley wasn't the person I thought she was and that I needed to protect myself and my family. I started paying closer attention and seeing little things that made me understand. While I would never do anything to hurt my wife, things were happening that made it look like I was doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. Once I figured out what was going on, I put a stop to it. Shirley wasn't happy and tried to convince me that my life should be with her.”
“Wow.” It was all I could say. I remembered Shirley, and I couldn't see her doing something like that.
“When you flush the devil out, he’s usually pretty obvious.”
“I can see that.”
“I like Chris. Always have. And he’s a good worker, but if he is dabbling in your personal life, then he can be replaced.”
“I don't think he is. I just think maybe Luke overreacted.”
“Well, time will tell. Take your time and enjoy it. You are only young once. Love you, see you when you get back.”
“Thanks, love you too.” I hit the end button stared at my phone. I lifted it and finally reached out to Luke.
Can we talk when I get home?
Emerson
I watched the screen and waited for him to answer. After a few minutes, I dropped my phone in my lap and laid my head against the wall, waiting for my flight.
***
When I landed, Rachel was waiting on me with a huge smile on her face, and when her arms wrapped around me, I lost it.
“Oh, honey. It's going to be okay,” she cooed.
“I just don't know what I did.”
“He's being a stupid boy. He will come around.”
“I don't know.”
“He will realize his mistake soon enough,” she assured me. “Come on. I fixed your old room up for you. We’ll drink wine and watch something funny to get your mind off how stupid boys are.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Luke
After Ryan’s “pep talk,” I changed clothes and then went to get in the truck to drive to Portland.
“See you on the flip side,” Ryan called out as I pulled out of the driveway.
I arrived at her office and was greeted by an older lady with glasses perched on the end of her nose.
“Can I help you?” she asked.