As it turns out, Shaw and Maddie left early this morning, and they’ll be gone until tonight. My sister texted me to let me know they took Buddy with them.
I’m buttering a bagel when Clover walks into the kitchen. “Where is everyone?”
I notice how puffy and bloodshot her eyes look. She must’ve spent a good portion of the night upset. I want to rush next door and kick Kent’s ass for causing her sadness.
“What do you mean? I’m here,” I tease, hoping to lighten her mood.
She rolls her eyes. “I meant everyone important.”
I smile. Okay. She might be down, but she’s not out.
“They’re gone for the entire day and Buddy’s with them,” I fill her in. She appears slightly disgruntled. “What’s that look for?”
“I was hoping we’d all stick together today. I guess it’s not fair of me to be bummed out that they’re not here when they don’t know what happened to me.”
“I hate to tell you this, but I need to take a drive to my family’s cabin in New Hampshire and check on something for my dad.”
“You’re leaving too?” She looks crestfallen.
“I am.”
“Crap. I wish they’d left Buddy. I’d feel better if he were here with me.”
I set the plate with the bagel down in front of her. “Want to share?”
She plucks half from the plate, mumbling, “thanks,” as she bites into one side.
“You’re welcome.” I grab my half and tear off a chunk with my teeth. Two more bites and I’m done. My stomach growls to let me know I’m nowhere near full, and that was the last bagel.
“What time are you leaving?” she asks.
“Soon. Why?”
She sighs, a look of resignation on her face. “Would you mind if I went with you? I don’t want to be alone here.”
She’s playing right into my hands. This is too easy.
“No, why would I mind?”
“You and I don’t exactly get along,” she explains.
“That’s only because you secretly lust after me.”
“Ha. You wish,” she replies, shoving the final bite of bagel into her mouth.
“Can you be ready in twenty minutes?” I question.
“Sure. I’ll take a quick shower and I’ll be good to go.”
“Bring your bathing suit and a towel. We can jump in the pool to cool off before we drive back here.”
“Sounds good.”
We’ve been riding for about an hour when Clover drifts off to sleep. I don’t mind, it gives me a chance to watch her without her realizing. She has no idea that I think she’s beautiful or that I’ve had feelings for her for years. And that’s the way I want things to remain. Clover is all about commitment, and I’m not a relationship guy—and I never will be. I’d only break her heart. I care about her too much to do her any harm, and dating me would end badly for her.
After watching the demise of my parents’ marriage, I have a jaded opinion on relationships. My mom tore my dad’s heart out, and I was witness to more of what happened than I should’ve been. I saw more than they realize, and I don’t plan on filling my dad in on exactly how much.
It’s been years, and I’ve kept it to myself for this long. What would be the point of sharing the information now? It would only devastate him, and he doesn’t deserve the pain it would cause.
My dad, the man who’s done everything right in my eyes, is my role model. I admire him for so many reasons. He’s an amazing father to Maddie and me. A hard worker and a great provider, we both have always had everything we needed. Dad’s there if we need to talk, and he makes sure to check in with us at various points throughout the week when we’re away at school. During the summers, when we’re living at home, he eats dinner with us as often as he can.
My mom gave up the best man she’ll ever find and all for the young piece of ass she was fucking.
Neither of my parents are aware that I know she was unfaithful. But even if I hadn’t heard them fighting about her infidelity, the signs were there. I would’ve figured it out on my own anyway.
Oh and that young piece of ass… he dumped her shortly after she and my dad split.
She had everything—a faithful husband and kids who loved her, a nice house, a pool, and food in her stomach. But it wasn’t enough.
And now she’s all alone with her favorite person—herself.
I still see her from time to time, mostly around the holidays. We get along fine, but I wouldn’t say we’re close. It’s impossible to trust the person who betrayed me so badly in the past. I know most people would say that my father, as her spouse, was the person she betrayed. I don’t disagree with that, but I also don’t think that he was the only one. Maddie and I just happened to be collateral damage.
By the time Clover finally stirs in the passenger seat, we’re almost to the cabin.
She rubs the sleep from her eyes. “How long have we been riding for?”
“Almost four hours.”
“What? Four hours?” she squeaks.
“How far did you think the Cape is from the White Mountains in New Hampshire?” I ask.
“I didn’t really give it much thought. But now I am. How are we going to drive back tonight? That’s like eight hours total spent on the road.”
“Congratulations, Lucky. You can add.”
“Marshall,” she huffs, “I’m being serious.”
“Don’t sweat it. If we don’t want to make the return trip, we can crash at the cabin. No one else is there.”
“I don’t know if I’d feel right about that. It’s your family's house.”
“You’re right, it’s my family’s house, and therefore, my house. I can invite anyone I want to stay there. So stop with the nonsense about not feeling right. Just because Maddie’s never brought you doesn’t mean you’re not allowed.”
Her brow is furrowed with worry, and it makes me feel obligated to explain further. “Whenever my dad and uncles get together it’s pretty chaotic, so neither of us would add to that by bringing friends. Plus, their antics can be embarrassing, especially for Maddie. But now that we’re adults and have our own modes of transportation, things will change. As long as we don’t throw wild parties, it’s all good.”
“Damn. There go my plans for later,” she jokes.
“We can have our own party.” I throw a quick glance her way, wiggling my brows.
“Whatever.” She sighs and stretches her arms. “I guess I needed that sleep.”
“Did you have a rough time falling asleep last night?” I ask, curious if she was upset like I imagined.
“I was awake for a while.”
“Anything you want to talk about?” I question.
“What’s there to say? Kent is a predatory dick, and if you hadn’t been eavesdropping, I wouldn’t be riding with you right now.”
“I wasn’t eavesdropping.” She makes a sputtering sound, and my gaze flicks from the road to her.
“Really? You texted me throughout my date with commentary and responses to everything he said and did. It’s a little late to deny what we know is fact.”