Be My Reason

by Brooklyn Taylor

  My head immediately turned to listen in effectively. Charles used to run in the same circles with my father. He got clean and stayed that way, unlike daddy dearest.

  “What was being discussed?”

  “I only heard a small amount but it was about Galloway’s family. I’m not going into more detail because it isn’t my business.” He stopped.

  Grammy piped in, “Now, Kevin, sweet boy, you run half the rumor mill in Hilltop so don’t give me that, but I hope you really are working on it. Any talking about someone else is gossip, unless it is said by the person themselves.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Well, I better get going. Y’all have a great day. Pleasure again to see you both.” He waved and walked toward the counter to order his food.

  “What a shock? Greg being up to something…”

  “Maybe it was innocent.”

  “That man has never done anything innocent, everything is for him. Selfish son of a bi…”

  “Grammy….”

  “You’re right, darling. You are right.” And the plot thickened. I knew my dear old father was up to something, and in time I’d be a victim again of his selfishness.

  15

  WYATT

  Cash: Are you around?

  Wyatt: Yes, are you coming to town?

  Cash: Going to be, thought we could get a beer and go out.

  Wyatt: We can get a beer but I’m not going out to Kellye Joe’s.

  Cash: Why?

  Wyatt: I already have someone I’m dating. Not interested in looking or being brought into one of your schemes.

  Cash: That’s called a good time, Brother.

  Wyatt: I am having a pretty good time right now.

  Cash: Emma’s friend?

  Wyatt: Yes. When will you be in town?

  Cash: Not sure yet, will let you know.

  I was sure he would, and he’d be ready to start a tidal wave when he came. Regardless, my eye was on Breigh and that is where it was going to stay. She was in my life now, and I wasn’t going to let her slip away, not if I could help it anyway.

  BREIGH

  “Anderson Law Office,” I answered the phone frustrated, not sure I could handle another problem today. I had been cleaning up mess after mess and was ready to scream.

  “May I speak to Breigh, please?” a deep voice asked, sounding every so professional.

  “This is her, how can I help you?”

  I continued to shuffle through the files and papers I had scattered around my desk.

  “Hi, Breigh. I don’t know if you remember me, but we met a while ago when I was in town. I met you and Emma. My brother, Wyatt…”

  He said his name like he wanted to say more but stopped. “What can I do for you?”

  I wasn't sure why he was calling and frankly didn't have an extra minute today to deal with it.

  “You wouldn't believe the trouble I had getting your office number.”

  I waited and found myself reading the paper that was in front of me, jotting down a few notes in the margins that I needed to have initialed and the document retyped.

  “I wanted to see if you would be willing to meet me for dinner.”

  “I don’t think that is really appropriate, do you?” I questioned. I wasn't going to do anything to put my feelings for Wyatt in jeopardy. Why would Cash think I had any interest in going to eat with him?

  “Okay, I guess this has to happen here then. I just wanted to make sure you were talking to my brother for the right reasons.”

  “Are you questioning my intentions with Wyatt?”

  “Yes, I am. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. My brother can be his own worst enemy, and I want to make sure that doesn't happen.”

  “I don’t think you need to worry about your brother. He knows how I feel about him, and I know how he feels about me.”

  “You probably don't know what he stands to inherit one day…” And I don't care.

  I cut him off quickly, surprising us both. “I am so sick of hearing about money. What is with people and money? Between my father and you, I am ready to pull my hair out.” I paused. “For the record, what makes you think I don't have money myself? You know nothing about me.”

  “I know what Emma has told me about you. A lot of that isn't good, although she would never intend for it to sound that way. You seemed to have gotten around a lot when you were younger, have a father who is a drunk, and a mother who is…”

  “I’m a grown woman, Cash. I really couldn't give a shit about how you feel about me, and I’m sure your brother would feel the same. If you have something to ask Wyatt or something to question about me, you can do it in front of Wyatt. Don't try to go behind his back because I know he wouldn't like it. You should know that, with him being your brother.”

  “I guess I don’t need to ask you about the guy you were kissing in the parking lot?” he said condescendingly.

  Clearly he had never been put in his place.

  Jerk off.

  “What? Are you trying to blackmail me? You don't even know what was going on. That was my ex, and if you would’ve asked I could have told you that I pushed him away, disgusted.”

  “I know what I know. And I know my brother. He wouldn't like it. He’s been hurt pretty badly by some women in the past.”

  “Wow, Cash, you are a class act. You’re a real piece of…”

  “I guess that would be my exit then.” And I hung up just as the other end of the phone had gone silent.

  Why did the universe seem hell-bent on not letting me be happy? I was being treated like a gold digger, a misfit, someone who was not good enough to have someone I truly cared about. They were destroying what we had before we even knew what it was.

  That was a lie. I knew exactly what I wanted. The more people tried to start trouble about us, the more I knew he was what I wanted.

  To hell with this day.

  The fourth ring on the other line, and I got nervous. Wyatt wasn't answering and it actually took me a while to work myself up to call him. I wanted to tell him that Cash had called and the accusations he was making. It hurt me so badly, but infuriated me at the same time.

  In the past, I haven't always spoken my mind and I regretted it. I wouldn’t let Cash make me look like I did something wrong.

  Instead of leaving a voice mail when I was prompted, I decided to just hang up and texted him. Maybe he was busy.

  Breigh: Hey, Wyatt, call me when you get time. No rush.

  I had a lot of thoughts running through my mind, but I knew I had to be up front.

  Ten minutes later, Wyatt called me back.

  “Hey, Breigh, sorry I missed you.”

  “Not a problem. I know you are probably busy.”

  “Actually, I was just leaving my aunt’s house. She needed some help today.”

  “Is she feeling well?”

  “No, but she is trying to act like she is. Stubborn as a mule.”

  “Yeah, that is how my Grammy is too.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Have you talked to my father by chance?”

  “No, should I have?”

  “Good, no, not hearing from him is good.”

  “Why would I have heard from him?”

  “I will tell you more once we see each other next. Speaking of which, I would love to meet for dinner. When do you have a free night?”

  “Are you asking me on a date?” He laughed.

  “Is that odd?”

  “Not at all, I am just giving you a hard time. I am free tomorrow night.”

  “Okay, I should be done with work by six, so maybe seven? Is that too late?”

  “Not at all.”

  “How about meeting at Olive Garden? The one about ten miles off I-35. It is kind of out of the way but it is completely worth it. I think anyway.”

  “I agree. 6:30?”

  “Perfect.”

  “Are you sure I can’t come get you?”

  “No, it will be fine, I’ll be coming straight from the office.” />
  “Perfect. Okay, I will see you then.”

  “Breigh, I’m really looking forward to seeing you.”

  “Likewise, Wyatt.”

  BREIGH

  Wyatt had been waiting for me at Olive Garden, patiently, I might add. He was wearing his uniform, and I couldn’t help myself to take a look, reminding me how handsome he looked in it. He must have noticed my stare and grinned.

  “Sorry, I didn’t have time to change…came straight here from the station”. He leaned in and gave me a fast peck as if it was second nature.

  I, on the other hand, had taken a change of clothes, so he would see me out of office clothes. I had on my black dress that paired with my high heels perfectly. I wasn’t a fan of the heels, but I wanted to pull out some of the stops tonight. I had missed him. This dress was a game changer for me when I had worn it. Emma even loved it.

  “You look beautiful,” he commented in my ear, as we walked to our table nestled into the side of the restaurant.

  We sat at our table for an hour sipping on wine but still hadn’t ordered anything other than cheesecake. It was one of my favorite desserts, and I suggested us doing dinner backward tonight. Dessert, then our meal. He loved it. We shared the cheesecake and made small talk. I could have sat in this very spot all night spending time with him. Wyatt was all I needed.

  We finally ordered our entrees and continued talking easily; nothing seemed complicated.

  “This was exactly what I needed tonight. I have been stressed!"

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “No. I just was concerned about my father. Grammy and I ran into Kevin and he said he had heard my dad and Charles talking. I don’t know if you were aware, but they used to run around together…Or I should say got into trouble together.” I was aware I needed to tell him about Cash too, but I didn't want to bring it up tonight too.

  “What are you concerned about?” he asked.

  “I just never know what my father is going to do; he always seems to be up to something.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about it. If he tried anything, we could take care of it.”

  I smiled but wasn’t so sure. “You are pretty confident about that?”

  “There are only a few things I can be confident about. 1) If someone wants to try to hurt someone I care for, I will stop it. I will protect you against anything. 2) Corrupt people in most cases stay that way, unless they want to do something about it…and 3)…”

  “My father doesn’t want to change, and won’t, but what is your number three?”

  “That without a doubt I can’t picture my life without you. You mean more than words to me.”

  I smiled ear to ear and leaned over to kiss him madly. I didn’t care that we were in a restaurant and who could possibly be watching. I could have matched his words but instead, I showed him.

  As the night came to a close and Wyatt followed me home to make sure I got home safe, we stood on my porch and kissed like there was no tomorrow. I didn’t want to pull away from him, but I didn’t want to bring him in. I felt too weak and didn’t want to show him I was caving in the physical department. I had done so many things wrong in the past, and that was not going to happen this time. Oddly enough, Wyatt never tried, always keeping me wanting more, and wanting more I did. I was enjoying all the hot and heavy moments, and the slow burn of letting it cool down as I thought of him. I could put my hand to my lips and still feel his pressure, the sweet taste he always had. He was all I could think about.

  Did a twenty-eight-year-old woman get butterflies still? ‘Cause that was what I was getting from him.

  16

  BREIGH

  I was meeting my father for dinner tonight at Rusty’s, a place in town he had picked. I needed to get to the bottom of why he was trying to give me extra attention and see if there was an ulterior motive. I felt in my bones there was, but I needed to know for sure. Or more realistically what he wanted.

  I hated to think negatively about anyone. When you grew up like I did, it was easy to think of life that way. You either looked at the world as glass half full or glass half empty. I preferred full, as a younger woman I would have said empty.

  I waited for fifteen minutes before my father arrived to a place that he had recommended. Needless to say I was madder than a trapped dog.

  “So nice for you to show up…” I smarted off, ready to leave.

  “You have once again wasted my time, Dad. I had a busy day and I have things to do tonight for tomorrow at work. You have five minutes.”

  “You are giving your father five minutes?”

  The slur in his voice said it all. No wonder he was late, he was drunk. You have got to be kidding me.

  “You are unbelievable. You are drinking again, already?” I was disgusted.

  “Why would I stay sober?” He held his hand in the air with his finger up to get the waitress’s attention.

  “You are not going to drink with me right across from you, Dad. That ship has sailed.”

  “You can’t tell me what to do, Breigh.”

  “What did you want?” I tapped my fingers on the table and drank a sip of my water that was nearing the bottom from me waiting so long.

  “I need your help.”

  “What’s new?”

  The waitress placed a large beer on the table in front of my father and walked away, not waiting for a response from us.

  “I need money.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m sorry, Dad, I don't have any to give. I paid your mortgage last month since you were three months behind, and I didn't want you evicted. Again. So now I have to work extra so that I can pay my bills. Seems fair, doesn't it? A daughter paying her father’s bills.”

  That wasn't exactly true. I had money saved but not money I wanted to spend on my father. I was the one working and it irked me I had to pay for his debt.

  “Breigh, I wouldn't ask you if I didn't have to. It should show how desperate I am.”

  “I don’t have it.”

  “You have someone you could ask though, don't you?”

  The nerve. How would he know? The creep. My father had done a lot of low things, but this was low even for him.

  “Sorry, I’m not really sure I know what you are talking about. You know damn well I can’t ask Grammy. She wouldn't let you borrow enough money to buy a piece of gum.”

  “Not Helen.” He took a long gulp of his beer. “I tried to get my job back, several times in fact.”

  “So? How is that my problem?”

  “Because you don't have money for your alcohol or because you have bills? I am betting you getting drunk is more important than the bills.”

  “You think so little of me, don't you?”

  “Dad, you have never been there…you want to pretend like you were, then fine. But when you are with me, you can stop the charades. I don't have the energy to play the game any longer. I love you because you are my father, but that is about as far as it goes. Grammy is who took care of me, not you.”

  “I lost the love of my life when she gave birth to YOU, Breigh.” His voice rose in volume, “It isn't something I will ever get over.”

  “So instead you have wasted your life drinking over losing yourself. You could have done a lot of things differently, and I wish you would have, but you didn't. There isn't anything you can do about that now. And you know what…that is okay. I don't need you to. But I can tell you I will not lend you another cent, and I sure as hell cannot give you money. I work hard for what I earn and I am not going to dismiss that.”

  “Can’t you ask Galloway?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “He is loaded. He wouldn't even notice a little bit of money for your dear ole’ father.”

  “Wyatt? I don’t know anything about him having money. As far as I see it, he works like I do, nonstop. Everything he has he’s earned.”

  “I doubt that. Charles said he had money!”

  “Who cares what Charles said. I knew when I heard you had met
with him that…”

  He interrupted me, “Just like you say, but Helen helped you…”

  “Yes, she did. That is what grandparents or parents do. They help their children or grandchildren. And I am thankful every day.”

  “But I’m sure Galloway wouldn't mind. Can’t you ask him?”’

  “I am not debating this with you. I will not ask Wyatt for help for YOU!” I stood up and wished I could slap the asshat. He had some nerve.

  “I thought he was your boyfriend. That’s the word any way.”

  “From where? We had a date and a couple of times we happened to be at the same place at the same time. How I feel about any man has nothing to do with you. You aren't privy to that information and never will be. What he has and his family has is HIS business. There are boundaries, Dad, and I would never cross those. Just like I would expect him to do the same for me.”

  “That’s stupid, child.” He held up his arm for another beer.

  “What’s stupid is me believing you would change, that you even had a chance.” I walked off with determination in my step. I was so angry I could spit, so frustrated I could strangle him, and so disappointed I believed for half a second that he could chance to be anything but a drunk. He repeatedly drained my hope, popped the balloons over and over.

  I sat in my car, and laid my head on the steering wheel. What a disappointment, again. I should have known better. At least we somewhat saw it coming and that helps, so I wasn't blindsided.

  No way would I make Wyatt susceptible to being treated exactly the way he feared. I just didn't know what to do about it.

  A knock at my window startled me and I jumped out of my seat. It was my father.

  I rolled down the window as I rolled my eyes. “What, Dad?”

  “Breigh, I owe some money to some people who aren't going to just let it go… this is a last resort.”

  “Gambling or what?”

  “That doesn't matter. The less information you know, the better.”