Be My Reason

by Brooklyn Taylor

  She stood up right in front of me and I moved my head up to watch her. “I need to be with someone who loves me unconditionally and will always give me the benefit of the doubt. I won’t accept anything less.”

  “Breigh, I know you have been hurt. Hell, I have too. And I know I added to that by hurting you myself. Cash is half the reason my ex and I broke up. She cheated with him. Her name was April, and she tore my heart out. What I feel for you is far more than I ever dreamed of feeling for her, and I got spooked. I have no explanation that is good enough.”

  The look on her face said it all. She hurt for me, and what I had been through, even though I had just put her through what I had. How could I have ever doubted Breigh?

  I was speechless, because looking in her blue eyes I knew she was the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I just had to prove to her I was worth it, that I would never doubt her again, and make her believe it.

  The conversation on the way home was quiet. Rhonda tried to make small talk but she could tell I was a bundle of nerves. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to convince Breigh to let her guard down, and I wasn't sure if I was going to win her back.

  “Thank you for going with me tonight.”

  “You bet, Wyatt. I adore Helen. She is a card. So full of life too. You know, I really never thought about aging, I knew it was going to happen and was fine with it. It wasn't anything I concerned myself with. But now, I realize how old I’m getting, and this sickness isn't making anything any better.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “I’m not saying I am dying tonight, Wyatt, calm down. I’m just saying spending time with Helen really makes me realize how she appreciates the time she has had and the time she still has left. She doesn't worry about if tomorrow will come but just takes each day, day by day.”

  “I think we all should do that.”

  “You work too much, just like I always did. We bury ourselves in work to let that lead our lives. I mean, I had a wonderful marriage but nevertheless, I still didn't let that lead my life. I wish I would have spent a little more time with Kurt, and even you as you were younger, perhaps my sister, instead of working.”

  I shook my head while I was driving almost in a trance.

  “She inspired me tonight in more reasons than one. To live, but to love life.”

  “I can see where Breigh gets a lot of her foundation. Helen really is a joy to be around,” I said.

  “Helen and I are going to have coffee one day next week. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “That’s fantastic.” I smiled, glad she has a friend who makes her want to keep living and trying. Fighting. I saw her struggle far more than she knew. She was weak and had lost substantial weight. She was a private person and I was trying to respect that, but I still knew her better than anyone else did. Rhonda had always been the foundation for others, the one to call on when you need something. She didn't ever call someone for help.

  “It isn't a lost cause, Wyatt, so don't look that way. You need to realize that what you did by listening to Cash was a mistake. Now do something about it.”

  “I messed up big time.”

  “She loves you; you can see it in her eyes. But she didn't grow up like you did; she was basically abandoned by her father, who’s a drunk. And she feels like her mother left her in a way, as well. She has to know whoever is with her, is there for good, to stay. You have to prove that. Yeah, love is what everyone wants, but there are so many other important things that go along with that.”

  “I want to prove to her I can be all of those for her.”

  “I know you do. But give her some time. Don't give up.”

  “I won’t. I just don't know if I can handle if she refuses.”

  “I doubt she will.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Her grandmother, and just a feeling I have.”

  “Everything was really easy for y’all at first, y'all were falling for each other and didn't have any complications. Then life happened. Now you have to see if you can get past this test.”

  “Yes.”

  “And, Wyatt, did you ask her once what happened that night? It’s not my business, and if you know and just didn't mention it, that’s between y'all, but I just thought it would be a nice start if you had.”

  “No…I didn’t.”

  “Maybe you should have. Promising to stay and love someone, no matter what, is far harder than you think. I know your intentions have always been genuine. Even with April when she broke your heart. You would have married her and loved her the best you could. But make sure you are doing what your heart wants too.”

  “Breigh is my heart.”

  “Then you better act like it. Do you remember when I used to race you? I would tell you get mark, get set…”

  “Go.”

  “Exactly.” She smiled, confident in the message she delivered. “What are you waiting for?”

  27

  WYATT

  Being a deputy, you learned to have a good intuition. Luckily, I had always followed mine. It had benefitted me some times, and hurt me others.

  Breigh’s dad was up to no good, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I had hoped it would all end after me going to see him, but he had been spending all his time at Alibi, a bar that catered to the scum of Hilltop. That shithole was known for dope and drunks who ran up a tab they had zero intention of paying. I only knew because I had a few fight calls there and saw him. The bartender had commented that he had racked up a bill, and had spent all his time there.

  “Galloway, when you get a second come to the tank, would ya?” Kevin walked by my desk frustrated.

  Ten minutes later I met him there as he was talking to Greg. He was sitting on the bench outside of the enclosed jail bars, wearing a pair of jeans and no shirt. His odor was so strong; I almost needed to cover my nose.

  “I tried calling Breigh, but she won’t bail me out.”

  I raised my shoulders wondering what that had to do with me. “I’m sure she had a reason for that. Wouldn't you think?” I asked him, wondering if he ever thought about anyone but himself. I already knew the answer to my own question though. He didn’t.

  “You don't know anything about my daughter and me,” he spat. “Kevin, just send him back up to the third floor. He isn't going to help me.”

  Kevin rolled his eyes and walked over to me.

  “He got picked up for public intoxication. Big shocker, huh?”

  “Yeah, still not sure why I’m here. This has nothing to do with me.”

  “I thought you might want to help him.”

  “I don’t help people who don't help themselves. The only reason he wants to act like he knows me is because he wants something from me. He thinks I am rich.”

  Kevin laughs. “Oh yes, I had forgotten. I guess that is why you work for the sheriff’s department. Because you are so rich.” He laughed again and I shook my head annoyed.

  “Let him sleep it off. When I come back in twelve hours, and if he is still here, I’ll take him for a meal and home,” I told Kevin in front of Greg, but never actually speaking to him directly.

  “I don’t have a home anymore. I got evicted. But you knew that already, didn't you?” Greg again talked with hate as if I had anything to do with that.

  “Breigh used to help me, but now she won’t. I’m sure you are behind that.”

  Now it was time for me to laugh. He clearly knew nothing about my character, or his daughter’s for that matter.

  “If you knew your daughter like you said you do, you would know that no one could ever influence her to do anything she didn't want to do.”

  He mumbled unintelligible words.

  “Hey, Kevin, you think you can get him a hand mirror so he can take some time looking at his reflection while he sobers up? Maybe he can start placing some blame on the person he sees instead of blaming everyone else.” With that, I marched out with a smile on my face.

  I wasn't sure how Breigh was g
oing to feel about me speaking my two cents, but if I was going to be around for the long haul, I had things to say. I had hoped she would understand everything I said was in her best interest. If not, she would certainly let me know.

  Of that I had no doubt.

  Eleven hours later, I walked into the tank to see if Greg was still there and he wasn’t, to my surprise.

  I asked Officer Price where he had gone. “Our frequent flyer was picked up by his daughter about five minutes ago. I think this would mark the eighth time since I have been at the station.”

  “Eighth?”

  “Yes, sir. He can’t get enough of us, I guess.”

  “Thanks.”

  I texted Breigh to see if I could help with anything;

  Wyatt: Hi, Breigh, Are you still around the station?

  Breigh: Around the corner at Blue’s. Come join us, if you want. xoxo

  BREIGH

  Numerous times my phone had rung overnight, and more times than not it was my father. When I got the call last night, I had already crawled into bed and refused to get up to go get him. He had gotten himself in the situation for the umpteenth time, and he could wait until they released him or I could come get him.

  He cussed me like he had all the times before and I hung up.

  When I got here this morning, his attitude was completely different. They were about to release him, and I asked if I could take him to breakfast.

  I loved him but it was time I set things straight. Enough was enough. It was finally okay for me to let him go, even if I had to keep reminding myself that.

  We sat at Blue’s and I took control of what he was ordering. “He will have a coffee and water, I’ll have the same.”

  “I think I can handle ordering for myself.”

  “That might be the only thing you can handle…”

  “Did you bring me to breakfast to insult me? Or is that just a bonus? Because if that is the case, I have to find a place to live and need a shower.”

  “You’re officially evicted?”

  “Yes, not that you care.”

  “You know better than that. I care. But I can’t continue to pay your bills. You need to work and you need to stay sober.”

  “I don’t NEED the lecture.”

  Our beverages were delivered just as he was raising his voice, making the waitress nervous. “Are y'all ready to order?” She asked sweetly with her Texas drawl. It sounded fake to me.

  “Breakfast sampler for both of us. Eggs over easy. No sausage for him, double his bacon and put that on my plate, please.”

  “What? Now you are monitoring my food?” He spat.

  “Thank you.” The waitress smiled and walked off shaking her head.

  “I’m paying so I’m ordering you a meal that I know you will eat. Now, if you are done acting like you are two, we need to talk.”

  “What now?” He was clearly mentally ten, frozen in time.

  Wyatt walked in just as my father was pouring more sugar in his coffee.

  “Hi, Breigh…Greg.” He leaned down to kiss me on the cheek and then slid in beside me.

  “Perfect timing, Wyatt. I was just about to have a heart-to-heart with my dear old dad here.”

  “Why does he need to be here for this? It is bad enough he left me sit in there last night.”

  I turned to look at Wyatt and he looked back at me then Greg. “You needed to sober up. I won’t make any apologies for that.”

  “Dad, let’s be honest. That was probably the first time you have been sober in weeks. What I can’t figure out is how you even have money to drink…you don't work.”

  “I find ways. Can we get on with this?”

  “I am drawing a line from this day forward.” I watched as he was observing people in the restaurant, acting as if he wasn't the least bit interested in what I was saying.

  “Dad!”

  ‘WHAT?”

  “Did you hear what I said?”

  “Yes, you are drawing a line. Again.”

  “I will not pay for anything for you. I will not come and get you from whatever place you end up in, be it jail, the curb, etc, don't call me. I am going to be the kid now, in a manner of speaking. I never have been with you, and I’m starting now.”

  “You’re telling me, now at age twenty-eight, you are going to act like a kid? That is absurd.”

  “What I am telling you is I am not going to be your safety net any longer. I will be the kid and you can be the parent. Don't even think about calling me for anything unless it is to talk, or be kind. Do you understand what I am saying?”

  “What you are saying is that you are now with this Galloway and think you are too good for your father.”

  “Dad, I was too good for you far before Wyatt. I should never have put up with the abuse you have given me. Grammy tried for years to get me to…”

  “Do not bring Helen into this. This has nothing to do with her.”

  “It does though. She stepped in to take care of me when you didn’t. She is the one who taught me to be a woman and live life to the fullest.”

  “So live it. No one’s stopping you.”

  “You act like a big weight on my leg that I can’t shake off. I can’t handle it anymore. I love you, will always love you because you gave me life, but other than that you haven't done anything, in my best interest, for me. If it didn't benefit you in any way or shape, you didn't do it.”

  “You don't see things my way.”

  “And I never will.”

  “Because she isn't selfish,” Wyatt spoke up under his breath. I can’t blame him but it wasn't the time.

  I glared at him but didn't dare say anything about it.

  “Are you done? Fine, I get it. You don't want me around. You don't love me. I get it. It has been all me.”

  “Dad, I love you. I will always love you. I do want you around, but I want you to be someone who respects me, loves me, and isn't looking out for his best interest. And I want you to be sober.”

  “Rub a lamp, sweetheart. I have no want to be sober. I have nothing to live for as it is.”

  He stood up with his water in his hand.

  “Dad, I’m sorry you lost the love of your life, and I hope one day you can look past that you think I was the person who took her from you.” He didn't mutter a single word in response, but rather walked to the door, cup in his hand. No comment was made to try to fix anything. He didn't look back once.

  And I wasn't going to either. I wiped the tears that had seeped out of the sides of my eyes, and then cleared my throat.

  “Thank you for being here, Wyatt.”

  “I’ll always be your backup, baby.”

  An extra tear fell from my eye and he lightly touched it then kissed my nose. I rest my head on his shoulder and steadied my breathing, clearing my brain of just hurting my father. I always felt bad, yet he never seemed to.

  Wyatt took my hand and intertwined his. “I want to always be able to take care of you. I hate seeing you hurt and not able to do anything to take it away."

  "Does that mean we are back together?” I asked as he looked at me.

  “We should have never been apart. Yes, baby, and I’m not going anywhere."

  "Promise?"

  “For always.”

  We kissed softly before being interrupted, “Two breakfast samplers. Pancakes will be out in a pinch,” the waitress said, popping her gum.

  When I called and told Emma that Wyatt and I were back together, she was just as ecstatic as I was. She didn’t have the doubt I still harbored though.

  “You gotta give the guy a break.”

  “Excuse me? You are my best friend.”

  “I’m just saying, he has been through this before. You said that Cash had cheated with his ex, and God only knows the crap he has gone through with Cash throughout his life.”

  “He should have listened to me…”

  “Blah, blah, blah. I know. I get it. You have said it a million times. The man didn’t listen to you. But now you can
get over all that, get married, and have a ton of little babies. Let’s move on.”

  I laughed. “Slow down there!”

  “You would marry him tomorrow if he asked, and you know it.”

  “I’ll neither confirm nor deny my answer.”

  “You don’t have to. I already know what you would do.”

  If she were sitting right in front of me I would have stuck my tongue out at her.

  Mature? No. But she was right.

  I was head over heels in love with Wyatt Galloway.

  “Well, now let’s talk about me. You are going to love this, girl!”

  “Let’s hear it.”

  “First, you should know I saw Cash kiss you.”

  I didn’t respond but rather just swallowed the lump in my throat.

  “And it is okay you didn’t tell. I wouldn’t have known what to say if it happened to me either.”

  “But instead of making him pay that night and canceling the date, I made him pay another way. The entire night in fact. We went to a high-end restaurant and I ordered the most expensive drinks and dinner. Then dessert. I accidentally opened his car door into a pole and I wish you could have heard how I played it off.”

  “You didn’t?”

  “That man has no manners whatsoever, by the way. You should have seen the dent I put in his Land Rover. It was a good one!” She laughed wickedly, as if she was giving herself a pat on the back. I asked for a coffee on the way home and accidently spilled it on his seat and floor. And here is the kicker…when he leaned over to kiss me good night and whispered, asking if I wanted him to come in for a nightcap, I pulled back and then slapped him. The exact cheek you got him on too. Don’t worry, Breigh, I let him know why I did it.”

  Okay, I couldn’t contain my laughter any longer. I was so proud of her.

  “And he lied?”

  “Of course, he lied.”

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t say anything. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to believe you would listen to me, but I also knew how much you liked the guy.”