by E. K. Blair
I nodded.
“His father was a wonderful man. It was so hard for his mother to watch him suffer like that. Are you sure you’re ready for that, Wrenn?”
“No,” I admitted, “but I’m not ready to let him go, either. So what choice do I have? I’m thinking about it. Everything. I haven’t given him an answer yet.”
Layna nodded. “You’re a very mature young woman. Most girls your age wouldn’t be thinking so far into the future, but you have your life pretty much planned out. I admire that.”
I smiled, her words meaning more to me than I could express. I was so sure she wouldn’t understand, and she’d been more supportive than I ever could’ve imagined.
“I’m not even sure what I’m doing,” I admitted honestly.
“No, but the fact that you’re thinking so deeply about things says a lot.”
I moved forward, fiddling with my fingernails as I worked up the courage to ask her what was on my mind—things I had been too afraid to ask Dalton, morbid things that I couldn’t get out of my head. Every time I thought to myself that I couldn’t do it, I’d think about not being with him and realize that leaving him wasn’t an option. I had to do it. More than that, I had to suck it up and stop being such a selfish child. This wasn’t about me. Not really. The picture was so much bigger than what I was feeling at the moment.
“Layna? Dalton’s dad—did you know him well? I don’t know much about this disease, only what I found on Google and what Dalton has told me.”
“Yes, I knew him well. He was a proud man who didn’t like to be fussed over. That made the whole thing so much worse.” She sighed and shook her head sadly, her eyes clouding over with memories.
“How do you mean?” I asked, my voice small.
“The disease robbed him of all his independence, Wrenn. Even the smallest thing, he needed assistance with. Early on in his diagnosis it wasn’t so bad, but as things progressed...it was hard, even for me, a person outside of their circle, to watch.” She looked at me earnestly. “I’m not going to lie to you, Wrenn. How Mary and Dalton coped with that is beyond me. Huntington’s disease is relentless. It’s a terrible, horrible illness. And it’s not just the physical symptoms you need to watch out for. Things like depression and other mental illnesses are common symptoms that can occur way before any physical symptoms kick in.”
“What scares me the most is losing him. I don’t know if I can handle that. How can I be strong for him when I can’t cope with things myself?” My voice broke.
Layna stood me up and hugged me again, her warm embrace comforting. “You’re stronger than you think, honey. And there is so much love and passion inside of you. Your mom would be very proud, you know that?”
I nodded, wiping my eyes. She would be proud of me. Not so much the falling for the teacher thing, but everything else. How I’d handled everything I’d been through the past year. And now this.
“God, Wrenn, I can’t be mad at you. Everything should horrify me, both as your aunt and as his boss, but both of you have been through so much. And no matter what, you’ll always have me. Whatever you decide, and whenever you need me, I’ll be right by your side. You won’t be in this alone, honey.”
“Thanks,” I mumbled. “That means a lot to hear you say that.”
I rubbed the side of my head and stifled a yawn, only just realizing how tired I was. The last couple of days had been huge, and so stressful I’d only managed a few hours of sleep.
“So what happens now? Is this enough to get Paige’s claim thrown out?” I asked nervously.
“It will certainly be enough to create doubt in her story. And if you’re right and all she wants is to ruin you, then your admittance should be enough for her to drop her accusation.”
“And Dalton? How will this affect his career?”
Layna shook her head. “Unfortunately, that’s not completely up to me. I’ll do my best for this not to go on his record, but I can’t promise you anything. You should stay away from him for a few days, though, Wrenn. It will be best for both him and you. Until this is cleared up. Until after your graduation.”
I nodded and hugged her again, wondering how I was going to go without seeing him, but at the same time relieved I had the time I needed to think. Without the distraction of him.
Chapter Thirty
Wrenn
The eve of my graduation. One more day until I was free.
One more day until I could start the rest of my life, and I still hadn’t worked out what to do. I refused to commit to Dalton unless I was sure.
God, that sounded horrible. As bad as this felt for me, it had to be worse for him. He didn’t need me changing my mind in five years, or ten years. If I was with him, it was for all of it.
I tried to put things into perspective—life with Dalton, and life without him. My feelings for him were beyond love. I loved this man more than I did anything else in my world right now. If he did have this disease, was twenty years with him enough? Was it better than not having him at all? I couldn’t imagine loving anybody the way I did him. That had to count for something.
Kass took me shopping for a graduation dress, mostly to take my mind off Dalton and everything else that was going on. Paige had recounted her accusations against Dalton, but the board had insisted on investigating my relationship with him. After countless interviews with various members of the school board, they were meeting today to decide his fate, and I was a nervous wreck.
I hadn’t seen or spoken to him all week. We had sent texts—a lot of texts—but it wasn’t the same as hearing his voice. I longed to hear that deep, husky voice whispering sexy and dirty things into my ear.
“How about this?”
Kass held out a short purple-and-black chiffon dress. I screwed up my nose at the wide straps. I didn’t do straps. They made my shoulders look huge. I searched through the rack in front of me, only half focused on the task at hand.
“There, what about that?” she said.
I stopped at looked at the dress I was holding in my hands. Okay, this one wasn’t half bad. It was strapless, long, and fitted with a built-in corset. I ran the dark blue silk fabric over my fingers, loving the way it felt against my skin. This was perfect.
The winter formal was set to follow the small, informal ceremony for the half dozen students graduating early. It wasn’t usual for students graduating early to have a midyear ceremony, but Layna had insisted on marking the occasion.
“I’ll try it on,” I agreed, carrying it into the dressing room. I stripped out of my jeans and shirt, and my bra. Lifting the dress carefully over my head, I let it shimmy down over my body and over my hips.
Wow. I stared at my refection in the mirror. This dress was stunning. I pushed open the door and called out for Kass.
“Holy shit, I hope you’re getting that dress,” she gasped, covering her mouth. “You look fucking amazing. You’re making me second guess my dress.”
I looked back at myself, tilting my head. It was perfect, but it was also expensive. When Layna gave me her credit card for a dress, I was pretty sure she didn’t have this budget in mind. Still, I had a lot of savings put away. And I hadn’t brought myself anything in a long time...
Okay. I was sold. All I could think was wait until Dalton sees me in this dress, even if it was a few days after the dance.
***
After we finished shopping, Kass dropped me back at home. Getting out of the house had brightened my mood; it had been exactly what I’d needed. I went upstairs to hang up my dress. The door downstairs shut and I raced back down, hoping it was Layna. I was so anxious for news on the hearing. Dalton hadn’t texted or called me, and that made me nervous.
Layna stood in the hallway. I watched as she shrugged off her jacket and hung it on the coat rack, searching her face for any indication of what might have happened. Nothing. She looked up and saw me. A smile. A smile was good, right?
“How did it go?” I asked, my stomach in knots.
“Well,
” she smiled again. “He will be discharged from Tennerson’s, but because you are not willing to make a complaint, we concluded that nothing could be proven, so this won’t be on his record.”
Yes! I ran up and wrapped my arms around her.
“Am I correct in that you won’t be making a complaint?” she smirked.
I snorted and glowered at her. Funny. “Does he know?” I asked.
She nodded. “I just called him before I got in.”
She’d barely finished speaking and I was back up the stairs, slamming the door to my room shut. I grabbed my phone and dialed his number.
“So you heard,” he answered.
I threw myself on the bed and closed my eyes, focusing on his voice. I could almost imagine he was beside me, lying next to me. Touching me.
“I’m not going to lose my career.”
“Yes, it’s wonderful,” I grinned into the phone. “I can’t wait to see you.”
“Me either. Come up to the city after graduation. Come stay with me.”
“And your mom?” I piped up, cringing at the thought. I could only imagine what she thought of me. I was the girl who had stolen her little boy’s heart.
“Mom can’t wait to meet you, Wrenn,” he chuckled. “Do you know how long she’s been waiting for me to bring a girl home? I think secretly she always wanted a daughter.”
“Even a student?” I joked feebly. “Okay. I’ll come,” I decided. At the very least, talking to his mom was probably what I needed to do most to make a decision on what I wanted.
“Good. I’m sorry I can’t be there to see you tomorrow,” he said, the disappointment in his voice obvious.
My mood dropped as I thought about how hard the next day was going to be. I’d have Layna and Dan there, but my graduation was one of those things I’d expected to share with my parents and my brother. Not having Dalton there to see me graduate was just another blow.
“Don’t worry, Layna will take plenty of photos.”
“Good. I guess I’ll see you soon,” he said, his tone soft.
“Can’t wait,” I smiled.
***
Kass was over at nine in the morning to help me get ready. Personally, I didn’t see the point in getting up so damn early when we didn’t need to be at the auditorium until twelve, but I gave in. Who was I to spoil the sudden urge she’d developed to be all girly together?
“Are you going down tonight to see him?” she asked, running the straightener through her hair.
I nodded. At first I was going to stay , then drive down the next day, go out for dinner with Layna and Dan and celebrate my graduation. Then I had the realization that the only person who I wanted to celebrate with wasn’t here.
He was the only person I really cared about sharing anything with. And what’s more, it hit me that I hadn’t had a single nightmare about the accident since the day we met.
It was at that moment I knew that no matter what, I couldn’t give him up. You can’t choose who you fall in love with, all you can do is be damn thankful you’ve found someone who understands you.
Nobody understood me like he did.
***
I sat in my chair in my gown and my cap, waiting for my name to be called.
Then it was. I stood up and walked up onto the stage to collect my diploma. It was such a bittersweet moment; every emotion was hurling through me, from happiness and relief right down to anger and sadness. This was a milestone in my life that my family should have been here to see, and I was angry that had been taken from me.
I imagined them, standing underneath the huge oak tree over by the gardens. Mom would be smiling and clapping like crazy while dad struggled to figure out how to operate the video camera. Jordan would be rolling his eyes and trying to help Dad, while trying to hide the fact that he was proud of his big sister.
I reached the podium where Layna stood, holding my diploma. I could see the tears in her eyes and I knew she was thinking the same thing: my family should be here. I wiped my eyes and smiled at her, unable to hold back the tears.
“They would be so proud of you. Just as Dan and I are,” she whispered in my ear. She kissed my cheek and hugged me as the small crowd clapped. “Now go over to the fire drill area.”
What the hell? I opened my mouth to question. She shook her head and grinned.
“No questions, Wrenn. For once in your life, just do as you’re told.”
I nodded and made my way off stage as the graduates began to gather with their families.
I looked out over the empty gardens, puzzled at what I was supposed to be seeing. I passed the seating area, and the path that headed to the student parking lot, still unsure of what the hell I was looking for. Had they gotten me a new car?
“Hello, you.”
I turned around, my eyes widening in shock. Dalton.
What the hell was he doing here? He stood there watching, amused by my reaction. His mouth turned upwards into a smile as I ran forward and into his arms. God I had missed him. Our lips melted together, his hand cradling the base of my neck, leaving my skin tingling and my mouth wanting more.
“I couldn’t miss seeing you graduate,” he murmured softly, kissing my nose, then my eyes, then my forehead. “I called Layna and we agreed I would stand over here, away from...well, everyone.”
I wrapped my arms around his waist, my head resting against his chest, so glad he was there.
I glanced back over at the crowd around the podium, which was beginning to dissipate. I wouldn’t be going to the dance that night. I wanted to spend every moment with him.
“Come over to the house,” I said, pulling him in that direction.
He raised his eyebrow at me as if to say ‘now?’ I giggled and blushed as I nodded my head furiously.
He shook his head and laughed. “See, you can’t keep away from me, Wrenn. You can barely last a day without me around.” It was true. The few days had been hell without him. If that hadn’t already made my decision up for me, then seeing him here today sure as hell had.
As we walked away, I spotted Paige staring at us from the other end of the gardens. I slowed to a stop, my heart beating furiously.
“Can you give me a moment?” I said to Dalton. I needed to do this. I needed closure.
“Sure,” Dalton replied, taken aback. He glanced around and spotted Paige, his body tensing. “What are you doing?” he asked uncertainly, his hand gripping my arm.
“Something I should have done a long time ago,” I murmured. As he let me go, I walked over to her. She eyed me coolly, her lip turned up as I approached her. If she felt bad or embarrassed about what she had done, she didn’t show it.
“I want to ask you something,” I said, looking her in the eye. All the hell she had put me though and it came down to this: me finally confronting her.
“What?” she sneered in disgust. Her chin rose, like even talking to me was below her. She flicked her blonde hair over her shoulder and waited.
“I want to know what your problem is. Why do you hate me so much? What did I ever do to you?”
Paige laughed and shook her head. “See, you never did get it. You come in here, the little niece of the headmistress, acting like you’re so much better than everyone else with your perfect little life.” She pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing in on me. “I don’t need a reason to hate you, Wrenn. I just do.”
I began to laugh. She stared at me like I was crazy. Maybe I was. For so long I had let her get under my skin, and now I couldn’t give less of a shit about her. The response she had just given me confirmed what I already knew: she was a selfish little brat.
“Do you know why I came here?” I asked her. I didn’t wait for an answer. “Because my entire family died in a car accident. I lost my mother, my father, and my brother, Paige. Do you think I asked for this? Do you think I wanted to invade your little world?” I asked, spreading my hands. “My perfect little life ended a long time ago.”
Her mouth fell open as her blue eyes filled wi
th shame. She actually looked sorry. I almost laughed. The bitch actually had the balls to feel sorry for me.
God, that made me want to slap her.
“My God, Wrenn, I didn’t know—”
“Of course you didn’t, Paige,” I cut in. “You never gave me a chance. All you did was make my life hell, and the lives of others. Do you think any of this matters? In ten years, where will you be? Still judging people on the very little you know about them?”
She didn’t respond. Instead, she dropped her gaze and waited for me to finish.
“Do me a favor and learn from this, because often what seems perfect really isn’t.” I turned and stalked off before she could reply, flipping my hair over my shoulder.
Damn, that felt good.
***
“Are you sure we’re not going to be...interrupted?” Dalton mumbled, kissing my neck. I nodded. Layna and Dan would be tied up with school-related graduation things for at least the next two hours.
Then, we were having dinner. The four of us—something that made me completely anxious. Since the truth about us had come out, I hadn’t had the pleasure of being in the same room as Dalton and my family, so I had no idea what to expect.
Up on my toes, I curled my arms around his neck, tilting his lips down to meet mine, loving the feel of his hand on the curve of my back. Reaching for his hand, I led him to the bed, curling up with his arms around me. I didn’t need sex to feel close to him. Just having him next to me was enough.
***
Well, this was awkward.
Dalton, Dan, and I sat at the table as Layna carried over the roast that had been slow cooking all day. The table was full of fresh rolls, beans, roast vegetables, and other foods, the smell of which were making my mouth water.
We sat in silence. And not the good kind, either. It was that weird, eerie silence where you rack your brain trying to think of some amazing conversation starter. I came up with nothing. I glanced at Dalton, silently willing him to say something. He shrugged helplessly.
Fuck.
“So, I’m finally free.” It was the first thing that popped into my head. “No more school work. Not until college starts, anyway,” I added. Okay, now I was just rambling, but it was better than the alternative.
