Total pages in book: 176
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 164533 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 823(@200wpm)___ 658(@250wpm)___ 548(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” I finally answered past a stuttering breath. “I’d like that. I’ll run it by my mam, but I’m sure she’ll be okay with it.”
Padraig eyed me a moment, running a hand over his clean shaven jaw, then said, “You know, it might be a good idea to talk to Derek about what’s going on. Keeping things locked up isn’t always good for us, and speaking to a friend can help. My son is a good listener. He’s always been a very smart, emotionally intelligent lad, and—”
“I can’t,” I blurted. I hadn’t intended to interrupt him. It just came out. But the idea of talking to Derek, to anyone, really, made me feel like there was a clamp tightening around my gut. I didn’t want people looking at me like Aunt Claire and Uncle Eugene did. And now, Padraig. Keeping the number of people who knew the truth to a minimum felt like the best possible option. Besides, Derek might’ve been emotionally intelligent, but that didn’t mean he’d understand what I was going through. Compared to me, he’d lived a charmed life and I didn’t want him pitying me or feeling sorry for me. I just wanted everything to stay normal.
Or as normal as possible, given the circumstances.
I didn’t want my best friend to know how my dad made me feel so weak. How I always failed in my attempts to stand up to him. I was so full of shame as it was.
Padraig must’ve sensed my desperation because he gave a sober nod. “Okay, well, in that case, we’ll just tell the boys your parents are having some renovations done on the house, and that’s why you’re staying with us.”
“Okay,” I said, meeting his gaze and swallowing back the lump of gratefulness lodged in my throat. “Thank you, sir.”
Padraig stepped forward and placed his hand on my shoulder. “No need to thank me. You’ve always been a good influence on my boys. You keep them grounded. Besides, Jo loves having you around. You’re like the nephew she never had.”
Again, I just about managed to hold it together. What was it about being offered a simple bit of kindness that made me feel like I might break apart? Maybe I just wasn’t used to it.
When I finished my shift, I called Mam and explained I was going to be staying with the Balfes. It surprised me when she sounded relieved, probably because she felt like both of us staying at her sister’s was too much trouble, and Mam hated anyone being put out because of her. My temples hurt, a headache coming on. Dad had messed her head up so much she wasn’t even comfortable taking hospitality from her own sister. And me, well, I hated admitting it, but I was relieved, too. I needed to get away from my shitty family situation and just be around people like my friends, people who didn’t have the heavy burdens weighing them down that I did.
Jo was in the kitchen making nachos when I arrived at the house. I knocked on the back door since that was typically how Derek and Tristan entered.
“Rhys! Come in,” she said as she slid the door over. “Padraig called to tell me you were staying with us for a few weeks. What a treat. I love having a full house,” she smiled widely, and it was impossible to tell if Padraig had told her the truth about why I was staying with them. There was an easiness about her, the sort of easiness that came with knowing your husband loved you and cared about your wellbeing.
I wondered if my mam could ever be as relaxed and happy as Josephine Balfe. If she could be even half as content as the woman in front of me, then I’d be able to rest easy.
I scratched the back of my neck. “Yeah, thanks for having me.”
“Not at all. We love your company. The gang are in the living room choosing a movie to watch. Why don’t you go in and join them?”
I glanced in the direction of the living room. There was chatting and laughter, and I wasn’t ready to be around people just yet. “Mind if I sit here for a few?”
“Of course, hon. Whatever you need.”
I dropped my stuffed backpack down and slid onto a stool. Mam was probably going to need more of her stuff soon, too, and Uncle Eugene hadn’t managed to get the time off work to take her to the house yet. She’d taken sick leave from work, but I knew she’d have to go back eventually. My stomach twisted thinking of her going to a place where Dad would be able to find her. The office was right in the centre of town, and I’d bet he’d already dropped by looking for her.