Belong (Seven Year Itch #3)(22)

When I pulled up at my house, I couldn’t get out of my car. Tears streamed down my face and I wished I could call my one true friend for support, but he was gone too. Charles had been my savior when I lost Grayson. He basically took me in and let me stay at the mansion for a couple weeks until I could bear to stand in my kitchen without wanting to die. Every single time I stepped foot in that room flashes of him lying lifeless filled my mind. While I was struggling, Charles had a company come in and lay new flooring in hopes of it helping. Eventually it had, but it took me a long time to be able to handle being in there without crying.

Every night I slept in a bed alone. Grayson would never warm the spot next to me. He’d never reach over to hold me in the middle of night, or remind me of his undying love and commitment in our marriage. We’d said till death do us part, and now he was gone. I didn’t know how to move forward. I didn’t even want to.

During the time I stayed with Charles, we’d spent a lot of hours speaking about life and the importance of being able to cope during extreme circumstances. We talked about loss, and even love. I’d never mentioned Chad’s name, but somehow I think he knew about us. Charles was a sharp character. It didn’t take much for him to be able to read someone.

One night, after a few too many drinks, he stammered on about Chad and his wife. He told me he hated her as a partner for his grandson, and that he knew he could do better. He said she was self-centered and didn’t put Chad first in the relationship. He gave it a few years, and was sure they’d divorce. He said women like her were only in it for the money, and when she saw Chad she saw dollar signs. I remembered the conversation vividly because Charles never spoke that way, not about anyone. Then he mumbled something about him being with a woman like me, and how he knew we’d end up together. I laughed it off. I’d just lost my husband, and Chad was happily married with a child. He lived across the country. Charles was just an old man rambling on.

When I knew I wasn’t settled enough to go inside, I went to the one place I found solace.

My office.

It wasn’t until I was locked inside of the large private corner room where I was finally able to take a deep breath and feel like I was safe. I knew a couple hours of paperwork would relax me, and I’d eventually be able to get over what I’d been through. It didn’t hurt that I was surrounded by memories of Charles, making it easier to feel close to him.

I still cried for my friend. I’d miss him terribly, and it hurt knowing I couldn’t stop by and have a chat whenever I was in the neighborhood. I’d miss his calls on Sunday mornings inviting me to church service, and I’d most certainly miss his cheerful smile.

While my heart ached for one man, I couldn’t stop thinking about another. Why had he come after me in that parking lot? Did I cause a fight after I’d left?

I decided to send him one final email, thanking him for his kindness. It would be a goodbye, and a good luck. It would offer closure, and hopefully he could show his wife so she didn’t keep badgering him about being nice to me.



Chad:

Thank you for including me today at the service. It meant a lot to feel welcome, especially at such a hard time. I appreciate your kindness and wanted to wish you luck with your future. I know you’ll be successful with all your endeavors. Good luck, and God bless.

Rachel





Chapter 12


Gracie showed up at the house first thing the following morning. She was dressed in casual clothes, and came with a car full of groceries.

I helped her carry them in, then waited for her to explain. “I thought you might need some extra things while you’re here.”

“Gracie, I don’t know how long I’m going to be here, but you don’t have to buy us anything. I can manage. Who do you think does the shopping at home?”

She put her hands on her hips. “I assumed you had someone.”

“I’d rather do it myself. Veronica is a picky eater. She needs to see everything that goes into our meals.”

Gracie shook her head. “That woman is high maintenance. I don’t know how you do it.”

“Yeah, I’m wondering the same thing. It’s a good thing she went home early. Now you only have to deal with me and the squirt.” I jokingly pointed to Harper.

Gracie wrapped her arms around my daughter. “If your daddy gets too boring, auntie Gracie will take you out to see a movie. We can have a girl’s day.”

“I may take you up on that when I have to meet with attorneys. I’m still waiting for them to get back to me. I’d like to get things situated before I have to go home.”

“Are you in a hurry?”

I shrugged. “Not really. I’m planning on enjoying some quiet time. I haven’t been home in a while. I think once the funeral drama finally dies down I might be able to relax. I need a reprieve.”

Gracie looked down at Harper and then back to me. “Trouble in paradise?”

“More than trouble. It’s like paradise burned to the ground.”

“I see.” She patted me on the arm. “If you need anything just let me know.”

“Actually, it would be nice if you could stay for dinner. We’d like the company, wouldn’t we Harper?”

She nodded and led Gracie out of the kitchen. I smiled and started putting the new groceries away. When I was finished I decided to check my phone for emails, since I hadn’t done it in a while. I pulled it out and was shocked to see Rachel’s name.