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“Then I need to take the leave.”
“Fine. You can work remotely. For a week. Maybe two.”
Relief hit me like a truck. I could practically feel Trevor seething on the other end of the line.
“I don’t understand,” Mom moaned. “You have everything you could ever want. A caring partner, the potential to buy the perfect house. None of this makes sense.”
And there it was. What I didn’t need to hear.
I eyed my finger, which had a line of skin lighter than the rest. It felt good not to see the engagement ring there.
“I know it doesn’t, but I need to figure this out.”
“Mollie—”
“Please.I know you’re all worried, but Ineed this.”
“You want me to let my daughter live with a random man in the middle of nowhere?” Mom asked.
“Um . . . yes.”
“Mollie—”
“Papa Bennie trusted him. I’m sure he’s safe.”
“This isn’t—what the hell, Mollie,” Dad cut in. “You’re really doing this?”
“Yes.”
“Then you call me if you needanything.And you lock your door. Is there a room for you?”
“There is.”
“If that man does one thing to hurt you, you tell me. Understand?”
“I understand.”
“I can’t believe this,” he muttered. “Stay safe. Please.”
He told me they loved me before hanging up, and I reveled in the silence.
Then I got a text.
Trevor
If you’re staying with a random man, don’t be angry when I do the same with another woman.
We’re not engaged anymore. Do what you want. I don’t care.
And you’ll be fine when the break is over?
It’s not a break. It’s just over.
Big words for someone who couldn’t say it to my face.
If I’d said it to his face, he would have strong-armed me into staying.
And as I looked back out over the fields, I knew Icouldn’t have stayed in Nashville. I didn’t feelgreat,but I did feel closer to who I was.