Page 99 of Trust Again

“You see? That tells you what you want. So what do we do now?”

I sighed. “There’s one thing I have to take care of.”

“Whatever it is, I’ll help you.”

I could have gone alone… but I was glad to have my friend with me. So glad.

The Maynard House rose up in front of us again. We’d already driven around the block twice. It was more difficult to find my courage than I expected.

“I can do this,” I murmured.

“Of course you can.”

Turning to look at Allie, I smiled gratefully.

“Want me to come with you?” she asked.

I shook my head. “No, this is something I’ve got to do alone. But knowing that you’ll be waiting for me out here is already a big help. Thanks.”

“Should I drive around the block one more time?”

“No. I’m ready.”

“If you’re not out in a half hour, I’m coming in,” Allie said.

As if on autopilot, I nodded and got out, gently closing the door of Allie’s car behind me. I walked to the small wooden gate that led to the property and opened it. Stiffly, and with my chin held high, I walked up the path to the door. I had once dreamed that this house would be my home.

My eyes scanned the small brass nameplate on the door.

Duffy.

With a heavy heart I rang the doorbell. Almost immediately I heard steps coming down the hall. My heart was pounding like crazy. The door opened.

Nate’s gray eyes were wide with surprise.

“Hi,” I said, my voice trembling.

“Hello,” he replied just as faintly.

God, this was strange. Totally weird and somehow also embarrassing.

“What’re you doing here, Dawny?” Nate asked, frowning.

“I have to talk to you.”

For what seemed like an eternity, he just stared at me. Then he nodded slowly and opened the door wider. I stepped gingerly across the threshold and walked into the living room, keeping my jacket on.

The house had been decorated differently from what we’d planned. Apparently, Nate’s taste had changed. The décor was in gray and black, and the furniture elegant, not very cozy. It would be obvious to anyone that he didn’t live here alone: Photos of him and Rebecca were hanging on the wall.

There was also a feminine touch evident in the few colorful accents that softened the angular rigidity of the furniture.

“Looks nice,” I said somewhat awkwardly, and stopped in the middle of the room.

“Have a seat,” Nate said, indicating the couch.

But I ignored the invitation and sat instead on one of the chairs at the dining room table. It felt a little less… intimate.

“Want something to drink?”