Page 36 of Secret Love (The Single Dad Playbook #2)

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

SHORT-LIVED

TRU

I had a horrible night. Earl got annoyed with how much I was up and down. I must have checked my phone a hundred times, and each time was more unsatisfying than the last. Nothing from Henley. No texts. No phone calls.

I’m trying not to worry, but after I ended up in my car crying when I left him yesterday afternoon, it’s been hard to just shake that off when I’m not hearing anything from him.

I break down and text him.

Good morning! Missed you last night. How are you feeling today?

I hope you’re catching up on sleep. Let me know how you’re feeling…and if you’re craving anything. I can bring it over during my lunch break.

When I get to school and still haven’t heard anything. I text the guys, asking if they’ve talked to him.

Rhodes

He said he was going to bed early last night, so we didn’t see him, and I haven’t talked to him today.

Bowie

I texted him that I’d stop by on my way back from the gym, but I haven’t heard anything.

Weston

Same. I told him Caleb and I were about to pick up something from Serendipity and asked if I could grab something for him and take it over.

Penn

I’m actually at his gate now. Beau is seeing if he’s available.

I text Henley again.

I’m not used to you being so quiet. Everything okay? Are we okay?

Maybe you had an appointment I’d forgotten about. I might stop by during lunch.

It’s impossible to put it out of my mind while I’m teaching, but I try. I see Cassidy in the hall and ask if she’s talked to him. She says she hasn’t but that they’re stopping by after school.

During my lunch break, I drive over and talk to Beau and Linc. Beau lets me through the gate, but there’s no answer at the door. Henley had talked about having a key made for me, but we still haven’t done that, and since I left yesterday thinking I’d be right back, I didn’t bother taking one with me.

That afternoon after school, I’m starting to get a sick feeling.

I’ve talked with the guys and they haven’t heard back from you either. I’m worried, Henley.

When my phone dings, my hands are shaking when I pick up the phone, and I let out a relieved exhale when I see that it’s Henley.

That relief is short-lived.

Henley

I’m okay. I just need a little time to wrap my head around all of this. I need to work through some things on my own. I hope you understand.

I hope you understand? What does that even mean? I understand he’s trying to come to terms with what’s happening to him, but what is he not saying here? The last thing he said last night is that he loves me, but today he sounds so distant. Is he trying to break up with me?

I go home and cuddle with Earl while grading papers instead of going over to Henley’s. After stewing over it too long, I finally text him back.

I understand you needing time to work through this, but I want to walk through this with you. I wish you wouldn’t shut me out.

Henley

I’m the worst company right now.

I start blubbering and Earl looks up at me.

“Meow?”

“He’s shutting me out when he needs me the most,” I tell my cat.

Earl nuzzles his head under my hand and his next meow sounds like he’s agreeing with me.

“When did you get so smart?” I sigh.

It just gets worse over the next few days. Henley’s hardly talking to any of us, Bree and the girls included. He’s never been like this before, and it’s so out of character that no one knows what to do. His excuse is that he’s taking some time to work through things and he doesn’t want anyone affected by his foul mood.

We’re all affected. I haven’t been sleeping and the tears are coming way too often. The guys are stressed and we all feel helpless. The concern for him is only building at an alarming rate.

On day four, Bowie calls as I’m leaving the school. I pick up on the first ring.

“Hey, Tru. You doing okay?”

“Not really.”

“I’m so sorry about that. What can I do to help?”

“Have you checked on Henley? I’d feel better knowing if he’s okay.”

“That’s part of why I’m calling. I just remembered that Henley gave me a key to his place when I was having my house remodeled. I’d forgotten all about it and came across it just a few minutes ago. I’m going over there and checking on him, and I’ll let you know how he seems, okay?”

“That’s great. Please, let me know. And let him know I just want him to be okay. If he…if he doesn’t want to be with me anymore, I’ll…I’ll deal with that, but I want to know he’s okay.”

“Tru...” Bowie’s voice is soft. “He loves you. It’s not that he doesn’t want to be with you anymore. I think he’s just…in a dark place.”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I think I have to accept that he might not want to be with me anymore.”

“I’ll talk with him.”

“Okay. Thanks, Bowie.”

I’m distracted during dance and Jacklyn lets me go a little earlier than usual. I stop by the grocery store on the way home, and later, my mom and I watch a movie. But my mind is on Henley.

I should’ve seen this coming with him. He’s been quiet and withdrawn. The light in his eyes has dimmed and he’s been in his own little world. I keep telling myself that this isn’t about me, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t stir up old wounds.

Am I not enough? Is he not happy with me? The fears my dad instilled in me come to the surface at the worst times.

If he wants to end this, I need to know it.