Page 53 of The Stranger

“You are not my dad; you can’t tell me what to do.”

I tilt my head back and glance up at the ceiling, counting to ten in my head. “Despite what you think, I’m not old enough to be your parent … I’m a concerned friend who is looking out for your well-being. There’s a difference.”

“So, you’ve finally accepted the breakup?”

“I never said that,” I reply, chuckling. I turn my body so I’m fully facing her, lightly grasping her chin between my pointer finger and thumb. “Please come and eat. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for me.” She swallows thickly as her eyes glisten, so I release my hold on her and wrap her gently in my arms. “I know you’re going through a tough time right now, but it will all work out in the end.”

“I hope you’re right,” she whispers into my chest.

“I’m always right,” I counter.

“Ugh,” she groans.

Chapter 18

Spencer

Iplace the food I dished up for her on the table and she glances from the plate to me. “Are you trying to fatten me up?”

“No, I’m trying tosoberyou up.”

“What was your excuse this morning when you forced me to eat that enormous breakfast?”

“You skipped dinner the night before.”

She blows out a puff of air and slumps back in her seat. “You’re too good to me, Spencer.”

“Delilah,” I say, taking a seat opposite her and reaching across the table to place my hand on hers. “You are going through a lot right now, and the people who should be rallying around you aren’t. Let me be that person for you.” My words upset her, which was not my intention.Shit.“Please don’t cry.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, swiping at the few stray tears that are now cascading down her cheeks. “The alcohol is making me emotional.”

I have a feeling it’s more than the alcohol. “Do you want to talk about where you went today?”

She grimaces. “Not really.”

“A problem shared is a problem halved.”

“I appreciate that … truly I do, but I don’t think you’d say that if you knew where I went.”

“I know, Delilah. I had Damien follow you.”

“What?” she squeaks.

“I was worried. Sue me.”

Her gaze moves down to her lap. “I?—”

“I can understand your concern.”

“I didn’t just sleep with him, I basically slept with them too … and every person they did. Who knows how many people that equates to? Hundreds? Thousands?”

“I hope he had enough sense to wrap it.”

“He slept with prostitutes, Spencer.”

“It’s my understanding that brothels are pretty regulated for that type of thing.”

“Maybe brothels that your type of people visit. Kayne is a broke university student who hasn’t worked a day in his life. He couldn’t afford someone high class.”