Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
It had never occurred to me that the information had come from Dash’s father. How had I not considered that? In hindsight, it was so obvious. That man, Dash’s father, had willingly destroyed my grandparents, both financially and physically, without a second thought. My paw died as a result of his actions, and my nana followed him a few years later. My mother had gone through living hell. I had too. All for daring to fall in love with Dash.
The money my crappy old man had in savings made more sense now.
Perhaps the guilt of my father’s actions led him to the increased amounts of alcohol he’d consumed. My head shook. It didn’t matter whether it bothered him or not, he chose the money over my well-being. He still chose to make my life hell.
With each passing of my loafers on pavement, I questioned what was so wrong with me that led Mr. Richmond to completely destroy me? Did he find satisfaction in the life he’d set up for me? Or did he give me no thought at all?
Ultimately, I had held myself accountable for everything that happened. When we moved to Sea Springs, I’d taken too many risks despite knowing the reality I lived under.
I grew to hate myself. I’d contemplated suicide many times, only not to act due to the pain it’d cause my mom.
Step after step, I ran tirelessly through the roads. Time and location faded while I pushed my body in a way I hadn’t done for six long months.
What did I do next? The sudden and complete anguish at the idea of losing Dash was unbearable. My breathing turned erratic, disrupting the rhythm of my pace. My feet began to slow until I came to a stop. My hands went to my knees and I bent over, my head hanging low. As I closed my eyes, I found it took effort to avoid passing out due to hyperventilation.
I lovedDash. I loved our lives together, and I knew he loved me in return. I believed in his belief that we were always meant to be together. But the idea of him losing everything… Dash had no understanding of what that truly meant. What a life of poverty looked like. I did though.
Reality slingshotted back in place. Of course, he had to stick with his family. Dash had never had to survive on repeated Kraft Mac & Cheese dinners because there was no money for anything else.
Acar door shut behind me. I hadn’t heard the approach. From between my legs, I saw an upside-down Dash walking up behind me. Maybe I had sweated too much, causing dehydration to create hallucinations, or perhaps I’d run too far, my muscles were revolting, including my brain, but as I rose, my equilibrium shifted. I had to take a woozy balancing step backward. I lifted my undershirt’s short sleeve to swipe at the sweat on my brow and in my eyes.
Dash approached with his hands in his expensive slack’s pockets as he took his spot between me and the bustling road. We’d apparently caused a stir on the street. The vehicles slowing for a peek of us as they passed by.
The serious direct stare he and I shared had an ominous undertone.
“I’m sorry,” Dash began. The pain in his eyes and voice destroyed any remnants left of my heart. I understood the meaning of the apology and nodded, turning my face away. The tears refused to be held at a distance any longer. I needed to brave up, be a man. Dash didn’t need any more burdens weighing him down.
“It’s all right. You need to do what’s best for…” I couldn’t finish the words. I tore my T-shirt over my head, swiping the already wet material down my face.
My tears fell freely. One hand fisted the shirt as I dropped them to my knees again, my head followed.
“Beau.” I watched as his shoes came into my view, and his slacks lifted off his ankles. Seconds later, he squatted, placing a reassuring hand on my back. The tone he used, warm and gentle, did calm me. “My apology’s for my naivety. I unintentionally caused you pain and hurt your entire family. If you’ll give mean other chance, I promise to spend my life making amends.”
Listening was damned difficult with the way self-pity had a hold on me. Yet his words eventually bounced around my head long enough that I made sense of them. I squatted, balancing on the balls of my feet as I met his gaze. There was no denying the tears in my swollen eyes. I was surprised to find his in the same condition.
“You can’t stay with me. I’m sure he’ll cut you off. I have to go. You don’t know the reality of life without money.” Though I nearly choked on the bitter words, they had to be said.