Hay Season

Chapter 24

Rylan

I then surrendered my husband to him no matter what it cost me. ~ Susan Sanford ~

I wonder if she realized her death would affect so many people. I had no idea what I was getting into until I took the lid off that box. There were secrets there. Stories that built this town.

~Our Hometown of Dewbridge/Journal Entry by Mattie Mackey

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She hasn't spoken to me in days, and she's stopped attending class the last few days. I know she needs the time to reflect and get answers, but I don't want it to prevent her from graduating. I miss her. I want to hold her, but she's not returning my calls. I hate myself for not telling her, but I trust her mom to keep her promise. I have to wait, and I hate waiting.

"Maybe you should learn to forget, Rylan. It's easier that way."

My father's voice carries to me from the doorway of his office. Looking up from the computer, I notice him looking at the phone in my hand. Her picture is on the front of the phone from when I tried calling her.

"Easier for who, dad? You or me?" It may be time for that talk.

His jaw tightens when he makes his way into the room. "Don't go there, Rylan."

"Why? You haven't accepted my relationship with Mattie since I met her. Why should I not go there? There has to be an explanation."

"Don't make me angry. It's not something you want to deal with, so trust me on this. It's easier to marry a girl like Ladonna. She's perfect. No feelings, just a good fuck, and you can be on your way."

My eyes narrow. It's not like my father to use curse words in front of me.

"What aren't you telling me?"

"Let it go."

He's walking back into his office when I stand. I've never felt the need to hit someone as badly as I do right now, except Darby's father the day he placed the blame for her pregnancy on Mattie. Now, I'm adding my own father.

"I won't let it go. I love her, and I'm not going anywhere no matter how long it takes for her to deal with the issues she's facing."

Dad whips around faster than I've ever seen him do, and before I know what's happening, he has me by the collar of my shirt.

"You're playing with fire. Mattie is like her mom. She'll choose someone else one day, and you'll be left with nothing. Is that what you want?"

We're facing off when I realize, "You were in love with Mattie's mom, weren't you?"

Releasing me, he runs a hand through his hair while I stumble backward from the lack of support. He avoids eye contact, and I know I have him.

"You were in love with her, and when she dumped you, you settled for Mom."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

Jaw tightening, I lift my head before focusing my attention on him.

"Then why don't you enlighten me. It's been obvious for years how miserable you are with your life. With mom, me."

"I've never been miserable with you, son. Understand that. You are the one light in my life."

"Really?" Crossing my arms, I try and put myself in his shoes. "Then your misery is sure as hell rubbing off because it doesn't feel that way."

He sighs before sitting in one of the oversized office chairs gracing the room. The building is closed for today. The only two people here are us. Indicating that I should sit, he waits. I hesitate. I don't know if I'm ready for any more surprises, but it's doubtful this will be the end of them. I have a sneaking suspicion this is just the beginning.