The Sweetest Devotion (The Affair Series Book 2)

Her

FRANKIE POV

I couldn't sit another minute in my tiny room that I rented at the YMCA because I felt so upset, confused and guilty. Upset because I felt like I was lied to by both Lena and Stef. Maybe it wasn't intentional and maybe they didn't mean to but it still hurt. It did and I never expected for Stef to tell me what she did today. Ever because I never even considered the thought of her being my birth mother. But what proof did I have that she really was beside her word. Did I trust her word enough because she could be anyone and so could Lena. Part of me felt really guilty for running off on her the way I did but I was so shocked that I didn't know what else to do beside continue to cry and I wasn't the biggest crier. Most of the time I would rather cry alone then in front of anyone but it happened. It happened more often then I liked it too.

To me it was also upsetting because I didn't want to be angry at her but I couldn't help but feel it. She had been so kind to me the last few weeks and really sweet. Stef was affectionate in how she spoke to me which at times could throw me for a loop because I wasn't too use to it. My parents didn't speak that way never calling me anything besides Frankie which was fine because it was what I use to. They still loved me and told me often enough but Stef was different. She was really different and I never got a bad vibe from her just a very caring one as she kept taking me out to lunch, movies and even walks during her lunch break and mine. I had followed most of her advice in the last few weeks and slowed down in terms of overloading myself with too much work and studying. Sometimes she even offered to quiz me  which I really appreciated and some nights she stayed until I closed up the diner making sure I got home safe. Maybe I should have known for Mariana was right no one made that kind of effort for no reason not that Stef was looking for something in return but now I understood. If she was telling the truth I understood why she treated me the way she did and why she had been so concerned when she saw my place at the YMCA.

 "You don't have to come up I'm sure it's fine Stef." 

"No I'll come up with you. I just want to make sure it's all secured and see who you have living on this floor with you." She said as I had made the mistake of telling her a few of the places had gotten broken into and robbed especially after hours. That didn't go over well and she insisted on checking on my room and the building as she had called in another cop. Unlocking my room door we walked into to see it just as I left it as she looked around checking the windows and locks.

"Is this the only love you have on this door?"

"Yeah. Do I need another one? I mean they said it was ok."

"It's not. You need a deadbolt. I don't like this one and anyone can bust through it. You need two deadbolts and a chain. Also don't keep this window open. Especially when you leave even if you are on the fifth floor it's still easy to get in here."

"Ok. I will keep it closed. " I said as she glanced out the window and back at me looking worried and concerned as her eyes fell on my little pantry.

"Is that all the food you have honey?"

"Um yeah but I'm going to get some tomorrow."

"Ok."

"Look I know it's not the greatest place but I couldn't really get anything else and..." I began as she now walked toward me resting her hand on my shoulder as I looked into her familiar eyes and her face let out a smile.

"Hey, it's beautiful. Very and you decorated it like this?"

"Yeah."

"It feels like you and I'm not knocking it at all. It's yours and you should be very proud of it. I just want you to be safe. Ok? I'm sorry I come across a little overprotective."