The Arrangement

Chapter 39

Because I'm not totally evil, here's the next chapter.  Also, I haven't edited yet.  

 

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Chapter 39

When we landed in Atlanta I was so ready to be home.  Once I got off the train that connects the terminals to the rest of the airport.  When I looked up I saw Dad standing there.  I took off at a run and dropped my suitcase a few feet from him and ran into his arms.  Dad engulfed me in a warm, tight bear hug.

“I missed you.” I whispered.

“Do you have any other bags?” Dad asked as he went to grab mine.

I shook my head.  “That’s it.”

“Well then, let’s get out of here.”  Dad led me out to his truck.  It wasn’t long before we were gone.  We were quiet for a few minutes before Dad started.  “You planning on telling me what happened?”

I shook my head.  “I can’t yet.”

“What’d he do?”

“What?”

“That husband of yours, I’m guessing he did something stupid.”

"How did you know?"

"You went out to Washington with him and he's been up your butt since you married the doof.  I don't see him anywhere, plus that look on you face tells me he did something stupid."

“You can say that again.” I muttered.

“Can I let you in on a secret?”

“What’s that?”

“We’re men.  We’re idiots and we screw up.  Royally sometimes.  Give him a chance.  Give it a little bit of time, let him have a chance to fix his screw up.”

I shook my head.  “Thanks, Dad, but it doesn’t matter.  It’s over now.” 

Dad sighed as he pulled off the highway and put his truck in park.  “Baby girl, I don’t know what he did, and I don’t think you’re ready to tell me what he did.  You’ve said your relationship was complicated from the day I met that smug bastard.  Still, you married him.  I don’t know why, but you’re married.  He ain’t your high school boyfriend who forgot your birthday so you dump him.  You married him, he’s your husband.  That means you made a promise, not til it gets hard or uncomfortable.  You said til death do you part.  Divorce happens, but not without trying to fix it.  Did he beat you?”

I shook my head.  “It’s not like that.”

“Do you think he’s going to hurt you or your life is in danger?”

I shook my head.  “He’s not that kind of guy.”

“Okay, then you give him a chance to explain himself at least.”

“Dad, you don’t understand.”

“You’re right.  But what you don’t understand is what happened between your mama and I.  Have you eaten breakfast?”

I shook my head.  The thought of food made my stomach turn.  “I’m not hungry.”

“Fine, just get a coffee then,” Dad pulled back on the road.  “I have a story to tell you.”