Irresistible: A Salvation Society Novel by R.C. Stephens & Salvation Society

Author:R.C. Stephens & Salvation Society [Stephens, R.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Thorns Press
Published: 2020-10-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Two

Bennett

I dial my girl. Thinking those words have me feeling heady. I was never this guy. I didn’t make promises I couldn’t keep. I told women upfront that my job came first. Until her and now.

I don’t know what to do. She doesn’t pressure me or ask me what my plans are.

The phone rings three times. “Hello,” she says out of breath.

“Where did I catch you, baby?” I ask. Looking at my watch, I see it’s half past nine.

“I made Aunt Bee and Uncle Jim a late-night snack. Just brought it to their bedroom and I left my phone in the kitchen, so I ran back down here,” she says.

“Can’t they make their own damn snack?” I ask, unable to hide my irritation. From our nightly calls I’m getting the feeling these people are real users.

“It’s no big deal,” she says.

“Fine, but when I’m out of here I want to come over there and meet them. I want to see how you’re living. Why you’ve chosen to come into this hospital nights your daughter isn’t home,” I say.

“Bennett, honey,” she says, and the way she sing-songs my name and calls me ‘honey’ gets me all riled up. It makes me feel like I’ve found my home. “They aren’t the friendliest people. I usually don’t bring guests around. It’s more like a place that Jessy and I crash.”

“That’s how you’ve been living for the past twelve years? Baby, I told you how shitty my time in foster care was. You need a home. A place you’re comfortable, for you and your daughter,” I say.

“I know, it’s just that I’ve been saving money and Jessy leaves for college after next year. I always figured I’d make the move at some point. Now, I’ve realized that living here has become stressful for my daughter so I’ll be moving out soon,” I say.

“Why do I get the feeling you’ve been planning a move for years?” I ask. “I don’t want to step on your toes. I just want you to be happy.”

She doesn’t answer.

“I’m right. Aren’t I?” I ask.

“Maybe,” she mutters quietly.

I don’t like that she feels stuck in her situation. I know all about being in a place you don’t like and not having a way out. Avery is a grown woman, but given her childhood, I am not surprised she is scared to take a risk and be on her own.

I don’t want to push the matter further and make her feel bad so I drive the conversation toward the one thing I know puts a smile on her face. “I can’t wait to meet Jessy.”

“I can’t wait for you to meet her either,” she says, her tone perks up. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that you don’t meet a single mother’s kid unless you’re an important part of her life.

“Maybe we can do dinner when you get out,” she says.

I laugh. “You make it sound like I’m doing time in prison.”

“Not what I meant,” she says in a chiding tone.

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