21. Chapter 21
Chapter 21
WESTON
I didn’t answer her question because I honestly didn’t know how to. Brenda yesterday, and now Becky. “I’d give you an answer to your question if I had one,” I said, breaking the long awkward silence after her heavy statement.
Becky looked at me, her brown eyes full of concern. “It’s okay. You don’t have to have all the answers. I just hate seeing you hurt.”
As she continued to brush away the dirt from my abrasions, her gentle touch seemed to brush against the edges of my soul, revealing a longing for connection that I’d never before acknowledged.
To shift the focus from the complex emotions that suddenly threatened to consume me, I changed the subject. “Did you mention earlier that you can’t drive? How do you even exist in a place like Atlanta without a car? It’s such a massive city with mediocre public transport at best.”
Becky graciously humored me with the change in topic. “Yeah, it’s not ideal, I know. But yes, I don’t drive. I rely on public transport, Uber, or I catch rides with friends. It works for me.”
I furrowed my brow, genuinely curious. “Why not just get your permit and a car? Even a used one. Seems like you’d save both time and money.”
There was a momentary hesitation, then with a deep sigh, she admitted, “Years ago, I aced my learner’s permit. But during my first driving lesson, my instructor shouted at me, and I had a panic attack. The whole experience was about as embarrassing as it gets. And I just... just couldn’t muster the courage to try again.”
The thought of Becky being so vulnerable bothered me. “Couldn’t Elle or your mom have taught you?” I found myself irked that no one had stepped up to help her out.
Becky gave a slight shrug. “Elle would’ve, but at the time college kept her swamped. And honestly, I didn’t want to add to her stress. And my mom has never been an involved mother. It’s just me and Elle. ”
The protective instinct inside me stirred, and before I could filter my words, I blurted out, “I could teach you.”
She laughed, shaking her head, “Thank you, but no. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to see me have a panic attack behind the wheel. It’s better for everyone if I don’t drive.”
I met her gaze firmly, hoping to convey my sincerity. “Becky, I’m not afraid of your panic attacks. I genuinely want to help. At the very least, we could start with the basics.”
She finished doctoring the gash on my forehead. “That’s incredibly kind of you, but it’s too big of a favor.”
“Not if you help me with something, too,” I said.
“Oh yeah. What do you need help with?” she asked as she smiled.
The concept of needing someone was foreign, almost alien to me. But as I sat there, with her hovering over me, it started making a rare kind of sense. I thought about what Brenda had said and the fact that I hadn’t found a replacement for Josh. Perhaps Becky would be willing to join me?
“Actually, the favor I have to ask is bigger than a few driving lessons.” I tugged at the neckline of my shirt, stalling for time. “Would you be willing to help me out during the race on Saturday? ”
Her eyebrows raised, amusement glinting in her eyes. “What are we talking? Need a personal nurse by your side?” she teased, fluttering a few band-aids in front of me.
I chuckled softly. “Not quite. I need someone in my corner, a support crew of sorts. Gray usually takes on that role, but obviously he’s not around. My mom’s out of the question because of her ankle, and to be honest, I don’t really have close friends to lean on. You’d have to catch the shuttles to the checkpoints and bring me any supplies I might need. You wouldn’t have to drive, just... be there for me.” I scanned her face to gauge her response. Her lips parted into that captivating smile I’d come to adore.
“Weston, I’d be honored,” she said without hesitation.
Relief flooded me, and a playful grin formed on my lips. “In that case, how about we have your first driving lesson right after dinner? I can forego my training tonight. Besides,” I said, showing her a small scrape on my arm, “I think these battle wounds could use some rest.”
“It’s a date,” she said and then covered her mouth with her hand. “I mean, not a date . It’s a deal. That’s what I meant.”
I smiled at her flustered response. “I know what you meant. ”
I had been so closed off for so long, pushing away anyone who tried to get close to me. But Becky was different. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This was dangerous territory, and I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. Or could I? Could I trust God with my heart again?
Becky began packing up the first aid supplies. “There you go, all done. You were right. I don’t think you’ll need stitches. Please keep it clean, though.”
“I’ll be fine,” I said, reassuring her.
“Oh, by the way, someone dropped off paperwork for you. A Diana? Or Daisy?”
I could sense Becky’s mood shift the moment she mentioned the paperwork, her eyes narrowing just a touch too quickly to mask her curiosity.
“Brilliant, thanks. I think you mean Demi.” I corrected, trying to decipher the sudden interest in her tone, but I couldn’t quite connect the dots.
“Who is she?” she asked, a slight edge in her words, her stance almost defensive, as if bracing for an unseen confrontation. I was at a loss, trying to piece together the puzzle of her behavior.
“She’s the receptionist at Trust Insured. I’ve known her and her fiancé since grade school,” I explained, watching Becky closely. The mention of Demi’s fiancé seemed to smooth over her ruffled feathers instantly.
“That’s nice; she seemed really sweet,” she said, her voice filled with relief, and the tightness around her eyes easing. Whatever storm had been brewing at the thought of Demi had passed as quickly as it had come, leaving me perplexed. Was Becky jealous of Demi? Because of me? The thought sent an unexpected wave of happiness through me.
I perched on the arm of the sofa, processing everything, while Becky gathered the documents from the kitchen and placed them on the coffee table. She stood back, her body language hinting that she was about to leave. I felt a pang of reluctance at the thought of her going. She took a step toward the door, but to my relief, paused and turned back to me.
“Oh, and Weston,” she said, her voice soft and inviting, drawing me back into her orbit.
“Yes?” I responded, turning to face her fully. The way she looked at me, with such earnestness and warmth, made it impossible to focus on anything else.
“That book you gave me... I can’t wait to dive into it. Thank you. It means the world.” Her eyes, those expressive windows to her soul, lit up with a smile that made my heart skip a beat.
“You’re welcome, Becky,” I replied, my voice low and warm, even to my own ears.