Chapter 21
Full Circle
Trevor
“The press has descended on this precinct. Giving your brother’s high profile. We’re assuming they’re looking for a scoop,” Bobby says.
I sigh. “This has nothing to do with Brad. I mean, I’m sure that’s how Donna got them out, but her endgame is to expose my relationship,” I reply.
I’m no dummy. I know that’s what she’s out to do. She knows Brad couldn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of my actions or his. This is deeper than that.
Paige looks me in the eyes. “You want to let us in on this information. I only just got you a divorce.”
“I was in a relationship with someone else before I married Donna. I lost it when I found out Donna was behind the reason we fell out. That’s why I blacked out and choked her.
“I’ve just reunited with the only woman I’ve ever loved. As of last night, I’m back in a relationship with my long-time love, Lynn Galveston, the country singer.”
Bobby gives a long low whistle. Paige’s brows lift into her hairline. She then looks over at Bobby and they seem to have a private conversation.
“Well, this plot just thickened. I think you’re about to get more help than you thought,” Paige says with a smile.
“How do you mean?”
“Lynn Galveston is Nate’s cousin. The Briggs don’t play about family. Tasha and Val are protective over those they perceive as family.
“You’re now talking about blood. This changes everything,” Paige replies.
Bobby straightens in his seat. “What’s your ex-wife’s maiden name again?”
“Lancaster. Why?”
He shakes his head. “Nothing, just something I remembered.”
“This isn’t good for Lynn. We need to get out ahead of this,” Paige says.
“I’m sure that’s her plan. Get in between them through the press,” Bobby muses.
Donna has my back against the wall. I’m a nobody. That press is out there because of Cakes. Yeah, they came for a story on Brad’s brother.
However, I’m not one to underestimate Donna anymore. Somehow, some way she has a plan to expose my relationship with Lynn.
“Fuck. If I claim her as my woman, I’m dragging her into my bullshit. If I deny her, I’m ruining a bond that’s been made fragile because of lies,” I hiss.
“You could walk out of here and offer no comment, but if you do that, they will start to dig. Anything you don’t want them to find. They’ll find it.”
Bobby is right. I can’t ignore them because they will become like dogs with a bone. The last thing I want is for them to hound Moses at the hospital or the facility he moves to. I also don’t want them turning up on the ranch. I built that house for Cakes to have peace.
“Like I said, let’s get out ahead of this before it catches legs. That will give our team time to kill this in its tracks,” Paige says.
She pauses to think for a second before she continues. “You’ll take responsibility for your actions. Show remorse.
“High tempers and alcohol lead to poor choices. You’re already in therapy and will be working on anger management. Your priority is your family.
“You want to spend time with your kids and resolve this issue in private to move forward with healthy interactions. Dodge any questions about Lynn Galveston by saying she’s a childhood friend. Let her decide how she wants to handle this if it comes to that.”
“I can handle that.”
“Ready to get out of here?”
“Yeah, I need to find out what’s left of my life,” I grumble.
“Hang in there, buddy. I’ve been in your shoes. It all worked out in the end.”
We exit the meeting room and start for the front exit. Brad, Nate, Val, and Jess come into view. Jess runs right for me. I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.
“I’m fine, baby girl. Thanks for calling your uncle for me.”
“What she’s doing ain’t right. I’m always gonna have your back.”
“You ready for this?” Bobby asks.
“It’s now or never.”
“You guys should walk out just like that. Show the love and support between father and daughter. Jess, I want you to stand with your dad for this,” Paige says.
I inhale deeply and we all walk out of the precinct. My eyes adjust to the bright sunlight as we step out. I know they said there was press out here, but I wasn’t expecting this.
They have a podium set up for me to give a statement and all. Bobby steps up to the mic and makes a small statement before allowing me to step up to give the statement we agreed upon.
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I want to start by saying I’m truly ashamed of my actions. I allowed my emotions to run away from me.
“What I did was wrong, and Miss Lancaster didn’t deserve for me to put my hands on her. I’m most disappointed in the example I’ve set for my boys. This isn’t what I teach my sons, and it’s not a situation I want my daughters to find themselves in.
“I’m grateful to have Dr. Winsor in my life. I will continue to see her in therapy and work through my anger issues. This is something I hope my family and I can work through in private so we can move forward and get back to a healthy place in our family life.”
“Mr. Monroe, is your brother in support of this behavior?”
“I can’t speak for my brother, but I’m sure he would tell you he’s not in support of what I’ve done, but he’s in support of me and my family being happy and healthy.”
“What brought about the confrontation? Have you always been violent like this?”
“I was a hothead when I was younger. I’m sure many of us can name a time when we got into some trouble in our past. However, I’ve never put my hands on a woman before. My mama and daddy didn’t raise me that way. As for what brought about the confrontation, again, this is a private matter. I won’t speak on the private details.”
“Did the disagreement come about because your dating Texas Darlin’ Lynn Galveston?”
My mind goes blank as I hear the question. My anger flares because that shouldn’t even be a question. There’s no way for anyone to know that without being fed information.
I swallow hard and try to remember what to say. I don’t want to drag Lynn into this. It’s my job to protect her and I don’t want to fail my first day on the job.
Suddenly the air seems to shift, people begin to murmur, and cameras begin to flash all around me. I turn my head and find a figure walking toward me with a hooded cape on.
Lynn comes to my side and removes her hood, smiling up at me. She then laces her fingers with mine and squeezes my fingers. I’m stunned and not sure what she’s about to do or why.
“Good afternoon, everyone. I wanted to come and stand with Mr. Monroe. I’ve known him since I was a little girl, and this is so far out of character for him.
“While his actions were disappointing. I want to be clear and say all parties involved were reacting to being emotionally and mentally hurt. I could tell Mr. Monroe wasn’t himself in the moment.
“Does that make his actions right? No, it doesn’t. I’m saddened because this one moment is overshadowing the fact that one of my dearest friends as a child is now an amazing father, son, brother, friend and employer.
“If you know this man, you know he’s kind, a provider, a protector, and an asset to his community. I hope you all can find it in your hearts to allow my friend and his family to seek the peace they desire at this time,” she says into the mic.
“So you’re supporting a man who chokes and beats his wife?”
“Hold on now. Mr. Monroe hasn’t hit anyone. Please don’t make false allegations.
“While I don’t support his actions and hope that Miss Donna is okay, I’m supporting the man I know. The man I know wouldn’t hurt anyone.
“We can’t take one moment and judge a lifetime from it. This man was my late sister’s best friend until the day we lost her so tragically. After her loss, he was there for me and helped me heal to become the woman I am today.
“So yes, I will stand with him. He’s a part of my family. We know the best of him. That’s what I’m in support of.”
“Is it true you two were dating while Mr. Monroe was still married?”
“Absolutely not. We have too much respect for each other for that. I have too much respect for myself. However, now that he’s officially divorced, a romantic relationship is an option.”
“How can he be an option after this incident?” someone calls out.
“Because I know the kindness of his heart, and I’ve seen the wonderful father he is. I’ve bonded with one of his amazing daughters that he’s done an amazing job with. I believe there is something worth exploring.
“But let me be perfectly clear. This is only an option now that he’s divorced. I am not now and have never been a homewrecker,” she replies.
I stand here stunned. She’s standing by my side when it could damage her career. I didn’t ask her to, and I wouldn’t have allowed her to if we’d talked about it beforehand.
This time, she’s choosing me. I didn’t know it would feel so good for her to have my back. I want to kiss her but hold back.
My smile grows when Jess moves to her other side. My life is starting to make sense. This might have just backfired on Donna.
“Are you saying you’re in a relationship with Mr. Monroe?”
“I’m saying I’m home and I want to spend time with an old friend. We have a bond, now we get to see if it can be something more. I can’t name for you something we haven’t named for ourselves.”
“How long will you be here in Texas? What about your tour?”
“I’ll be here for as long as my family needs me. My fans understand I had to come home to take care of me and mine. Now I’m going to ask them for a favor. Especially those in my community who have known Mr. Monroe all his life.
“If you see a Monroe in the street, if you talk to someone who doesn’t know this man like we do, let them know … I stand with Trevor Monroe.”
“Will you be here if this goes to court?”
“I stand with Trevor Monroe,” she says more firmly.
“What if your fans don’t support this?”
“I stand with Trevor Monroe.”
I blink back the tears that come to my eyes. This is so much more than I could have asked for. When Jess and the others chime in and begin to chant the same, my heart swells.
Lynn holds her hand up after a few moments to silence everyone. I’m so proud of the woman she’s become. Pook would be real proud. I feel like I’m looking at a version of my best friend.
“Now, everyone, Mr. Monroe has two adorable little boys he’d like to get home to. I’m sure his other little girl would like to see his face as well. Y’all have a good day,” she says dismissing any further questions.
We turn to head for the cars. Nate pulls Lynn into a hug before she climbs into the SUV. He gives me a pointed look as if to say we’ll have words later.
I’m too exhausted to reply. I need a shower and something in my belly. If I can get all that while I have my woman by my side, I’ll be a happy man.