Chapter 8
Tobias
I don’t answer Neely when she finishes speaking. I can’t. I am doing all I can to keep my muscles relaxed and my breaths even, because her story releases chaos. Caustic and jagged memories of Therese, the woman I once loved, rip through my mind one after another.
“…tell them you changed your mind, Toby! I’m pregnant!” Therese screamed, stomping her foot for effect and making a scene in front of the truck full of recruiters and soon-to-be soldiers.
“A baby? I can’t just not go, Therese. I already signed the papers. Don’t you see that joining the military is even more important now? I’ll have a job and insurance. I can support our family.” I press my hand to her still flat stomach, tears misting my eyes. It wasn’t planned, but holy shit, I’m going to be a dad.
“Absolutely not! My parents will give us the money…”
“No. A man does not shirk his responsibilities. I’m going, Therese. We’ll talk after I make it through boot camp.” I lean in to kiss her lips, but she sticks her hand in my face and pushes me away.
“…live in some shitty apartment near base, are you crazy, Toby? I only got pregnant to keep you here in Wintervale. I never wanted to have kids in the first place. I had an abortion the week after you ruined everything and left me…”
I doubled over like I’d taken a roundhouse to the gut. I stumbled, turning away from her before I did something I couldn’t take back. I always knew Therese was selfish, but part of me thought she’d outgrow it. I lied and told myself that motherhood would help her become more responsible. More empathetic. She killed my baby while I was off becoming a soldier, and I’ll never forgive her.
Since her betrayal, I’ve avoided anything resembling commitment. I learned through town gossip while stationed in Japan that Therese and her family moved to Denver after she was kicked out of college for causing the same type of scandal, only this time, it involved two married professors, their wives, and a hell of a lot of drama.
In contrast, if Neely can be believed, she saved TJ’s life. I’m afraid to trust her motives even though the attraction between us is a powerful thing. It’s given me something to think about, but until Mason gets back to me, I’ll be watching… because when TJ is released from the hospital, he and his momma will be coming home with me. Even if I have to turn on the charm to make it happen.