Chapter 15
Ijerked my eyes away from Lucas’ serious ones and met the tearful ones of my daughter standing at the living room entryway. Monica stood behind her mouthing an apology. I knew Nat wouldn’t be able to stay away for long. She’d taken one look at me when they’d arrived and known something had happened. I was typically really good at hiding my emotions from her and staying strong. Apparently this wasn’t the day for something like that. Maybe thirteen years of staying strong and handling everything myself was too much?
I’d been lulled into a false sense of security with Lucas last night, when we were on our date. Most women probably expected extravagance, but a simple walk in the park with a coffee had been more than I’d ever dreamed would happen. When he’d reached over and grabbed my hand with his calloused one, I’d almost gone into shock. I’d always looked at couples walking hand-in-hand with jealousy.
Would we be able to stay? Had I made mistakes letting Nat start to set roots down and making these promises? Did I need to shut my heart and emotions off again?
“Nat, honey...” I began.
“Who are you anyway?” she suddenly snapped, stepping closer to Lucas, her blue eyes flashing.
“Natasha! Tone.” I scolded. I’d never seen her like this.
“I want to know what’s going on, you promised we’d stay! Who is he? What did he do?!” she started crying now in earnest, the fight leaving her.
“Baby, come here,” I said, almost near tears again myself. I held my arms open and she walked over sitting on the couch and leaned against me. Lucas stood and backed away, heading towards the kitchen to make himself scarce. I appreciated him being able to read the room, and giving us some distance.
“We’re not moving, Nat. I promise. Lucas is a friend. He is actually a cop, like Paul, Monica’s husband. He's also Monica and Paul’s friend,” I whispered softly, running my hands over her hair soothingly, like I had since she was an infant.
“Lucas is trying to help. I just got some stupid prank calls last night and thought someone was messing around outside my window. I got startled and didn’t sleep very well. Paul and Lucas just want to help. I didn’t mean to scare you, sweet girl.”
Nat went limp with relief at my side, and I hugged her tighter. Maybe I’d made a mistake running all this time, if she was this emotional at the mere thought of moving again.
Sitting up my daughter watched the cop moving around the kitchen thoughtfully. Watching her I grew amused as her eyes met mine, filled with mischief.
“He’s just a friend?” Nat asked, starting to get an ornery smirk on her face.
“Yes. A friend,” I reaffirmed, my cheeks heated.
Nat laughed like the preteen she was, “Sure, Mom. Are you going to start dating too?”
My jaw dropped in disbelief, “What do you mean?”
“Well, I always thought it was a little weird. The single parents in the other cities we lived, dated but you never have,” she scrunched up her nose, tilting her head thoughtfully.
“I always wondered why. I just want you to be happy. Lexi said Monica met Paul when Lacey was younger, and they got together even though Monica had a kid. You could date,” she said, finally slowing down to take a breath, “You should date.”
I sighed and looked over where Lucas stood against the counter, moving the tea bag in the mug. His eyes flitted up to mine, a soft smile gracing his lips, before he looked back at the mug. I knew he could hear every single word and the ball was in my court on where to go from here. Lucas’ head tilted, like he was even more intent on this conversation than before.
I wasn’t going to lie to my daughter about this. She already didn’t know about her father and why we’d always moved.
“Fine. Lucas and I met on your first day of school. Then he asked me out recently. We ended up going on a walk and having some coffee last night. I guess we’re seeing what happens,” I blurted out all at once, “If you want to call that dating.”
Nat grinned at me and I saw Lucas’ bright, white teeth gleaming out of my peripheral, a smile splitting his lips. Great. Now I was going to be outnumbered. The last sixteen hours had been an emotional roller coaster but the peace I found in that moment, seeing them both smiling was like a warm blanket.
“Nat, can you go back to your room with Lexi? Watch a movie or something? You all can hang out there for a while and I’ll order some food. I can always take her home later too if Monica needs to leave.” I asked my daughter softly.
“Sure.” Nat said, bouncing off the couch and sprinting down the hall. I took a deep breath and ran my hands over my face. I was exhausted. The couch dipped beside me as Lucas sat, my eyes meeting his again.
“So. We’re seeing what happens, huh?” he smirked, handing me the mug of hot tea.
“Thanks,” I smiled and rolled my eyes, “I guess so.”
He grew serious again, “Becks. I do need to tell you a few things, but I don’t want you getting startled or worried to the point you’ll consider running again. I’ve just been putting two-and-two together, and realizing some things that have happened at work the last few weeks might be related to your ex, and everything that's going on.”
An icy pit of dread settled in my stomach and I set my tea on the coffee table. I crossed my arms over my stomach, like I could hold myself together, and keep myself from shattering apart.
“Okay,” my voice wobbled, coming out weaker than I’d intended.
Lucas reached over and grabbed one of my hands from around my body and held it between his.
“I’m here Becks, and I’m not going to let anything happen to you or your little girl. Paul, and the rest of the guys, will be briefed in. We’ll do some research. I just need you to stay calm and listen to me, babe.”
I nodded and let him continue holding my hand. I probably shouldn’t get too reliant on him, but it felt nice. After running and hiding for thirteen years, to have someone else know. A few people knowing was like a weight off my shoulders. Someone else was sharing the burden I’d been carrying around.
“Okay. You can tell me what you need to,” I stated firmly, meeting his eyes.
“Becks. There was a break in at a local cleaning agency. Not the one you work for,” he reassured, “but I’m wondering now about how much of a coincidence, is too much. There’s only three cleaning services here in town. We’ll start watching them to make sure the other two, including the one you're at, aren’t hit. I also had a guy come into the precinct a few days ago. Larry was his name. He said he was looking for his brother’s wife, but didn’t say anything about a child. You weren’t even on my radar because I knew you had Nat, but then you told me your ex didn’t know about her being his,” he continued giving me a brief run down of the guys description, “I don’t think it was really his brother’s ex though. He slipped up and said boss later on in the conversation. Real charmer that one.”
“Clark doesn’t have a brother,” I confirmed, “but that description sounds like a guy he used to hang out with.”
I shuddered, remembering his eyes following me around the apartment I’d shared with Clark. Clark had often joked that Larry could have a turn with me someday. “His name was Lawrence. He may have shortened it to avoid anyone catching on.” My voice was coming out shakily, as Lucas’ hand tightened on mine.
It looks like Clark had found me.
Maybe he’d never actually lost me.