Chapter Three #2
I press my palms to the counter, centering myself in the weight of the first decision I’ve made for myself in a while.
It’s time to reclaim the pieces.
It’s time to choose myself again.
It’s time to find strength and live on my own terms.
It’s time to realize that there are men in the world that don’t act like Dave. Men that care. Men that may not be great with emotion but at the very least don’t explode at the slightest breeze. Men that take pride in protection versus control.
The tissue crumples in my hand, damp and useless. I toss it in the bin and reach for another next to the sink, pressing it gently beneath my eyes. I don’t want to go back out there looking like I’ve unraveled, but I’m not sure I’d be shocking anyone with that revelation at this point.
I’ve barely pushed open the bathroom door when I see Beau standing in the breezeway talking to Dave, who hasn’t even bothered to change out of the sweatpants and T-shirt he’s been wearing all weekend. What the hell is he doing here?
My stomach tightens.
“Jesus, Del,” he groans as he catches sight of me, his nose wrinkled, brows drawn together. “You crying?” Dave pushes past Beau to meet me in the hallway, his hand landing on my cheek.
I flinch.
“You’re embarrassing me,” he grunts low, his jaw locked. “Don’t pull back when I touch you in front of your boss. This fuck is going to think I’m a fuckin’ monster.”
“You need to go.” I swallow hard and stare up at him, focusing on the mustache he spends far too much time trying to make perfect. “I can’t do this anymore.”
“Do what anymore?” He grins slowly. It’s the same way he does every time I cry. “You mean us?” He swings his arm around my shoulder and tugs me into his chest as he walks us toward the front door. “We’ll talk about this at home.”
The heater clicks on and a low humming sound surrounds us as I pull back away from his touch.
“Do you want to go home, Delilah?” Beau stands in the hallway, thick arms crossed over one another as he blocks the front door.
I open my mouth to speak but Dave answers for me. “She does. Now move.”
I know everyone talks about the moment someone took their ‘ last straw,’ but I always thought it was a saying until now. It’s not. This man literally just plucked the very last straw I have.
It’s the weirdest thing. I expected it to be loud and filled with rage, but it’s quiet, like the final drop in a cup that’s been brimming for months. I don’t yell. I don’t cry. I just feel the subtle shift, and exhale as I back away from his touch. “Leave.”
His nostrils flare, his cheeks turn red, and he steps towards me. “Del,” he says, voice low and tight, like he’s on the edge of exploding, “get in the fucking truck.”
“Leave,” I say again, and his fingers curl.
Before I can say anything else, he raises his fist, pulls back, and aims for the wall beside my face.
Beau catches his punch and shoves him down, twisting his arm behind his back, then tosses him out the door before turning back toward me. “Go sit down. I’ve got this.”
The door swings shut and the echo of it lingers longer than it should.
I stand frozen, the adrenaline still buzzing in my limbs, my body unsure if I’m supposed to collapse or combust.
Outside the door, I hear the muffled sound of Dave’s voice, sharp and defensive. Beau’s tone in response is cool, controlled, and final.
“She’s not going anywhere with you. And if you ever show up here again, you’ll be leaving in a squad car or an ambulance. Depends on what kind of mood I’m in.”
The silence that follows is thick. Then footsteps. Then nothing.
I lean against the wall, my heart pounding, my tears stalled, my hand on my stomach as I contemplate what happens next. Sure, I’d planned to leave in the bathroom, but this escalated very quickly. I guess I thought I’d make a plan, save some money, and get my life in order before I jumped.
As it stands now, I have no money, and no home.
I sold my car two weeks ago to pay for this month’s rent.
And though I know I could call my brother, he just found someone to spend his life with.
I don’t want to burden him and put a strain on his potential happily-ever-after with my bullshit.
Truthfully, I might not have another choice.
I can’t stay out on the street with a newborn and I’m weeks away from this baby girl being in my arms.
I hope he won’t hate me forever.
Beau returns, brushing his sleeve with his massive hand like it’s just another day. He doesn’t speak right away. He just looks at me with that same steady gaze he always does. The one that makes me feel like he could handle anything.
“You’re safe now.” He rubs his rough palm against my shoulder in comfort. “Do you have anywhere to go?”
I drag in a deep breath, panic sinking in. “Yeah. I mean… I can find somewhere. My brother has a farm. I just… I’m sure he’ll let me crash there for a while.”
I must not sound convincing because Beau’s eyes are telling me a story. One I desperately need to hear.
“Look,” he glances down at the ground then up again, brushing his square hand down over his face, “maybe it’s weird for me to ask, but if you’re not ready for everyone to know the details of all this, and you need a break from reality, you can stay at my place tonight. I’ve got plenty of room.”
I blink at him, stunned by the offer. “Oh.”
He sighs low, and stares down at the ground as though he’s trying to find another way to word what he’s presented.
“I know it’s a strange offer, me being your boss and all, and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.
I just… I guess I thought if you were close, I could keep an eye on you tonight.
I don’t trust that Dave isn’t going to try some shit again.
” He glances at me. “I almost hope he does. I have loads of security at my place. He tries anything, we’ll have it recorded.
Makes me think I should petition for cameras here at dispatch. ”
I swallow hard, the weight of everything pressing against my ribs. The offer is generous, but I’m not used to being protected like this. Dave is the only man I’ve ever known outside of family, and he never cared if I walked alone in the dark or cried myself quiet.
Beau’s rewriting those rules and I don’t know what to do with it.
“I don’t know what to say,” I murmur, my voice thin.
“You don’t have to say anything.” His tone is softer now. “Just think about it. I’ll be here either way.”
There’s no pressure in his words. Instead, there’s an undercurrent of concern that makes me feel cared for in ways I haven’t in a long time…
if ever. It’s one night, it’s late, and he’s offering.
What harm is it going to do to stay with him?
Besides, he’s right, I could use the break from reality, and checking in with my brother will mean a lot more explaining than I’m up to right now.
I nod slowly. “I’ll go,” I say finally, “just for tonight.”
Beau’s shoulders ease, and he gives a small nod like he’s relieved but trying not to show it. “Okay. I’ll get the calls rerouted to the Springs for the night and pull the truck around. I think I need to get you safe and settled, if that’s okay.”
I step forward before I can second-guess myself, arms reaching for him in a slow, careful motion.
Beau hesitates for half a beat, then meets me halfway, adjusting instinctively to the curve of my belly between us.
His arms wrap around my shoulders, firm but gentle, and I press my cheek against his chest, letting the warmth of him settle me.
It’s not a long hug, it’s not dramatic, but it’s everything.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my face muffled against his shirt.
He exhales, one hand resting between my shoulder blades, the other bracing lightly at my side to keep the pressure off. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’re letting me help.”
I pull back slowly, and he gives me space, his eyes scanning my face like he’s memorizing it for later. Then he nods toward the door. “Let’s get you some rest.”
I don’t say anything, and I don’t know what comes next. But for tonight, I let myself be cared for… just this once.