Chapter 13
KNOX
I've never had a day job.
I work because I want to. Feeling useful is important. Hard work is deeply satisfying. Like right now, cleaning up after staining six new tables.
Still, I don't have firsthand experience regarding regular jobs. I assume that some people don't have their phones on them constantly.
That’s the only explanation why the text I sent a few hours ago hasn't been read.
Hey, beautiful. May I take you to dinner tonight? Or make you dinner at the house? If you want to chill by yourself after spending all weekend with me, I get it, though. Maybe tomorrow? Just let me know.
I'm not usually the type to be glued to my phone, but today I've been checking it every half hour. Finally, mid-afternoon, I see the message has been read. But still no response.
She's probably just busy. Her aunt could be breathing down her neck.
I don't hate many people in this world, but the way that Blaire woman treats Hanna… It’s not right. It twists my guts into knots to think that my girl feels trapped in this situation.
It’s easy to read between the lines. Her parents are accustomed to bossing her around and haven’t stopped even though she’s an adult. Same with her aunt, who is using her as cheap labor. I hate it.
Pacing around the wood shop, I scrape the stiff broom around the concrete floor with a lot more vigor than necessary. Once the dust has flown out the back door to the yard, I text again.
I understand if you're working. I just want to make sure you're OK and that your aunt didn't come home in too terrible a rage. Please text or call if you have a chance.
After another ten minutes of pacing, my phone finally beeps.
Hanna: I'm closing up the store soon.
Can I call you for a quick minute?
Hanna: Sure.
I take a deep breath and settle into the easy chair in the corner of the shop before tapping her contact.
"Hi, Knox."
"Hey, darlin'. What’s going on? Tell me everything."
She sighs. "Mom didn't give me any idea that Aunt Blaire was so controlling. I don't know why, but she's freaking out."
"Have you read the recent online reviews of the store?" I say softly.
"No. Why?"
"There were a couple posted over the weekend, basically saying that it's safe to go back to the store, so long as people look for you."
She's quiet for a moment. "Oh."
"Yeah. Let me guess, sales have been up since you've been there?"
"Well, yes. I mean, nobody wants to deal with her."
"Exactly. I mean, even her husband got another job." I chuckle. "And unfortunately, that means Blaire is going to do everything she can to keep you there."
"Yeah," she whispers. "I guess you’re right."
"Do you feel trapped there, darlin'?"
"I do."
I hesitate. It's far too soon for me to say what's about to come spilling out of me. Screw it.
"You don't have to feel that way, Hanna. I would love you to move in with me whenever you like. I don't know how this is going to sound, but… I would love to provide for you. To give you everything you need. Everything you want."
I hear her breath hitch, but I continue.
"Even if you wanted to live somewhere else. If you wanted to go away to school, or live in a bigger city. It might take me a minute to wrap my head around it, but honestly, I’d move to be with you.
If you didn’t want to live with me, I would pay for a house or apartment anywhere you wanted just to get away from that woman, and to give you time to settle into your own life. You know what I mean?"
She gasps softly. "You couldn't leave your mountain. Your house. Your family."
"To be with you and make sure you're happy? Sure I could. No question."
Her breath is shaky. "That's…a lot to take in."
"I realize that. But I need you to know that if you want to drop your job this second so you can get out of there, you can stay with me. It doesn't have to be permanent, if that's too much pressure. We could do a test for a few months. We could do whatever you want."
There's a long pause.
"Hanna, I simply cannot stand that you're in such an awful situation."
"Thank you," she murmurs. "Knox, I can't tell you how much I appreciate this."
"Do you want me to come and get you right now? You can tell her you're leaving."
My heart breaks that she hesitates so long. "Maybe I should think about it tonight. Curl up and read, you know?" There's a sad, half-hearted laugh. "Although Aunt Blaire said something just this morning that I won’t even be able to escape into my books."
"That's just cruel."
"I know. But I'm used to it."
My heart breaks again. "Well, you know that I'm just a phone call away, right? Be extra kind to yourself and try to keep away from her."
"I will. Thank you. And…Knox?"
"Yeah?"
"I really do like your house."
"I’m glad. Talk soon, darlin'."
I end the call and lock up the wood shop, glad my sweet girl has implied she wants to live here. As I walk into the house, I notice the wood pile, idly thinking I'll have to chop some more kindling soon.
Fuel. For the fireplace.
Shit.
I almost trip over my own feet as I sprint toward my truck. Then I jump in, heading for West Stoneburg with the gas pedal smashed to the floor.
I think I know what Blaire meant about Hanna's books.