CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

PARKER

Pulling into Manning Falls, I roll down the truck’s window and breathe in the fresh Colorado air. It feels like another lifetime since I left. I hope the drama of my parent’s divorce is behind me now.

I park behind my building and grab my bag before getting out. Opening the back door to the store, I feel myself relaxing. I’m so much happier here than in Dallas. It’s peaceful, even if my love life is up in the air.

I make my way upstairs and drop my stuff on the floor. I need a nice long bath and some sleep. I’ve kept in touch with Elle and Catherine about everything happening with Mom and Dad. I texted them when I touched down in Denver and told them I would talk to them tomorrow. The only one I didn’t stay in touch with was Ryan. I only texted him twice. I didn’t let him know I would be home today.

I unload my beauty products onto the counter and dump my clothes into the laundry basket. Put my phone and purse on the counter. I fill the bathtub with water and pour lavender Epsom salts. I undress and get into the tub.

The warm water feels heavenly as I lay back and close my eyes. I don’t know how long it’s been, but I hear footsteps, and the water’s cold. I sit up and grab my towel. I set the security alarm when I came home, didn’t I?

The steps get louder. I spring out of the tub and quietly shut the door. Thankfully, my cell phone is on the bathroom counter. I grab it and get ready to hit 9-1-1.

“Parker. Where the hell are you?” Ryan yells out.

I lay my hand on my chest to slow my beating heart.

“I’m in the bathroom. What are you doing here?” I quickly dry off and slip my robe on.

I yank open the door and find Ryan standing in my bedroom. I’m shocked.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home today?”

“I didn’t want to bother you,” I say while entering my closet, quickly putting on underwear, yoga pants, and a shirt.

“It’s not a bother,” he growls.

“Sorry, I was exhausted. Tomorrow’s schedule is packed, so I was hoping for a peaceful evening.”

I’m unsure of what else to tell him.

“Come, sit down and talk to me.” Ryan pats the spot on the bed next to him. I sit, keeping my body rigid.

“I really need to rest,” I say. “Maybe we can talk another time.”

“How are you doing?” he asks, ignoring what I say.

“I’m okay. Mom’s doing good, too. She has a top-notch lawyer who knows what she’s doing.”

“That’s great, babe. But what about you?” I don’t understand his question. “I’m fine. I’m not the one getting divorced.”

I go to stand, but he grabs my hand to stop me.

“I know you’re not fine. I’m sure it’s hard on you.”

I break down crying from all the pent-up rage I feel toward my dad. Ryan wraps his arms around me, and I let out the feelings I’ve held on to for so long.