Part 33
Lola turned back slowly to face him, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I know you would,“ she whispered. “I‘m so sorry,” she choked out. “I’m just - I’m just so overwhelmed,” she said. “I don’t know what I’m doing.” she motioned around herself. “Two days ago I was just trying to wake up in the morning. Then Bryon shows up, I find just a sliver of hope in that, in laughing again…I laughed for the first time yesterday,” she said in disbelief. “And now I think that my husband was mur…”she couldn’t finish, sobs broke out of her.
Mark closed the short gap that stood between them, and pulled her in against his chest, engulfing her in his arms and stroked her curls softly with his hand.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I tried to keep my distance,” he paused. “But I’m not doing that anymore. You can’t do this on your own, and I’m not sitting back to watch. You’re stuck with me now.” he laughed gently.
Tom reached over and handed Lola a dusty tissue, then walked out of the room.
Part 34
Lola pulled into her parents driveway, as Tommy fiddled with the small paper, reading and rereading the letters and numbers.
“So, your anniversary could be part of the clue?” he asked again.
“Yes.”
“But you don’t know what the initials are for?”
“No.”
He slumped down in the seat, and handed it back to her.
“We’ll figure it out,” she said noticing it was more for herself than for him.
They got out of the car and walked the short distance to the house. Rain clouds were beginning to move in covering the sky, and bringing a chill to the late spring air.
As Lola crossed the threshold, a strange jacket that hung on the coat hook caught her attention.
That’s odd she thought.
From the dining room a boisterous laugh swept through her.
“Lola, honey? Is that you and Tommy?” Gloria called from the other room.
“Yeah, Mom,” Lola said eyeing Tom her still stood by her side.
“Put the paper in your pocket,” Tommy mouthed. Lola obediently slid it in her back pocket as she walked into the dining room where she saw Bryon and her mother sipping on coffee.
“My goodness can this man make me laugh!” Gloria gushed as she stood to go to the kitchen “He is just full of stories!” she said grinning. “Would you guys like anything? I just baked some more of those protein cookies, Lola.”
“Oh great,” Lola mumbled. Her mind scrambled as she tried to think of what could bring Bryon here. She tried to swallow her panic
“I hope you don’t mind, Lola,” Bryon said scooting a chair out for her to sit down next to him. “I was just so worried about you after yesterday, I wanted to make sure you were okay,” he smiled.
Lola tried to smile back, but was worried what her face was going to give it all away. She casually sat down, but moved her chair slightly to the left.
“So, you look better,” he said. “I’m guessing…Mark?…was it? He got you home okay?”
“Yup, he sure did,” she said. She played with the placemat in front of her, busying her fingers with the fringe edges. “I didn’t see your car outside,” she said trying to keep her voice level.
“I actually bought a house right down the street, so I was just on a walk.” he smiled brightly. “We’re neighbors now.”
He looked towards the kitchen, then back to Lola and leaned in so only she could hear.
“I know you‘re hiding something, Lola…something from Kyle“ he whispered into her ear. “I wanted to be friends…I wanted this to be easy.” he breathed. “It still can be. It’s entirely up to you, think about it.”
Chills ran down her spine, and then down each of her arms. She sat frozen in her chair unable to move.
Bryon stood up and pushed in his chair “Sorry, Gloria,” he said. “I’m going to have to be heading out. Would you like me to wash my mug before I go?” he offered.
“Oh you!” Gloria swatted the air. “Don’t be silly. But I tell you what, any time you need some company, you come right over. I know how bachelors live…” she said shaking her head with a laugh.
“Well, I might just take you up on that,” he said. He turned towards Lola, gave her a wink and walked out of the room.
📃A special note to the readers📃
Please check out the Story Club @canadianrenegade has started in the comment section of the posts! She has some great, engaging questions!
If you would like to be added to the list (or taken off) please let me know in the comments!
"You have to make the prompts work for you." ~@borrowedearth*
