Chapter 47 The Kindest Offer
Gracie
Dinner is going well. Melissa and I seem to be hitting it off great. Ryland is getting embarrassed by his mom telling me stories and showing me photos. I like knowing that even with the terrible childhood he had, he still had some good memories.
“What about you, sweetie? What family do you have? Is it just you and your dad?” she asks with a smile that doesn’t seem natural. Like she knows the answer to the question she is asking me.
Her subtle change, along with talk of family, makes me shift in my chair. I hate talking about my family because I don’t have one. Ryland reaches under the table and places his hand on my knee, squeezing it.
“Yes?” My answer comes out more like a question. I assume Ryland had maybe given her the heads up, so I continue. “My mom passed away when I was younger. I stay with my dad.”
“I am sorry to hear that,” she replies with a little too much emotion for someone who never knew my mom. “Do you get along with your father?” she adds, her voice strained.
I fall silent. I am not sure how to answer. I glance over at Ryland, hoping he can help me out. I don’t want to seem rude or ignore the question, but I don’t want to lie either.
Ryland looks over at his mother. “Gracie doesn’t have a good relationship with her face. Can we please not talk about it?” he sighs.
“I really am sorry to hear about your mom and your strained relationships with your father. It must be hard. You are always welcome here any time you need to get away.” She says softly.
“Thank you. That means a lot.” I smile.
I am grateful she didn’t question me further on it.
“How about some dessert, and then we can watch a movie unless you kids have other plans?” she asks.
I shake my head. “No, no plans. That sounds good.”
“I will find a movie,” Ryland says and kisses me softly before he disappears to the living room.
I help Melissa with taking the dishes to the kitchen and helping clean up. I will feel bad if she has to do it all herself. She washes, and I dry.
“Gracie, I want to thank you. I have never seen my boy as happy and as well-behaved as he has been since he met you.”
“I know he has his problems, but he is a good man, with a huge heart. He has done so much for me.”
I don’t want to go into too much detail because that would mean explaining things that I don’t want to explain, that I am not ready to explain.
“Can I ask you a personal question?” she asks, and I nod. “Your dad, I have heard a lot of yelling from him. Does he hurt you, Gracie?” she asks, her tone soft.
I don’t answer her; instead, I turn my attention to drying the dishes and refuse to look at her. Melissa places her hand gently on my arm. I slowly turn to face her. As I do, the tears roll down my cheek. I could lie, but I don’t want to lie to her.
“Yes.” I whimper.
Melissa pulls me into her, hugging me tightly. She strokes my hair. “I am so sorry, Gracie. I know what it can be like living with a violent man. Have you reported him? Told anyone?”
“The only person who knows is Ryland. No, I haven’t reported him. It would be no use. He is good at seeming like a good, hard-working man who takes care of his daughter. He lies his way through life. It wouldn’t do any good. It would just make everything worse.” I sob.
We part from the hug. “Sweetheart, you can stay here with us for a little while to get away from him. You will be safe. There is a spare bedroom.”
“Thank you, but I can’t do that. I don’t want to cause any issues with you or Ryland.”
It is the kindest offer someone has ever given me.
“You wouldn’t cause any problems, Gracie. You would be away from him. If Ryland knows everything, then he will want you to stay here, too.”
“I do,” We heard from behind us. “If it keeps you safe,” Ryland says.
He strolls over and wraps his arm around me, hugging me tightly. “Please stay with us?” he pleads.
I cling to him and let myself cry. I don’t know why I am crying. Perhaps it is because things are being talked about or because of the caring nature both of them are showing me. I don’t know, but I cry for the next few minutes, and Ryland soothes me the best he can.
I pull away and wipe my tears. “Sorry.” I am embarassed with all my crying.
Ryland wipes the tears from my cheeks. “You have nothing to be sorry about, Brown eyes. Please come and stay with us?”
“It really would be no bother, sweetie. I can set the spare room up for you.” Melissa says.
I am torn on what to do. I don’t want to be a problem for anyone or cause them any hassle. At the same time, they are right, I would be safer here.
“Can I think about it?” I ask softly.
“Take all the time you need. Even stay tonight, and you can think about it.” She suggests.
I nod and smile. “Thank you. I will do that.”
“No sneaking into each other’s room when I am asleep.” She laughs, pointing between us, trying to lighten the now heavy mood.
“We won’t.” Ryland and I answer in sync.
She raises her brow at us. She doesn’t believe us. Then again, I have done it before, sneaked in, something we should keep between Ryland and me.
Dessert and movie now?” Ryland asks, changing the subject.
“Yes, please.” I smile.
Melissa smiles and nods her head. The night is going better than I could imagine. Their offer will be something I will always be greatful for, no matter what my decision is.