Lost Tribrid

Chapter 7

Sitting on the small sofa, I stared at the dark fireplace. Wanting to feel the warmth of the fire. However, I had never used a fireplace, let alone started one in my life. So, I just sat there with my arms hugging my knees. Unsure of what to do with my time while Holly made her calls. My mind tried to remember a time before I was Jeremy’s wife. Though any time I tried it was like hitting a thick wall. It wasn’t blank but it definitely wasn’t clear. Frustration getting the better of me as I thought of taking one of the lamps to smash against a wall. Not that I could do such a thing when it didn’t belong to me or the thought of upsetting Holly. When the door opened to my room, I turned to see Holly with her ever breath-taking smile.

“Well, I spoke to the manager of our local law office. They haven’t ever had a divorce lawyer because,” Holly paused as she looked away. “Anyways, that’s something for another time. She did state they were in need of a lawyer. You will start tomorrow, and she can explain everything. I have plenty of clothes, so no need to worry about that.”

Holly beamed as the pride was shown on her face. While my face mirrored a frown that I couldn’t erase. Being more than grateful for her help, but practicing law is the first place Jeremy will look.

“Holly, I am not sure working in law is smart in my situation. I have office skills. Maybe just something less noticeable would be better.”

“Dear, I promised you that you didn’t need to be afraid, and I meant it. I will go with you to the office tomorrow. After speaking with Beth, if you still want something different, then we will go from there.”

I couldn’t help to deny her, so I just nodded my head in agreement. Wrapping me in a tight hug that I wasn’t prepared for caused me to wince. Feeling Holly loosen her hold, I worried she might pull away. While I wasn’t prepared for her hug, it made me feel safe and I wasn’t ready for it to end.

Wrapping my arms around her waist, I could feel her body relax. Unsure of how I missed that she had tensed up at all. Wondering if Holly had kids and if this was the same motherly love she gave them? Had me thinking about my past again. If I had parents who were as caring or loving. Even though the abuse ripped all humanity from me, I would like to assume I was a nice person. Being in the office and trying to help couples mend their marriages. Instead of just getting down to the nitty gritty of jumping to divorce as a first option. Making me realize I didn’t want to give up what I did. I loved the work that I put into helping people! Filled with hope, I shouldn’t allow. I looked forward to meeting Beth and the possibility of getting to continue with what I didn’t realize I loved.

Holly finally left and told me to get my rest. Informing me that it was the middle of the night and I had to be up by eight in the morning. She pointed out the clock sitting on the fireplace mantle, something I had never noticed before. I couldn’t imagine what time I woke but surprised to see that it was after two in the morning. After getting back into the oversized t-shirt, making a mental note to ask Holly who it belonged to. I cuddled back into the large comfortable bed and found sleep easier than I ever had. Loud beeping had me jerking out of bed. Pushing the hair out of my face as I frantically searched the room.

Annoyed that it was already seven in the morning. I dragged myself out of bed and turned the alarm clock off. Noticing the dress slacks and turtle neck sweater draped over the back of the couch. My lips slightly lifted into a smile as I went to the bathroom for a shower. Hoping the hot water would make me more presentable and help erase the bags under my eyes. A few moments later, I was stepping out to dry myself off and noticed the make-up and everything already on the sink. Either I missed everything there before or Holly knows how to sneak without making a sound.

Not wanting to think about someone being able to get into a room without me knowing. I push the thought aside and make quick work to hide all the bruising. Getting ready faster than any woman, I am sure, as I step into the room to dress clothes. Thankful that Holly had a pair of flats with the outfit. I hadn’t ever worn heels and didn’t think today would be a good time to learn. I looked at the clock and I realized it was only seven thirty, even though I was not surprised.

“It’s now or never,” I said, trying to pump myself up.

I headed down the stairs in search of Holly. I see her standing at the small desk and smile when she turns and gives me a large smile back.

“You look stunning! Who knew you could be even more beautiful.”

I felt the heat hit my cheeks as I dropped my eyes to the floor. I have only ever gotten one other compliment in my life. Being from the all too sexy blue-eyed man, I didn’t know how to take them.

Was I to say thank you when receiving a compliment? Not that I agreed with her, so it wouldn’t be right to thank her. I wanted to tell her I was anything but beautiful. Let alone more beautiful than I was at that moment. When small fingers touched my biceps, I jerked to meet her silver eyes.

“You can tell yourself a million times that you aren't beautiful or worthy of good things, but I will be the first to tell you that’s bullshit. Again, I don’t know what you have been through, but I know what I see with my own eyes. You are gorgeous and have a pure heart even though it's clear someone did a number making you believe otherwise,” I watched as a tear slid down her cheek.

I went to wipe the tear away and tell her I wasn’t worth them, but I knew she would be upset. As she already clearly was by knowing exactly what I was thinking. Instead, she wiped the tear before I could even register the moment.

“Let’s get you to Beth before we are late and she has my head,” Holly laughed.

I couldn’t help the giggle that left my lips. Watching Holly’s silver eyes shine as she watched me giggle had me feeling light-headed. Never seeing anyone look at me the way she did, caused me to blush yet again. Holly, never missing anything, caught the pink tint to my cheeks and laughed again as she dragged me out of the inn.