I blink my eyes open and try to accept that I can’t change her mind, but it’s like putting on a coat made of dog shit.
“You know there are other people he could go to for help, Greta.” I don’t even bother to keep the accusation out of my voice. “What’s really going on here? This isn’t just about being a good person.”
Her frustrated groan stretches across the line. “I asked myself that about a million times last night… No, it’s not just about being a good person, but I am a counselor and I’msupposed to help people.”
Like any good lawyer, I go for the weak spot in her argument. The urge to fight flaring bright again.
“So, you’re doing this because it’s your job? That’s bullshit, Greta. You’re also not the only counselor in Lafayette parish.”
“Zach, I—I don’t know if I can explain it. Maybe I need to do this. For me.”
I scoff. “What? For, like, closure or something?”
“Maybe… I don’t know.”
“So, youforgive him,now? For what he did to us?” My words ooze scorn like venom.
Her voice lowers. “I didn’t say I’ve forgiven him, Zach.” She sounds angry. That makes two of us. “And I don’t like that you’d shame me for it if I had.”
The fight goes out of me, leaving nothing but regret. And a hefty dose of self-loathing. “Greta… You’re right. I’m sorry.” I press my lips together, digging deep not to be a selfish prick. “I’m just struggling with this.”
“Well, I am too.” The soft vulnerability in her voice tears my guts out.
God, I’m such an asshole.
Resignation feels like my only option, and I suck at giving up.
“So, what are you going to do with him?”
Greta sighs. “For starters, I hope he’s sobered up. He probably needs to eat something. At least he’s clean now.” She coughs. “I hope you can forgive me for giving him some of your clothes.”
“If I say yes, will you kick him out?” I grumble.
Her choked laugh sounds tired, but at least I made her laugh. “Zach,” she says softly, “please don’t be mad at me.”
And goddammit. The words might as well be arrows in my chest.
I know it’s not fair, but Iamangry with her. Yes, I’m more angry with Josh. I’m damn near ready to kill him.
But I don’t have the balls to admit to her that I can’t be the bigger man.
“I’m notmadat you,” I say, equivocating. “But I’m going to get there as soon as I can.”
“You’ll be here Saturday,” she says.
But fuck that.
“I’ll get there today if I can manage it.”
“Zach,” Her worry pinches my name. “Marco and Sunny need you.”
And I don’t.
She doesn’t say the words, but that’s what I hear.
And, honestly, I’d rather take a kick to the balls.
ChapterTwenty-Four