by T Gray
When he and my mom separated last year after “the incident,” he had stayed in hotels for a while until finally purchasing his three-story monstrosity just a few months ago. I had been there only one time when he first moved in to pick out my room and meet with the interior decorator who would be furnishing the house. I hadn’t wanted a new room and told her to do whatever she wanted. I never saw the final product, but my dad said it was “lovely.” Now I was going to have to stay there for weeks and my stomach turned at the thought.
The trees passed by in a blur as we sat in silence for the duration of the drive. Periodically, I heard my father barking orders to various people on the phone, but I kept my focus on the thin piece of glass separating myself from the outside world.
We turned the last corner before flying down the long driveway, and I was struck with how much had changed in just a few months. There was now green grass and plush landscaping where dirt and rock had previously been. The house had been repainted a butter yellow color making it look much newer and more welcoming than when I had first seen it.
My father parked the car and opened my door, asking me if could walk.
“I’m not an invalid, Daddy,” I huffed, tired of being so coddled. I swung my legs out of the car, finding my balance on my new heels and stood with all the grace my mom had taught me to.
My father pulled me in for big hug and muttered, “That’s my girl.”
He was pulling my suitcases out of the trunk and I turned to walk towards the front door, when once again the world turned on its axis. This time, the scene was beautiful and came in the form of the most handsome boy I had ever seen. He strode by me, offering just a slight smile and wink as he approached my dad. I couldn’t stop my head from following his movements as I absorbed his flawless frame. Next to my dad, he seemed lanky, but compared to Tucker Murphy…well, there was no comparison. In fact, I was sure that every boy I met in the future would pale next to his tan skin and soft brown hair.
“I’ll get that, sir,” the boy offered, taking the suitcases from my dad. His voice was as smooth as honey, and I felt it melt into my chest and roll down to the pit of my stomach where little butterflies began to flutter around.
My dad handed him my suitcase and let him finish unloading the bags. He placed his strong arm around my shoulder and began guiding me to the front door. I subtly looked back at the boy and caught how his muscled arm flexed as he pulled the trunk closed. My cheeks immediately burned when he caught me looking, and I quickly turned my head to see where my dad was leading me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T.L. Gray lives in Ennis, Texas with her husband and three kids. She serves as a Pastor’s Wife at Tabernacle Baptist Church and believes that books have the ability to change people’s lives. You can find out more about Shattered Rose and the anticipated sequel, Shackled Lily at tlgray.com.