One Day You'll Be Mine(33)

“Just in time,” Kelli greeted. She held up a bag from Macy*s. “We didn’t pack any clothes so I got you some things. I didn’t know your exact sizes so I’m hoping something will fit.”

Fishing through the bag, there were three dresses and two hippie style skirts. I put on the sage green skirt, and looked. “Did you get any panties?”

She waved her hand. “Let your cooch breathe. You still hungry?”

I nodded, and she said to give her a few minutes to change. She put on one of the dresses, an aqua blue that complimented her tanning complexion, and escorted me out the door. We enjoyed dinner at BJ’s Brew house as we chatted. Per usual, the food was excellent, but the conversation consisted mainly of the events that transpired back home.

“I don’t know if it’s safe or sound for you to be living under the same roof with him. I know you don’t want to call the cops, and you think this is isolated, but that’s how domestic violence starts. And he hit you like it was nothing. He’s never just hit you like that before?”

I shook my head. “No, he hasn’t. That was the first time he’d ever put his hands on me. And I don’t think I’m safe either, but I have no idea where to go.”

“You can always stay with us.”

“I can’t bring my problems to your house. Besides, you live right up the street from his lover. I’d be obsessed with watching them together. Did you see how comfortable they were when we rolled up on them today? Hollis didn’t even blink when I approached them.”

“Because to the naked eye they’re just a group of friends. I asked Kristophe if he knew anything about this, and he swears he didn’t. I don’t know if I believe him, but I do know he’s not into that lifestyle. He’d be okay with us bringing in another woman, but man on man contact? Not him. He’ll probably distance himself from this.”

“If he’s distancing himself, then I really have no business bringing my drama to your door. He wants no parts of this. Who would?”

“I do, because I’m your friend, and I don’t feel I’d be a good friend if I allow you to go back to that house alone, knowing he’s put his hands on you twice with other people around. This is escalating quickly. He could kill you in your sleep.”

I swallowed. She was right, but I didn’t Hollis was that kind of man. Then again, I didn’t think he was the cheating kind of man either. My food threatened to come up as I imagined him kissing Presley the way he used to kiss me.

“I don’t want to be anywhere near him if I’m going to separate myself from him,” I declared, once I was able to get my food to stay in its rightful place. “My sister in law invited me to come visit her. I told her no because Hollis and I were supposed to enjoy a family vacation, but with Jordan starting school, that’s no longer an option.”

“Maybe not for Jordan, but it’s still an option for you, is it not?”

“I can’t go on vacation without my son. Who’s going to look after him if I don’t?”

“He has his father. When’s the last time you saw your sister in law? Didn’t she just get married officially to your husband’s little brother?”

“Yes, she did. He’s deployed for six months. They tied the knot before he left.”

“Good. Go see her. She needs your company. She’s never been through a deployment while married. It’s totally different than when you’re dating. Spend time with her, get fresh air outside of California, and figure out what it is you want to do with Hollis.”

“Who knows?” She leaned in. “Perhaps time away from you will show him how much he’s taken you for granted. Twenty years with a person is a long time. He might have gotten completely used to you. Damn shame because you’re only 34, right?”

“Yeah. He’s 36.”

“Call her when we get back.”

“I’ll think about it.” I told Kelli that Ro knew everything that happened over the past few days. Obviously, I didn’t get to speak to her today, but I was aware that I’d have to update her before I got there. Depending on how long it took for the bruises to heal, I wouldn’t be able to hide Hollis’s violent behavior.

Kelli didn’t understand why I wanted to hide these marks. It wasn’t so much that Hollis didn’t deserve to pay for what he did. But we had a son, and Jordan desperately needed his father. Putting Hollis behind bars for his actions would only make me look like the bad guy, and I didn’t want to be put in that position. What’s more, having him in prison meant the burden of the household finances on me.