“Paisley? Is that you?” There was surprise in his voice, and I could just imagine him scooting to the edge of his chair like he used to do when something interested him.
I nodded, which was stupid, because he couldn’t see. “Yes.”
“Are you all right?”
I rested my hand on my stomach. “Very much all right.”
“Where are you?”
“I can’t say.”
“Please. I’ve been so worried about you.”
“I’m fine, don’t worry.”
“… What do you mean you’re fine?”
I swallowed. He was not going to make it easy. “I’m…on my own.”
“Let me come get you.” There was frantic movement, a few things crashing, and what sounded like keys tingling.
“No, Digby.”
“Why?”
“Because it’s never going to be safe. Nobody can know I’m alive. If even one person knows, you risk my life.” I swallowed hard and told the biggest lie I could tell him, but there was no other way to get through to him. “I… Digby, I’m in the witness protection program.”
“What?”
I swallowed hard. It was the best way, but it didn’t make it any easier. “I’m breaking so many rules contacting you. I really wish I could tell you more, but all I can tell you is that I’m alive and I’m okay.”
“Why?” he asked, his frustration evident in his voice.
My chest clenched at his tone. It was gut-wrenching.
“Because I made a promise to you. So here it is. I’m calling you. I’m alive, but you still can’t do anything other than forget about me.”
“Forget about you? Paisley, I can’t forget about you. That’s the whole problem.”
My hand twisted in the fabric of my dress. “You need to. I can never go back to my old life. I’ve seen and done too much.”
“Done?”
“I’m far from the woman you knew. I’ve changed in more ways than you could imagine.”
“Jesus, Pais.”
“I want you to be happy,” I said as a tear slid down my cheek. “Fall in love, get married, have kids, and be happy. You know, that whole American Dream your parents came over here for.”
“What did he do to you? What did that asshole do to you?”
I wanted to call him out on the asshole comment, but it was true. Being in love with the guy didn’t get rid of that.
“I did what I had to do in order to survive. I’m on my own now and…I’m in love.”
“With who?” By the tone in his voice, I had a feeling he’d guessed the answer. “Don’t tell me him.”
“I can’t say.”
“I need to know.”
“Look, I know you want more answers, but this is all I can give you. I loved you, Digby, and part of me will always love you, but in order for me to live, everyone has to believe I’m dead. I can never be with you again.”
It felt like his proposal all over again, emotionally draining with me having to break his heart.
“I wish things were different, but I promise I will do what I can to keep you safe.”
“Thank you, Digby,” I said, trying to choke back my tears. “Goodbye.”
I didn’t wait for a reply before hitting the button to disconnect the call.
Tears streamed down my face as I walked into the mall, through the herd of people coming and going. Some were waiting for reservations, others for the nightly celebrations to begin.
They didn’t know me or my pain. What I’d seen and done. They didn’t care that I willed my tears to stop so they wouldn’t look at me. So that I could blend in.
Just another cow, making her way through a weathered path.
I located the restrooms and sent the burner phone on its way to fritzville, giving it a goldfish farewell.
A final goodbye to Paisley Warren.
Esther’s pie was fantastic, per usual. After our lunch, she sent slices home with me in little plastic containers. Mostly old butter packaging.
It worked and gave me easy to carry containers for work to make my coworkers jealous.
I let out a moan as I took a bite at my desk, earning a glare from Sue. “Next time, buy her two bundles and bring a pie here.”
I chuckled and nodded. “Okay.”
“Hey, Lacey.”
I spun in my chair, fork in mouth, to face the receptionist. “Hi, Amanda. What’s up?”
She fidgeted with the cord that led to her headset, a blush spreading on her cheeks. “Well, there’s someone here to see you.”
“Me?” I asked, my brow scrunching as I looked at her. Everyone I knew in my new life was sitting somewhere in this office. Minus Esther.
“He’s really good looking, and…he says he’s your husband.”
I rolled my eyes as I let out a little laugh. “My hus—” I couldn’t even finish the word when it dawned, my eyes widening.
I jumped out of my seat, tossing the pie down as I pushed past her to run down the hall.
Six.
It had to be.
I skidded to a halt just inside the lobby, nearly crashing into the doorway. “Six!”
His back was to me and when he turned, my breath caught in my throat. Dirty blond hair, familiar brown eyes, and the body I knew so well.
Tears sprung in my eyes as I ran to him and jumped up, throwing my arms around him. “Six.”