Chapter 14 - The Date I Almost Canceled
I changed clothes four times.
Then I nearly canceled.
Dating after betrayal felt ridiculous.
Every compliment sounded suspicious.
Every delayed text had the potential to become evidence in my imagination.
Nathan noticed.
“You don't trust me.”
It wasn't an accusation.
“I don't know you well enough to trust you.”
“Fair.”
That answer mattered.
He didn't demand faith he hadn't earned.
Our relationship developed slowly.
Months, not weeks.
He met my family.
He respected boundaries around Evelyn.
He never attempted to replace her father.
And when Gavin eventually met him during a scheduled exchange, Nathan simply shook his hand.
No macho confrontation.
No threats.
No performance.
Later I asked, “Was that uncomfortable?”
“Extremely.”
I laughed.
“Why didn't you show it?”
“Because Evelyn was watching.”
That was when I knew he understood something Gavin had taken years to learn.
Adults didn't have the right to make children carry their conflicts.
Still, happiness frightened me.
And when Nathan eventually told me he loved me, I couldn't say it back.
Not yet.
He nodded.
“Okay.”
“That's it?”
“What else should I say?”
“I don't know.”
“When you're ready, tell me. If you never are, tell me that too.”
I watched him walk away.
Then I cried.
Not because I was hurt.
Because patience felt unfamiliar.
May you like
And sometimes kindness is frightening after you've learned how convincing cruelty can look.
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