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many times. And, he knew, it was time to stop playing games if
they wanted to be able to move forward.
“No one told me,” he assured her. “But your reaction makes it
clear that I’m right. That’s not the important question. I don’t
know that person, Katie. If you want to tell me about your past,
I’m willing to listen and help in any way I can, but I’m not going
to ask you about it. And if you don’t want to tell me, that’s okay,
too, because, again—I never knew that person. You must have a
good reason for keeping it secret, and that means I’m not going to
tell anyone, either. No matter what happens, or doesn’t happen,
between us. Go ahead and make up a brand-new history if you
want and I’ll back you up word for word. You can trust me on
that.”
Katie stared at him as he spoke, confused and scared and angry,
but absorbing every word.
“But… how?”
“I’ve learned to notice things that other people don’t,” he went on.
“There was a time in my life when that was all I did. And you’re
not the first woman I’ve met in your position.”
She continued to stare at him, wheels turning. “When you were in
the army,” she concluded.
He nodded, holding her gaze. Finally, he stood from the chair and
took a cautious step toward her. “Can I pour you another glass of
wine?”
Still in turmoil, she couldn’t answer, but when he reached for her
glass, she let him take it. The porch door opened with a squeak
and closed behind him, leaving her alone.
She paced to the railing, her thoughts chaotic. She fought the
instinct to pack a bag and grab her coffee can full of money and
leave town as soon as she could.