บททั้งหมดของ The Widow's Harem: บทที่ 31 - บทที่ 36

JocelynI chose not to make a scene. I chose peace, knowing this was already a lot for Riley to deal with.There was no way I could extract him now. That was up to him, unfortunately.Without making a fuss, I made my way towards the back of the row, where there were plenty of seats, and sat at the end of one of the pews for easy escape if Riley went running out of here. As it was, I was watching the back of Riley's head closely. It looked as if his mother and sister were both speaking with him, however I couldn't see his face, so I couldn't know what they were saying or how it was affecting him.My phone vibrated a moment later. "I'm sorry I got caught in their trap." Riley texted."It's okay. I'm okay, as long as you are okay.""They're just milking this for attention."But why? That was the question, wasn't it."If you need anything, just let me know. I can pretend to faint --theatrics included-- so you have an excuse to leave."He sent a laughing emoji. "I'll keep that in mind, Jo.

JocelynRiley drove a bit maniacally through the streets. I just held on and stayed quiet, knowing he was pissed and hurting. And by the aura he was giving off, he wasn’t ready to talk about what just happened at the funeral service.Deep in the heart of downtown, he swerved into a small parking lot just outside of a cement building that looked aged and worn. He jumped out and slammed the door shut, stomping off towards a door on the side of the building. I got out too and fairly jogged after him. He held the door open for me, but still didn’t say anything. We walked through an empty locker room and came out to an open layout with punching bags hung along the long sides of the space, work out equipment pushed against the far wall and a large boxing arena in the middle of the room. There were a few men scattered around the space. One was zeroed in on a punching bag, two were working weights, while there were two boxers in the ring. A thirty something man was yelling directions and ins

JocelynThe drive home was calmer. And quiet.I wanted to talk to him about what happened, but was worried it would ignite his anger again."Just get it off your chest, Jo," Riley's voice carried from the other side of the car.Biting my lip, I turned and studied him closely. "Do you at least feel some closure from going to your father's funeral?"Riley's silence carried on for so long, I wasn't sure if he would answer. I turned to look back out the front window, wondering if I had done the right thing by bringing up the funeral right now. "Yes. I do feel some closure. It was nice hearing the stories others had of my father after he got sober. I can say I feel a sense of peace knowing he had at least done that for himself. And, while it still hurts, I don't have to have all of the answers that my angery teenage self wanted for all of the pain he caused me."I was glad to hear he had at least come to terms with his father's death and the past they shared."While it does sting a little