Free Falling to Pieces by Denise Grover Swank Page A

up?”
    “Your ring is missing and you’re clearly upset.”
    “You wanna know the funny part?” I asked, turning toward him.
    His eyes were full of support and he grimaced. “What?”
    “I was wearing his ring, but I never even accepted his proposal.”
    “So you broke it off?”
    I pressed my lips together. “No. He did. But we both agreed that I’d make a terrible senator’s wife.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    I released a soft cry, and he pulled me into a hug, resting my cheek on his shoulder. We stayed there for several minutes, one of his hands rubbing soft circles on my back.
    “I feel so stupid,” I finally said.
    He pulled back, staring into my face. “What on earth for ?”
    “For crying on you two days in a row. You’re going to think I’m nothing but a big crybaby.” I rubbed the wet spot on his shoulder. “Now I owe you for the cleaning of two shirts.”
    He pulled my hand off of his shoulder and cradled it between both of his palms in his lap. “Rose, you know I’m here for you when you need me.”
    “I know. Thank you.” While I knew he was, I wasn’t exactly sure why he was. Was it because he was genuinely my friend, or because he had feelings for me? Or a combination of both? I was too tired and emotionally drained to think about it too much. But I also noticed something else. While there was concern in his eyes, there was no pity. “And thank you for not looking at me like I’m pathetic.”
    “Rose,” he hesitated, conflict brewing in his hazel eyes. They seemed greener than usual today. “You are far from pathetic. I know how much you care about Joe, and I know you’re hurting, and I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry you have to go through even more pain than you already have these last few months.” He shifted in his seat. “But you’re strong and you’ll get through this. You don’t deserve pity. If anyone does, it’s Joe.”
    My eyes widened in panic, my breath catching in my throat. Why did he feel sorry for Joe? “You know about Joe’s parents?” Who else knew?
    “ Of course I know Joe’s parents had something to do with this. But it’s probably better that you found out now how easily Joe is manipulated by them, before it was too late. Think about it this way: you’ve got entire life ahead of you, full of possibilities, even if you don’t want to consider them now. The only thing Joe has to look forward to is a life full of manipulation.”
    My shoulders sagged in relief. Mason didn’t know about the blackmail. If I were honest with myself, no matter how hard it was to admit, I couldn’t help thinking Mason was right. I suspected Joe had spent the last few months hiding from his parents because he wasn’t strong enough to stand up to them. Or maybe he knew what they were capable of doing to get their way, and he’d hid to put it off as long as possible. Either way, he was stuck under their thumb. When Momma died, I’d been freed.
    Joe and I were more alike than I realized. Only I’d finally escaped from my life of being controlled, and Joe was still imprisoned.
    I offered Mason a soft smile. “Thanks.”
    “For what?”
    “For helping me put things in perspective. You’re always good at that.”
    He grinned. “That’s what I’m good for—perspective and shirts to cry on.”
    I couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at my lips. “And putting police detectives in their place.”
    An ornery grin lit up his face. “That’s a freebie. I love to do that one any chance I get.”
    I laughed softly, feeling a little bit better, even if for only a few seconds.
    His voice turned serious. “You know I’m here if you need anything.”
    “Thanks, I do.” And I did. He’d proven it time and time again. I could always count on Mason.
    He dropped my hand and shifted the car into drive. “To the nursery?”
    “Yeah.”
    We didn’t talk the rest of the way, but our silence was comforting instead of uncomfortable. When he parked in the nursery parking lot, he came