"You shouldn't settle for a man who doesn't make you and that little boy in there," his face turned red and he jabbed a finger towards the living room, "the center of his world.This isn't just about you anymore.If it was, I wouldn't say a word, but Ben is suffering and that's just not right."
I swallowed hard against the steel in his voice and waited for some of the color to drain from his face before I picked up the salad and walked to the table.
"Calm down," I said and patted his hand."It's not good to get all worked up.Especially over something that isn't an issue."
"Lexi—"
I looked him in the eye and as firmly as I could, I lied to him."It's not an issue, Uncle Ray.I promise."
"Fine."He looked away from my gaze.
"Good, I—"
"One more thing," he said and I had to fight the urge to sigh in frustration."And I won't say another word about it.If you ever decide differently, just know that you have options.You're always welcome at my place.And of course there's always the lake."
My first instinct was to snap back with a sharp retort, but I swallowed it.The thought had crossed my mind.The idea of running away to Uncle Ray's lakeside house was more than appealing some days.
"And you'll never guess what I heard from Joe," he continued."Remember Joe?He runs the general store—at least, he did.You used to play with his girl, Enid.She runs the store now."
"I remember."
"Well, Joe told me last time I was up fishing with him that they need a teacher out there.Something about the principal and a teacher and...well, never mind.It's an option anyway."
That was the moment.The moment I could have told Uncle Ray the truth.I could have told him he was right, that I was unhappy and I wanted—no, deserved—more.But I didn't.Instead, I smiled and squeezed his hand before turning and calling Ben for dinner.