“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I just wanted to make your life easier. You’ve struggled for so long and I have money. I have money sitting in a bank not doing anyone any good, a lot of money. I have a trust fund. My parents made sure that my brother and I would never have to struggle like their parents did. I’ve never touched that money before, but I couldn’t stand the thought of you struggling. I just thought this is one way that I could help. I can’t go back in time and make yours or Simone’s or Scott’s childhood easier, but I’m here now. I can help now.
“I was going to tell you but, when I woke up and saw you I couldn’t keep my hands off of you and then I was going to tell you at breakfast, but your mom showed up and I just…there just wasn’t a good time. I’m sorry.”
Stephanie’s phone buzzed and she picked it up. “Yes.”
“I’ll be there in an hour.” She hung up.
“Is it work?” he asked.
“No. Scott.”
“I can take you. We can go now.”
“No. I want to go home and take a shower.”
“Okay, then I’ll take you when you’re ready.”
“No, I can Uber,” her tone was flat, emotionless as she looked out the passenger side window.
“Stephanie, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you or—”
“I know.” She nodded slowly. “I know you were just trying to help. And I appreciate it. Thank you, but I’m not going to take your money. I’ll pay you back.”
“You don’t have to do that,” he argued, feeling like an ass.
“Yes, I do,” she spoke quietly.
“Can I please drive you to see Scott?” He knew he messed up, but he hated the idea of her having to pay for a ride.
“I think…” She took in a shaky breath. “I think I need a break. A lot has happened in the past couple of months. I lost my dad. My mom came back. You. I need some time.”
He sat beside the girl that he loved, that he wanted to marry, that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with and she wanted time…And he had no one to blame but himself.