She didn’t give me a chance to respond, and I watched as she headed towards the exit. This might be what she said she wanted, but damn it, it wasn’t was what she needed. She needs me, she’s just afraid to admit it.
Standing, I threw some money on the table and made my way through the tables to follow her out of the restaurant. When I caught up with her, I asked, “Reesa, where are you going? I’m parked on the other side of the lot.”
She didn’t turn around and said, “I’m going back to the hotel. Back to Tabiq.”
I couldn’t let her go off alone. Not because of Logan’s warning, but because I could hear her crying as she spoke. It was my fault for pushing her when she obviously didn’t want to talk about it.
I reached out for her hand, and she stopped, avoiding my gaze. I walked around to stand before her. Brushing loose strands of hair from her face, I said, “Please. Let me be here for you. Even the strongest of people need others.”
She nodded. “I am tired of feeling…like all the burden is on me and that people want nothing more than to see me fail, so they can put a man in charge again.”
There was so much to Tabiq that she hadn’t explained, but her words, her fears, were revealing a lot. She was doing this for all women, not just herself.
She needed to know people were here to support her too. “I don’t believe Logan feels that way,” I said.
“I know he doesn’t. He and his entire family have been very supportive,” she replied.
“And I hope you know I want you to succeed as well.” She raised her head to look up into my eyes. “You said you saw something in me that Tabiq needs.”
“I do.”
“What do you need, Reesa?” I asked softly.
“Finn. I told you, it’s not about me,” she said. “I need to think of my people.”
Raising a hand, I stroked her cheek. “You don’t need to sacrifice your own happiness in the process. If you do, then you are allowing the oppression to continue.”
She stared into my eyes for what seemed like eternity. My words must have touched some special spot in her heart, because the tears started rolling down her cheeks and she fell into my arms, sobbing.
“I want…to be…free,” she cried.
My heart ached seeing her in such turmoil. “Then say yes. Let me come to Tabiq with you, even if only as your friend,” I said as I held her to me. I wanted so much more, but she wasn’t ready. Reesa might not realize it, but she was suppressing her own demons. Somehow our being together was opening up old wounds. You can’t hide from yourself forever. Eventually our past always catches up with us.
“Okay,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
“You’re agreeing for me to come with you?” I asked again, needing confirmation.
“Yes, as my friend.”
It was a start. And it was what she needed right now. I pulled back, brushed her tears from her cheeks and said, “Then why don’t you let this friend take you on that country ride I promised you.”
“But I have so much work to do,” she said.
“Funny. So do I. And it will still be here when we get back from our drive. What do you say? Will you let me show you Ireland through my eyes?”
“If you can show me in a few hours, then yes, show me Ireland.”
Her eyes were still sad, but I was hopeful because the smile had at least returned to her lips. I led her to the car. Before all this, I’d planned a grand tour. Now a simple ride through the hills and farmlands might be a better option. I had a feeling that no matter what I showed her, she would be miles away anyway.
But at least we’ll be together.