AlTonya Washington - Trust In Us

“Wanted but...didn’t have?” Gage carefully probed.

“Myrna’s mom and dad separated when she was little.” Alythia hugged herself a bit, raking her square French tips over suddenly chilled arms. “Jeena never knew her dad, and mine...” She resisted the urge to allow resentment to close her eyes. “Mine was in and out, in and out of my mother’s pocketbook when he’d drank or gambled off his own. If he didn’t steal it, she’d give it to him, no questions, no matter if she had to pay rent, buy food or...”

“Clothes.”

His voice was quiet with understanding that made Aly smile while she nodded slowly.

“My mom died of a broken heart. She tried to be everything my father wanted. When that didn’t work, she tried to buy his love and when that didn’t work, she killed herself.”

The stunning revelation was interrupted when a belt of laughter rang out from Zeke and Jeena’s direction. Gage paid no mind to the outburst on the other side of the room. He appeared stricken and remorseful.

“Hell...” He groaned, having taken her elbow and drawn her so near to him that she was practically seated on the line between the cushions of his chair and her own. “God, I’m sorry for making you remember that.”

“No, Gage.” She smoothed her hand across the one that clutched her arm. “It wasn’t like that. She—” Aly inhaled around the sudden emotion swelling her chest. “She passed slowly over time. There was nothing...physically wrong. She just didn’t want to live—lost the will...”

“I’m sorry anyway.” He squeezed her arm and gave it a little tug.

“Thanks.” Her smile harbored none of its earlier somberness. “I’ll never own up to the idea that I have any ‘daddy issues.’ My sister and I are too busy living our lives for that.”

“I like the sound of that.” Gage applied a soft thumb stroke to the bend of her arm.

“It’s true. We live our lives in tribute to our mom.”

Suspiciously amused, he smiled. “How?”

The high back of the chair provided the perfect headrest and Alythia indulged. “My sister is married to a pretty awesome guy who I’m not ashamed to say I’m just a little in love with.”

Gage’s whistle ushered in quick, hearty laughter. “Does your sister know this?”

“She does.” Aly joined in when Gage laughed again. “Doesn’t matter, though. The man only has eyes for her. He’s been known to actually stop talking midsentence when she walks into a room. And that’s just a little piece of what makes him so incredible.” She sighed, but the sound held a dreamy vibe. “Men like him are in short supply.”

Gage focused on where his thumb brushed Alythia’s skin. “So while your sister is taking great men off the market, you’re putting great clothes on it?”

Alythia’s expressive gaze widened. “That’s a fantastic way to look at it. Hmph, do you mind if I use that?”

Again he performed the permissive wave. “Not at all.”

“Your attention, please.”

The mixed conversations were interrupted then by the sound of the captain’s voice merging in among the warm drone of voices, clinking glasses and laughter.

“We are within thirty-five minutes of our arrival time and ask that you please begin your return to the main deck...”

“We’ll have dessert and coffee upstairs, guys,” Gage called out while the captain continued his message.

“Can we talk more later?” he asked Alythia while the others were pushing out of their seats.

Her smile brightened and she accepted when he offered her his hand.

“I’d like that,” she told him, barely noticing the looks passing between the other couples at her and Gage’s expense.

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