Page 16 of My Boyfriend Marks Trees
“Don’t nothing me, Charly. You freaked out seeing Greta on screen.”
“I’m sure it will be fine.”
It didn’t take a genius to fit the pieces of this puzzle. “You’re worried someone will see her.”
She glanced sideways at him, still bent over, her hair partially hiding her face. “I’m overreacting.”
“So I’m right. You are concerned.”
She straightened. “Yes, but like your sister said, doubtful it goes viral. I mean, who cares about a small-town Christmas Market?”
“Care to tell me what’s got you scared?”
For a second, he didn’t think she’d reply. Then she whispered, “He can’t find us.”
“He who?”
“Greta’s father.” She turned from him. “I know that sounds horrible, but trust me when I say she’s better off far away from him.”
“Did he hurt her? You?”
She shook her head. “I’d rather not talk about it. Let’s leave it at he’s not a nice man. And to give you an example, when Greta was just a baby, he walked out, claiming she wasn’t his kid.”
“She was, I take it?”
“Yes, and the paternity test proved it,” she snorted. “But she was not the right kind of kid, according to him. He called her defective.”
“Defective? Is he blind?”
“He never explained. I assumed it was because she was a girl or something stupid.”
“What a fucking idiot. Not only is she perfect, Greta’s got an awesome personality.”
“She is amazing, which is why I had to leave. More than five years after he walked out, he suddenly reappeared in our lives demanding we live with him. When I told him to go away, he threatened to take Greta from me.”
“I think a judge might take issue with that.”
“Oh, he wouldn’t wait for a judge. Barry would literally snatch her. From the street, school, her bed. He wouldn’t care.”
“You left to protect Greta.”
“I had no choice.”
“It’s unlikely he’ll see the video and figure out you’re here.”
“You don’t know him. He’s resourceful.” She hugged herself. “Argh. I hate living like this.”
“Would it help to know that if he shows, I’ll have your back?”
We will eat anyone who tries to harm,agreed wolf.
“No, because I don’t want to see you hurt.”
“Dear Charly, I’m tougher than I look.”
I am. Your skin is too soft.
“You’re too darned sweet,” she grumbled.