Love's Redemption (Chris and Maddie)

Chapter 58

"You still have me, kid."

As Conrad spoke, he patted the back of my head gently with his large hand before letting me go.

Even though I was never a crier, I could feel my tears suddenly rushing to my eyes and falling down my face.

I couldn't even stop them if I tried.

I didn't want the tears to actually fall. That would betray me.

I desperately tried to hold my tears in, but they refused to be held back. In fact, they flowed even more heavily the more I tried to stop them. All I could do was look away and refuse to let him see my pathetic display of feelings.

Conrad softly caressed my hair with his large hand. "It's not embarrassing to cry in front of me, remember?"

He had told me that once before."

He was reminding me of that again.

However, that situation was preying on the only bit of dignity I had left. I turned around so my back was facing him and quickly wiped my tears away.

I was trying to do and picked up my suitcase. "I'll put this in the car for

he left, I covered my

allowed my tears to pour

downstairs, both Bree and Zack were busy in the kitchen. Their joy at

to see my red, swollen eyes, and I didn't want them to try to get me to

was waiting for me in front of the car while staring off into the distance. He seemed

mild smile tweaked the

me to fetch you?"

a smile. "You haven't been here in four years. The town has changed a lot. You're going to get lost." His smile widened ever so slightly.

him directly. I didn't want him

suddenly put a hand on the window and asked, "Where

his hand off the

and smaller behind me in the rearview mirror as my tears.

home of

Goodbye, my love.

from

didn't call me because Conrad had talked to

put my suitcase down, and