“I never liked that song,” I said as Ian led me toward the door. His steady hand on my arm reminded me that I was safe and in good hands. I had suffered through several relationships over the years only to come through to meet Ian. There was Brian who I thought I was ready to marry, but looking back, I was a shell of who I really was.
Ian allowed me the space I needed to recover as well as come back to myself. He silently offered support and a steadying hand when I needed it. He never objected when I talked too much or too little. I don’t know what I would do without him. And I don’t know how I managed any kind of relationship before him.
I often thought back to my previous relationships – especially with Brian – and wondered why I ever thought he was a good fit, a good partner. As I got into Ian’s truck, I thought about the song that had set me off. I realized it was the last song Brian and I had danced to. That’s when I felt the hands circle my neck from the back seat. I knew it had to be Brian, but how did he get in the car?
I tried to look at Ian, but found myself frozen to the seat with fear. By the way Ian calmly started his car and reversed, I knew what Ian had done.
“Bet you didn’t realize we were cousins.”
Standing Room Only 