Chapter 73 Elysia took a deep breath, her resolve steeling as she spoke, “If you’re not gonna say it, then I willl The first time, you had someone snatch me from the motel. Sure, it was to confront me about Evan scratching your car, but the fact remains you come looking for me first. If you. hadn’t, I wouldn’t even know you existed. The second time, I was just minding my own business on the street, and again, your had me grabbed. Then you just let me go after all that fuss. The third time, I was at the bar, working a shift, and I ran into you by accident. I admit, I approached you first that time, but it was to keep you quiet, to stop you from spilling the beans about me in front of Gage. The fourth time, Gage was taking me away from the hospital, and you just popped up out of nowhere, causing all that drama that followed. The fifth time, I came to you on my own because your granddad showed up out of the blue, spouting all sorts of nonsense, and then handed me ten grand. I came to the hospital to give it back, and yeah, I wanted to check on Elijah. He’s the same age as my boy, and it breaks my heart to see him like that. The sixth time, this time, I admit I barged into your sight, but I swear, I had no idea you’d be in that private room! If I’m lying, may lightning strike me down; may I never have a moment’s peace!” Tarquin just stared at Elysia, his face dark as a storm cloud, unable to find the words to counter her. Elysia continued, “You might look like you’re rolling in dough, and sure, you’re easy on the eyes, but you’re not every girl’s dream. Not everyone’s out to get close to you or wants something from you. Whatever others are thinking, I sure as hell am not! When I said I was leaving today, I meant it. But then I got stood up this afternoon, which means I’ve gotta stick around Jindale City for a few more days. It’s not some coy game I’m playing! I’m not gonna settle down here. I’ve grown to dislike this city, and I plan to take and start fresh somewhere far from here, far from o you.” my son Tarquin remained silent. “I’ve said my piece, believe it or not. Like I said before, I never wanted to know you, and I still don’t!” 1/2 09:45 With that, Elysia turned on her heel and walked away, her back straight and her whole being radiating defiance. She didn’t bow or break under the icy gaze that followed her. Only when she rounded the corner, out of Tarquin’s sight, did she lean against a wall, clutching her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Meanwhile, Keaton stepped out of the private room and made his way to the smoking area. Standing next to Tarquin, he lit a cigarette and asked with an easy grin, “What’s the deal with you and that girl, anyway?” “No deal,” Tarquin muttered. “No deal, huh? Then why didn’t you play the knight in shining armor?” It was unlike Tarquin. He might not be a saint, but he normally had a solid moral compass. And here was this girl, calling for help in his territory, indicating trouble right under his nose, and he just sent her packing. If it had been anyone else, he would’ve at least had Lowell check it out. Something was up; Keaton could sense it. Tarquin and that girl had a history. And look at him now, stepping out to smoke with a scowl, clearly agitated. That girl had gotten under his skin. Anyone who could rattle Tarquin like this was no ordinary girl. “Come on, man, are we friends or not? You’re keeping secrets from me? Don’t forget, I’m the Don Juan of this town. When it comes to women, I’m the expert. Let me be your love guru, free of charge. Spill it, buddy. What’s eating you up? I’ll give you some sage advice.”