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Reggie reached for one of the photo albums. “If we could find thirty great pictures, I’d be really happy.”
Dena motioned to the computer. “Put on the slideshow so we can check these pictures against the ones you already have. Both should be in chronological order, right?”
“My part is, and you know Mom. She wouldn’t allow anything else.”
Dena leaned over the album while Reggie advanced to the next photograph. They found several pictures from when her parents were still dating, along with a few candid wedding shots that made them both laugh.
“Her suit was so poufy,” Dena said. “Those sleeves!”
“It was the style.”
“Yes. Look at how pretty she is. And so in love with Dad.”
Reggie agreed. Her mother’s expression clearly showed her feelings for the man she was marrying.
“I know we’re grown-up and it shouldn’t matter,” Reggie said. “But I’m glad they’re still together and happy.”
“Me, too. I don’t think it’s ever easy if parents don’t get along. Obviously better if the kids are adults, but it’s always going to be difficult. I dread hearing that parents of one of my students are going through a divorce. It’s heart-wrenching to watch.”
Dena tucked the pictures back into place, then turned the page in the album. “Most of the time both parents are interested in the welfare of the child, but not always. A few years back I had a student who was really suffering, but all mom and dad cared about was hurting each other.”
Reggie looked at her. “You’re the keeper of a lot of secrets, aren’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Harrison told me about his fear of confined, dark spaces and being trapped.”
Dena’s eyes widened. “He did?”
Reggie explained what had happened at the community center and how Harrison had invited her over to tell her about his past.
Dena leaned toward her. “I couldn’t tell you. I hope you understand.”
“Of course. You’re the teacher. What happens between you and your students is confidential. Like I said, you’re the keeper of secrets.”
Dena’s expression turned sympathetic. “I know it was a hard story to hear. I wanted to go find that Lori bitch and do something bad to her.”
“I’m still trying to figure out where to put all my emotions.” She looked at her sister. “Toby and I have been hanging out some.”
Dena grinned. “Yes, I’ve noticed. Mom has, too, in case she hasn’t mentioned it. That’s kind of interesting. So, there are still sparks? He’s a really great father, and back in the day, he was your world. Does knowing about Harrison bother you?”
“What? No. I’m angry, but not at him. I think he’s adorable and brave and sweet.”
“The thought of being a stepmother is interesting?”
“That is so far from where we are, I haven’t even considered it.” Reggie paused, not sure how to explain the problem. She supposed repeating some version of what Toby had told her made the most sense.
“He said he’s not going to risk Harrison again. He’s not willing to trust anyone enough to give his heart. Basically, he warned me off any kind of relationship with him.”
Dena surprised her by waving her hand, as if brushing away the information. “That’s not the reason. I’ll admit that he’s concerned about making another mistake. No one could go through what he did without having scars, but it’s not why he won’t allow himself to fall in love.”
Reggie smiled. “And you know the real reason?”
“Of course. Look at his past. His father was a mean drunk who enjoyed beating the crap out of him. Judy, his grandmother, wasn’t much help there. She protected Toby when he was little, but she never took her grandson and walked away. I don’t get that. Protect the kid. That’s what you’re supposed to do. Instead she coddled her son until the day he died.”
Dena shook her head. “Sorry. That’s a personal button for me. Anyway, he falls for you and then screws up and loses you, so he takes off. Over the next couple of years, he’s a drifter of sorts until some chickie he was dating shows up with Harrison.”
“Chickie?” Reggie asked with a laugh. “You used the word?”
