8. Jealousy
"She is sweet," Rick said as looked at Beth talking to my moms.
"My moms are impressed. You know how hard that is," I said looking at Rick.
"They are just overprotective of you. After everything you been through it's understandable," Rick said as we walked over to the grill.
This was my first cookout with Beth at our house. We were an official couple. I should be happy, but I was worried.
"I can take care of myself," I said grabbing a beer.
"What is on your mind?" Rick asked putting the hamburgers on to cook.
I saw Beth seating by the pool taking to Rick's wife and son. I was afraid of losing her, I thought.
"Beth and her ex fiancée. Look, the guy saved her after she was almost raped. They were practically living together and she was very involved with his daughter. I know those feeling ain't gonna go away over night," I muttered.
"But that's in her past. She loves you right?"
"Yeah, Beth loves me. But I am afraid I can't overcome what they had. The two had a history. And flirting with her best friend isn't unforgivable," I admitted.
"Beth is here. With you. Clearly that is where she wants to be," Rick said simply.
"I don't know. I get so damn jealous. Philip was calling her constantly until she changed her number and texting her. He wants her back and she loved him. She called him her fucking hero. How will I ever compare to that?" I said taking a deep breath.
"Maybe Beth does not want a hero. She has grown and changed since then. She can take care of herself now. And she needs someone like you. But don't push a way because you're scared she'll reject you. I know you don't think you deserve her, but you do Daryl," Rick said flipping the burgers over.
"Man, you're right. I am scared of getting hurt again. I don't know what I do without her," I said looking at him.
"She loves you back. I can see it, Daryl," Rick said reassuring me.
I smiled at Rick. He is right, I tried to convince myself. I did not need to worry about Beth's past. I am her future.
