She had nothing to say to her husband.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Brooke took a sense of dread with her when she walked away from her parents. She’d never seen them like this, even after her terrible ordeal, and never wanted to see it again. From the minute her dad had come into their lives when Brooke was still very young, her parents’ relationship had been solid, loving and steady. They’d inspired her to want what they had, and now…
Would they be able to come back from this nightmare with their marriage intact? She was beginning to fear not.
“What’s wrong?” Nate asked when they were in the elevator on the way to the lobby. “You’re all tense again.”
Thank God for him. He’d barely left her side while they’d waited for word of Ethan’s fate, or after they’d heard he was safe. “My parents. I’ve never seen them as far apart as they are now. They’re barely speaking. I don’t think my mom will ever be able to forgive him for caving to Ethan and letting him go out with his friends.”
“I can see why she’s angry. Can you?”
“Of course, but my dad feels terrible, and she doesn’t want to hear it. She goes silent when she’s furious, but I’ve never seen her quite like this. She’ll blame him forever for allowing Ethan to end up in a mess like this.”
“It’s a tough situation.”
“Can I be honest?”
He took her hand for the walk to his car. “Always.”
“I’m mad at my dad, too. I mean, after what happened to me, I’d have expected him to be extra careful with Ethan and Abby. I’m shocked he allowed this. He was super overprotective of me until I was in high school. Then he finally started letting me go out more, but before then, no way.”
“Sometimes parents are different with their daughters, which I understand. But boys can find their share of trouble, too.”
She glanced at him. “Did you?”
“I had my moments. Nothing terrible or life-changing, but certainly things my parents wouldn’t have wanted me doing.”
“Like what?”
He held the car door for her, smiling. “You want, like, details?”
“Details would be good.”
“Hmmm.” With a coy look, he closed the door and went around to the driver’s side. As soon as they had left the parking lot, he reached for her hand again. “I’m trying to think of what I can tell you that won’t get me in trouble.”
“Haha. I’m not your mother.”
“Believe me, I know.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “It was mostly drinking, smoking and some fun with girls.”
“They must’ve loved you.”
“I did all right.”
“He says with pretend modesty.” As she looked over at him, she noticed a slight flush to his cheeks. “Oh. My. God. Are you blushing?”
“Secret Service agents don’t blush. It’s in the manual. We’re not allowed.”
For the first time in days, Brooke laughed. “Oh, this must’ve been something. Remind me to discuss your dating history with your mother the next time I see her.”
“There’s absolutely no need for that.”
“Oh, there’s every need. I needed that laugh, so thanks a lot.”
“Happy to be of service.”
“You’ve been an incredible support to us. I never would’ve gotten through these last couple of days without you by my side.”
