I type out a quick text.
Me:Hey, saw the newspaper.Are you okay?Let me know if you want to talk.
I hit send and lean back in my chair, running a hand over my face.This doesn’t affect my career.My job is secure.But any chance at redemption?Shattered.
But for Amelia, it’s a conflict of interest.I can’t be the reason she loses everything she’s worked so hard for.
My phone buzzes.
Keith:Adrian, what the hell?Call me.
I ignore it, too focused on the fact that Amelia still hasn’t replied.She’s usually quick to respond.A pit forms in my stomach.The rest of the day drags.More stares, more whispers.
I can’t just go home.Not yet.I need to see Amelia and make sure she’s okay.We had agreed to keep this quiet until after her promotion, but now that it’s out, I don’t know if she blames me for ruining everything.
What if this leak means we’re done?
I can’t stop worrying, soI drive to her place.
The door swings open before I even knock, and my heart clenches the second I see her.Amelia’s eyes are red-rimmed, her face pale and drawn.She’s been crying.A lot.
Her hair is a mess, loose strands falling around her face, and she’s wearing an oversized gray sweater that hangs off one shoulder.
She starts to fold her arms over her chest, as if trying to hold herself together, but I can’t stand the distance between us.
“Amelia,” I start, stepping forward and gently pulling her into my arms.She buries her face into my chest, hugging me tightly back.
“I’m really sorry,” she whispers.“I don’t know who or how they found us.”
She pulls back just enough to look at me, staying in my arms.“Violet and the others were shocked.Everyone was.The office was talking.I couldn’t even go into town because I knew people would be waiting to grill me.”
“And here we thought Russell was the biggest problem that day.”I try to lighten the mood.
She laughs, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“I’m really sorry, Amelia,” I say, cupping her face gently.“I hope this doesn’t ruin things for you.You deserve that promotion more than anyone.What’s between us has nothing to do with your career.You earned this on your own.”
Hazel walks by and winks at me.“Knew it.”
I swear I see Amelia’s lips twitch upward for the briefest moment.It’s such a small thing, but it eases the knot in my chest.We’ll be okay.
I press a soft kiss to her head.Her hands still rest on my chest.
But just as I’m about to speak, there’s a loud crash, followed by a raw, gut-wrenching sound that slices through the air, straight through my spine.
“Mom!”Amelia’s voice is pure panic as she bolts.My stomach drops, a cold dread washing over me.
I hurry after her, stepping through the doorway into the room where my throat tightens.Her mother is on the floor, unmoving.
The world tilts.My heart slams against my ribs as I rush forward, but my feet falter for just a moment.One second.I’m frozen, because suddenly, I’m not here anymore.
I’m there.Back there.
Staring at my father’s lifeless body.
No.Not now.Not again.
Amelia’s sobs snap me out of it.“Call an ambulance!”I shout.
