He hugged her. “I’m sorry, Soph. I feel like this is my fault.”
“No, it’s my fault. I’m the one who hired her.”
“Well, she’s gone now anyway. I just wanted you to know.”
Tears streamed down Sophie’s flushed cheeks, and her shoulders heaved up and down with her sobs, reminding him of when she was little. It broke his heart.
“I don’t want you to blame yourself or feel bad, sweetie. Brynna was obviously playing some sort of weird game with us. It’s good that she’s gone now.” He stroked her hair. “We’ll be fine. We’ll find someone to replace her. Don’t worry about it, okay?”
They talked a while longer, trying to make sense of what seemed senseless, and then he took her home. He made her promise to let it go and not worry about it, but he knew she would. He knew he would too. As he took his time going home, he remembered the woman with the brown ponytail, sailing down this very hill, arms extended, whooping in delight.Why?He couldn’t stop thinkingwhy?Why would someone do something like this?Why?
When he got home, all he wanted was to slip up the back stairs and go to his room. He knew the women would be mad at him for skipping out on their welcome home dinner, but the last thing he wanted was to have to explain this mess to them.
He tiptoed through the back door and was just heading up the stairs when Gina called out to him. “Not so fast, Dad.”
“What is it?” he growled back at her.
“You owe me an explanation.” She stood at the foot of the stairs, hands on hips, glaring up at him.
“Is anyone else around?” he asked quietly.
“They’re watching a movie downstairs.”
She was right. Leroy knew Gina deserved some kind of explanation. Best to get it over with. “Okay,” he said, coming down the stairs. “I’ll tell you what happened.”
She led him into the kitchen. “I know it has to do with Bree.”
“That’s true. But her name’s not Bree.”
Gina’s eyes lit up. “So I was right? She really is that girl in the old photos! Your old girlfriend!” She pulled out a barstool, eagerly watching him. “I just knew it!”
“Good work, Nancy Drew.” He opened the fridge.
“Are you hungry? Judith saved a plate for you.”
“No thanks. I’ll fix myself something.” He removed some lunch meat and cheese.
“I kept imagining it was Brynna, but I didn’t actually believe it. I mean, for one thing, she doesn’t seem that old.”
“Well, she is.”
“And you didn’t figure it out until today?”
He shook his head as he constructed a sandwich, explaining about his shock when he made his discovery. “I had no idea, Gina. Anyway, she’s gone. End of story.”
“That’s so bizarre!” Gina slapped the countertop. “But why’d she do it? Why’d she come here? What was the point?”
“Good question.”
“I mean the obvious answer is that she still likes you. But why take a job? Why this whole charade, calling herself Bree Philips? What’s her real name?”
“It used to be Brynna Meyers. But she did get married, so her name would’ve changed.” He took a bite of his sandwich, slowly chewing. “Not that it matters. She’s gone now.”
“Are you glad she’s gone?” Gina locked eyes with him.
“Mostly I’m just tired.” He held up his sandwich. “Mind if I finish this in my room? I’d like to escape before your houseguests pounce on us. I want to hit the hay early tonight.”
She nodded. “Thanks for telling me what was up, Dad.” She hugged him. “I hope you’re not too hurt by this whole thing.”
