Brody was my Brother's best friend from high school.They had gone to different schools after graduation, and Brody had gotten engaged to his college girlfriend and moved to BC with her for a job she was chasing.I hadn't heard much about them since.
“Back for good.Moved home after the breakup.Both families are getting together later to welcome him home and celebrate Chase finishing his residency and officially working with dad.Come to the game.Bring a bag.Stay for the weekend.”
I looked down at my robe, at where I knew the bruises on my hips from Andrew’s grip would be, and felt the ache start to crack into something else.
Resolve.
“Okay,” I said.“I’ll come.”
"Really," she squealed.
And I felt like an ass.Another thing that highlighted how far away from myself I had drifted.When was the last time I went home?When I wasn't waiting for him to be available?On call for the man I thought loved me.
I didn’t bother with makeup.
Pulled on black leggings, a cropped hoodie, and left my hair in loose, natural waves.
As I tossed a weekend bag into the trunk of my car, I realized what I needed.
I needed to see my nephew.
I needed a hug from my sister.
Needed my mom's cooking and my dad's strength.
I needed to be treated like Chase's baby sister again.
I needed to feel like I was enough...me, tucked into the fold of people who knew who I was before I got lost.
And maybe, if I let myself, I could start to figure out who I wanted to be.
Because this version of me?
The one who begged a married man to stay?
She didn’t feel like mine anymore.
Chapter 4
1 Year Ago
He came back the next day.
Thursday.
Said he was looking for a book for his friend’s son.
Something age-appropriate, but not boring.
Something that wouldkeep the kids’ attention.
Something that sounded like it could have been real, if he hadn’t come in already looking like heknewI’d be there.
I helped him find something, and once again, he lingered.
Not to flirt.Not overtly.
Just to talk.
