So many different tones of sighs echoed through the room it sounded as if they were starting their own choir. And then I remembered the ladies. I’d screwed everything up.
“I’d like to talk to the ladies in private if that’s okay?”
He nodded. “You bet. I’ll be close if you need anything.” With a soft smile he gave me the space I’d asked for.
I watched him pass by Lennon who gave me his signature, ‘Are you okay look.’ When I nodded like Huntley had just done, he turned, along with the other guys, and all followed the man who had done the unthinkable for me.
Huntley had made me feel safe, strong, and cherished in one fell swoop.
He was a keeper.
But was he reallymineto keep?
There were somany of them.
I scanned the big group of women trying to get up the courage to speak.
Jurnee, Summer, Alley, Teal, Brinley, Ruby, Gemma, Capri, Patience, London, and Lake watched me, waiting. All eyes were on me, full of sympathy.
“You didn’t do anything wrong that you have to apologize for, sis.” It felt good that my sister had my back.
I had learned long ago that she was right, but I couldn’t break the habit of feeling like I should. Especially when I was just getting to know most of the ladies and they didn’t know my story. My sister did, and Capri and Gemma had watched me flinch away from Huntley that first day at my new home.
But the others didn’t and while the ladies shared a lot of things, I didn’t think judging by the look on their faces that the three of them had said anything to the others. They may be fun, loving women, who liked to tease, stuck together, and stood by each other through everything I’d learned, but they still knew when it wasn’t their story to tell obviously.
And while there was no way I could handle telling them all my story right then, I felt like they deserved something.
“I want to say that I’m truly sorry for putting such a damper on a lovely evening.” When Gemma started to say something, I held up my hand and she stopped. “Let me just get this out.”
She nodded, along with the rest of them.
“Brinley, you didn’t do anything wrong so please don’t feelbad. Certain things trigger bad memories from my past and you would have no way of knowing that. Almost all of you wouldn’t.” I sucked my bottom lip into my mouth and took a deep breath in through my nose. “Maybe someday I will be able to tell you more but I’m just not there yet. Let’s just say foster homes and the men in them were not a great place for me.”
Lake moved to my side, giving me support without touching me.
“Now, I’d like to put my episode behind us and enjoy the rest of the evening because I’m really thankful to have been invited.”
A big swoosh of air left my lungs after I got that out. I felt a bit lighter than seconds before.
“I know when I say this, I can speak for everyone because I know these ladies well. We will always be here for you if or whenever you are ready. And as someone who went through the system, while I know I didn’t go through what you may have, I am always willing to talk any time you need to.” Gemma clapped her hands together. “Now, let’s get some wine and move this party along.”
There was a groan next to me and one from across the circle.
“Someone drink one for me,” my sister said.
“Me too,” London added.
“I have no problem with that. I mean what are friends for?” Ruby said.
Everyone laughed and headed toward the kitchen but Lake held back so I waited.
“I’m so proud of you,” she told me.
That was not something I was used to ever hearing and I fought to keep my emotions in check. I didn’t know how to accept the praise, but I did know that this sister thing was something I was learning to truly like, and embrace.
“Can you just tell me one thing before you get your fabulous glass of wine?”
I hesitated for a second, wondering what she was going to ask, but then said, “Sure.”
