And despite everything, part of Rachel wanted to hear what he had to say.
47
Rachel
Rachel lay awake in their bed, their shared bed in their shared apartment, staring at the ceiling.
Mac was asleep beside her, one arm thrown over her waist, his breathing deep and even.
Her phone sat on the nightstand, Brad's text still unread but not deleted.
She should block the number. Should delete the message. Should choose Mac and their future over her past.
But her finger hovered over Brad's name, unable to make the decision.
What if Brad had answers? What if meeting him would finally give her closure?
Or what if it would destroy everything she'd built with Mac?
Rachel turned to look at Mac sleeping peacefully beside her. She didn't want to hurt him.
But she also didn't know if she could move forward without knowing the truth fully.
Mr. Darcy jumped onto the bed, curling against Rachel's side with a concerned purr.
Even the cat knew something was wrong.
Rachel closed her eyes and tried to sleep.
Rachel woke up to find Mac already gone from their bed, their bed, she was still getting used to that, and the smell of something burning coming from the kitchen.
She found Mac standing over the stove, glaring at what looked like charcoal that might have once been toast.
"I was trying to make you breakfast," Mac said, looking defeated. "Surprise breakfast in bed to celebrate your first official morning living here."
"That's sweet." Rachel wrapped her arms around him from behind. "But maybe we should stick to cereal for now."
"I can make cereal without burning it," Mac said confidently.
"Let's not test that theory."
They ate cereal together at the small kitchen table, Mr. Darcy winding between their legs demanding attention, Puck watching from his perch on the windowsill.
"The cats are getting along," Rachel observed.
"They've established a treaty. Mr. Darcy gets the bedroom, Puck gets the living room, and they share the kitchen on alternating hours." Mac grinned. "Very diplomatic."
Rachel’s phone buzzed on the table.
Another text from Brad's number.
Brad-the-jerk:Rachel, I know you're probably scared to respond. But please. I need to explain what happened back then. I was wrong about so many things. Can we talk? One coffee. That's all I'm asking.
Rachel stared at the text, her stomach churning.
Mac noticed. He went still, his spoon hovering over his bowl. "Another text from Brad?"
"He says he was wrong about things. That he needs to explain." Rachel set her phone down carefully, her hand trembling slightly.
