"Okay, tell me this at least," I push, my voice trembling. "Are you going to be back in time for your birthday next week?"
I've been planning his surprise for weeks. I can almost hear the sound of wrapping paper and my own stupid excitement crashing down around me as I ask.
"I don't think so, love," he says.
My vision blurs as I stumble toward my bed. I need to sit. "What about—what about graduation?" We both know what we're doing the day after graduation.
"Baby, I don't think the party is still possible with what's happened," he says, the softness in his voice starting to sound like pity.
"But Dad's going to be released, isn't he?" I plead. "You just said your dad is doing something about it. They'll find out he's innocent. So he should be home by then."
"Bree, baby." He sounds exhausted now. "Listen, the timing isn't ideal. We should chill for a bit and let this blow over."
Chill.
Like this is gossip or a bad haircut.
"I see," I say, numb. He's never ever used that word—or tone—with me. I know something is very wrong.
"Jordan, we were meant to go to Houston after graduation but now you're telling me you left and you don't know when you're coming back."
He says nothing and cold, brutal understanding seeps in.
"I don't suppose we'll be getting married anymore then?" I ask, hating how small my voice sounds.
"Of course we will, baby. I want more than anything to be your husband." He hesitates. "Just… not right now."
My heart doesn't break with a crack.
It explodes.
"And all of this is because of what's happened today?" I ask, needing to hear him say it.
"Bree, trust me—"
"I'd like a straight answer, Jordan."
There's a beat. "Essentially, yes," he says. "But—"
"That's okay." I swallow around the lump in my throat.Mom was right. I shouldn't have called him."I uh—I understand. I'm really sorry to embarrass you."
"No, baby. You could never embarrass me. I love you. You're my fiancée."
My chest tightens so much I can't breathe. I let go of my final scrap of pride and beg. "Jordan, I really need you," I whisper, the words scraping my throat raw. "I'm so scared and worried. I just need you to hold me. I could come to you if you can't be in Henderson right now."
"To Houston?" he asks, startled.
"Yeah. Or wherever. I just want to see you."
"Baby. I need you too. But not right now, okay?" he says. "I'm working something out."
The chill in my bones turns to ice.
"I see." I let out a shaky breath. "Oh my God. You think he did it, don't you? Uncle Drew was right."
"What are you talking about?"
"Uncle Drew always said you were too good to be true," I say, tears burning. "That you'd leave me as soon as your term at the solar plant is over."
