“He’s apologized ten times over for that. If it were anyone else, I might be able to stay mad, but not with Connor. He’s…he’s something else,” she finished lamely.
“Do I detect a romance in the air?”
She shook her head. “Friendship, that’s all.”
An unladylike snort burst from Rachel. “Famous last words.”
“I mean it.” Tiffany pleaded with her eyes for understanding. “He broke my heart once, even though he had every reason to end our relationship. Right now, I’m simply thankful we can renew the friendship we once had.”
Understanding dawned on Rachel’s face. “I get it. Just know I’m always here for you. Whether you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to give advice.”
“I know and thank you.” Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down. “Speaking of, that’s Connor. He’s outside waiting.”
“Have a good night. Try to get some rest finally and give Lilly a pet for me.”
“I will.” She stood up and pulled her purse from the desk drawer. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Outside, Connor waited for her by the curb. He stood by the passenger door with the door opened already. “The gas leak is all cleared up, and I’ve checked the traffic reports. There’s nothing to delay us getting your car this time.”
She laughed. “That’s good.”
His face sobered. “How was it in there today?”
“Tough. Losing Tara hurts us all, but it’s the residents and children who will struggle the most.”
“We have a few leads on where she may have gotten the fentanyl. Narcotics hope to make an arrest by the end of the week.”
“That would be a relief. Anything to get that horrible drug off the street.” She entered the car and looked at Connor as he closed the door. The stress showed on his face. It had to be a tough job witnessing tragedy and crime every day. How did he keep from becoming jaded? “You look tired.”
“I never slept last night.”
“Me either.”
Once he took his seat, he looked at her before pulling into the roadway. “I have a confession.”
“What’s that?”
“After tossing and turning for several hours, I researched Brad.”
She tensed up, felt the sudden tightness in her shoulders. “Why?”
“Several reasons. Anger, curiosity, guilt.”
“Guilt?” She tilted her head and looked at him. “Why guilt?”
“I was supposed to stick by you through thick and thin. If I had, you never would have married Brad.” His jaw tightened, and he wouldn’t look at her.
“You did what had to be done. We weren’t married, not even engaged. There was no lifetime commitment you vowed to keep.”
“That’s what I told myself last night when I wrestled with it, but it’s been gnawing at me all day.”
“I don’t hold it against you, not a bit. My heart was broken, but it was my own fault.” She’d accepted that long ago, never suspected Connor would feel guilty or responsible for her faulty marriage.
He didn’t reply. In fact, he didn’t say anything the rest of the drive. When he pulled into his driveway, he shut off the engine and looked at her. There was no malice, but profound regret. “I’d bought a ring and had planned to propose. In my heart, I’d already made that commitment, so yes, I should have stuck by your side.”
All the air in her lungs vacated in one sharp breath. They’d talked about marriage, but she hadn’t known he’d bought a ring. The realization stung. “Why are you telling me this now?”
“I don’t know.” He banged his head against the headrest. “Maybe I shouldn’t have.”
