She touches my elbow to comfort me. “He doesn’t think it. You know, my dad and I, we had our own issues,” she begins. I’ve never known what they are, but I’m hoping Hadley can give insight. “Things are not always clear, and you might discover something from a time now passed. But sometimes it makes us stronger, the bond between people stronger. We also have to remember that we won’t always do things the way our parents did. You have to see that. I know you do because you are the proven fact. We can be better.”
Hot damn, she makes that tear fall. “I’m beginning to feel like I overreacted, and now I’m not sure what to do when I see him.”
Now a warm smile slants on her mouth. “Maybe you don’t need to say anything, just listen.”
I nod in understanding but still take a deep breath for courage. “Am I being unreasonable?” I need to double-check.
Hadley’s face turns crooked and her demeanor changes. “Okay, Isla, real talk for a second. I’m not going to sugar coat this. Yes.” She throws the box of cereal into the cart. “Maybe you are overstretching, but I respect that everyone has a right to feel the way they do. I’m completely team Vaughn because he hasn’t done anything wrong. He stepped up within minutes of finding out. I mean, come on, the guy literally saw you nearly about to deliver a baby and still went into action mode… one that gives you everything you’ve been waiting for. You get everything if you just let go a little. Now, enjoy your bran cereal,” she huffs, and my daughter just coos as if she is giving her input.
As much as I’m taken aback by Hadley’s abrupt disposition, I can’t help but soften inside. I’m not completely ignoring what she said. It’s food for thought.
I grab the box of cereal and place it back on the shelf. “Geez, Hadley, at least pick Cheerios if you’re going to go on a tangent.”
She scoffs a laugh and smiles at me with reassurance. For the first time in days, I feel a light beginning to brighten.
* * *
I’m sittingon the living room floor while Nora lies on her back, attempting to reach for the hanging wooden toys on her baby gym while I have a video call with my brother. Pointing the camera at his niece, of course.
“She’s smart.”
I have to chuckle. “She’s reaching for a bell, I’m not sure that’s rocket science.”
“And? Intelligence starts somewhere.”
I shake my head and switch to selfie mode so we talk.
“You called? I saw your game. You kind of annihilated the Spinners. I feel bad saying that, but Vaughn said I’m allowed to quietly cheer you on when you play against them.”
Briggs goes quiet, and it isn’t often that he doesn’t have anything to say. He licks his lips while he looks to his side then back at me.
“What’s going on? You don’t seem like a man who just won.”
“Uhm, I saw Vaughn.”
My shoulders slant up to my ears. “And? You were at the same game, it’s kind of bound to happen.”
His cheeks tighten and he scratches his chin, appearing to get comfortable with whatever he is about to say. “It wasn’t at the game.”
“Oh.” Now I understand why he called.
“We met at his hotel bar, man to man,” he explains.
I bite my bottom lip, curious yet scared about what he is about to say. A part of me is petrified that Vaughn sent my brother to deliver heartbreaking news. Even though it makes no sense.
“You should give him a chance.”
Immediately, I do a double take. “Wait, what?”
Briggs grins at the camera. “You heard me. Don’t make me utter the words again.”
“Are you seriously defending him right now? As in, did something happen last night, aliens landing perhaps?” I’m quite frankly astonished.
“Nah, we have to communicate since he is the father of my niece. Most of all, he’s the guy who is crazy about you.”
A smile tugs on my lips, as it feels extra sentimental that my brother confirms what I’ve been feeling the last weeks when Vaughn is around. “Yeah… I may have noticed.”
“He isn’t going anywhere. Don’t let tiny things prevent you from moving toward something better.”
