“My return flight is coming in late,” I add. “I don’t want you guys driving all the way out there.”
I catch that look in his eyes, the one that saysyou know damn well that wasn’t why I was asking.Except, I’m a grown woman and I know what I’m doing. I can handle this.
He doesn’t argue, though. He just gives me a shake of his head before turning and walking out of the room.
I grab the dress carefully, cradling it like it’s fragile and follow him down the stairs and out to the car. Nugget comes bounding toward me, tail wagging so hard it’s almost a blur. Icrouch down to meet him, scratching behind his ears and ruffling his fur as he wriggles in pure happiness.
“I’m going to miss you so much, my big boy.” My heart aches with a little twist of guilt for leaving him behind. “Be good for your grandparents.”
Dad rolls his eyes, but I can see the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He might pretend to be annoyed by Nugget’s endless affection, but I know deep down, he secretly loves his furry grandchild.
“Bree! Are you heading out already?” Mom calls from the front door. She’s wearing her usual reading glasses, short blonde hair tucked neatly behind her ears. “Hold on, let me grab the card for Juliette.”
I turn back around, stepping back onto the porch as she hurries inside. A minute later, she’s back, holding out a congratulations card in an envelope, the wordsFor Juliette and Knoxscrawled across the front in her perfect handwriting.
“I guess I’ll keep that for myself if she says no.”
She swats my arm with a quick laugh, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, stop. Are you going straight to the airport?”
“Mm, no. I’m going to stop by Dillon’s on the way.”
Her smile falters, replaced by the same worry I’ve seen etched on her face for months. It’s a look I know well, one that I’ve seen mirrored in my dad’s eyes, too. My disaster of a relationship isn’t just my problem anymore. It’s spilling over into the lives of the people I love, and I hate that. But the truth is, somewhere, deep down, Dillon’s still the wonderful, sensitive man we all knew and loved. It’s that very tenderness, that same heart, that led him into this mess in the first place.
“My sweet girl… Be careful, okay?”
I nod, trying to assure her everything’s going to be fine, even though I’m not entirely sure myself. I give her a quick hug and say my goodbyes, knowing full well I’m rushing. I’m hoping tokeep it quick because, honestly, I can’t afford to be late for this flight. I’m already cutting it close. Landing mere hours before the party is risky enough.
I climb into the car and head out. The drive is short, and before I know it, I’m pulling into the driveway of what used to beourplace. Now, it’s just his. The porch light I used to leave on for him now flickers without meaning, and the flowerbeds we planted together are half wild and forgotten.
I step out of the car, my feet heavier with every step I take toward the front door. I knock gently, my knuckles tapping against the wood. Gone are the days when I could simply walk inside without hesitation. Now, I’m an outsider, waiting for permission to enter.
From the other side of the door, I hear his stumbling footsteps, and my heart sinks. I knew, realistically, that he’d probably already be drinking. Still, a part of me had clung to the hope that maybe this time would be different. That maybe, since his shift hadn’t ended that long ago, he wouldn’t have had time to spiral.
The door swings open, and there he is, that familiar mess of brown hair even more unkempt than usual. His hazel eyes, once so full of light, are dull and unfocused. There’s stubble on his jaw he used to be too proud to let grow, and he leans on the doorframe like it’s the only thing holding him up. “What are you doing here?”
I try, and fail, not to flinch. It’s not what he says, it’s how he says it. Like I’m an intrusion rather than the woman who once knew every corner of his heart.
“Hello to you, too,” I reply with a forced smile. “Can I come in for a minute? I’m on my way to the airport but wanted to check in with you.”
His words are slurred. “I don’t need a babysitter, Bree.Besides, I don’t know why you’re showing up here acting like you care when you packed your shit and left.”
This is going exactly how I feared.Great.
I step inside anyway, the door closing behind me with a click that seems louder than it is. The air is thick with the sour tang of old beer and neglect as I follow Dillon to the couch, my heart sinking farther with every step.
“Oh, Dillon…”
The living room is a disaster. Empty bottles are scattered across every surface, the remnants of nights spent hiding from memories. This place used to be filled with so much laughter and love. It’s hard to remember now, with the mess and ruin surrounding me. It’s just a shell of what it once was, much like the man slumped before me, as if he’s not really here at all.
“I’m not here to babysit you,” I say gently, lowering myself into the armchair across from him. “I just came to see how you’re doing.”
He snorts. “I don’t need your pity, and I don’t need you playing hero.”
I wince at his words, sharp despite their slurred delivery. “Dillon, we both know that isn’t what this is. I love you, always, but watching you destroy yourself is tearing me apart. I can’t keep pretending like it’s not happening…and standing by while you throw everything away.”
“Then don’t watch,” he mutters, his voice low and bitter. “Just go. That’s what you’re good at, isn’t it? Leaving when things get tough?”
His accusation hits me like a slap, and for a second, I’m stunned. The irony is almost laughable. I want to shout, to throw every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every damn time I chose to stay right back in his face. Instead, I swallow it down, forcing myself to keep calm and hold the pieces together for just a little longer.
