Page 41 of Let’s Be Real

“No,” Kelly snapped.

Then, a mile down the road, she’d decided yes, she did want to talk about it.

And she talked and talked.

And talked.

Turned out Josh had been cheating on her with her maid of honor, Scarlet, her sorority sister and best friend for life. This morning, Kelly had uncovered everything. She hadn’t been able to sleep and couldn’t find her phone, so she’d used Scarlet’s, since they’d been sharing the room. There, she’d read a devastating chain of texts.

Filthy, dirty texts with references to years of trysts.

“They were laughing at me,” Kelly whispered roughly. “I think that was the worst part. They thought I was so stupid. I guess I was, but…if it was just fucking, I would get it, you know? The cruelty? I don’t know what I did to deserve that.”

Samantha was adamant when she said, “You didn’t deserve it. They’re terrible people. You’re going to see this as the blessing it is one day, Kell. The best thing is you’re not legally bound to him and never have to see her again.”

“I won’t. I won’t see either of them again, no matter what anyone says.”

“Who would say anything?” I asked.

“Josh, obviously,” Kelly replied. “My parents won’t be pleased either. I can already hear them telling me this isn’t insurmountable, as if they’re a prime example of getting over infidelity.” Through the mirror, I saw her gesture toward Samantha. “I mean, look. They couldn’t act normal if their life depended on it. I’m not following in their footsteps.”

My phone rang, interrupting the conversation. I wasn’t sure there was much to say anyway. Except I was surprised at how self-aware Kelly sounded.

Not that I would’ve said that.

Samantha picked up my phone from the charger, checking the screen. “It’s Louise.”

I shook my head. “No.”

The call ended and started up again right away. “Louise again.”

I took the phone from her, declined the call, and placed it back on the charger, silenced this time.

Kelly leaned forward, poking her head between our seats. “Who’s Louise?”

“My mother,” I replied.

“You don’t want to talk to her?” she asked.

“No.”

“Why not?”

Samantha shook her head. “That’s Nate’s business.”

Kelly blew out a heavy breath. “Of course it is. But since I’d rather not think about my fiancé fucking my best friend, I’m sticking my nose in Nate’s business.” She tapped my shoulder. “What’s up with your relationship with your mom?”

Feeling it would be easier to answer her than be badgered for the next two hours, I gave her the most succinct reply I could.

“She walked out and never looked back after being pretty volatile most of my childhood. A month ago, she showed up in Denver to tell us she’s dying and wants to reconnect with my brothers and me as her last wish. I’m not interested.”

“Huh.” Kelly sank back in her seat. “I see where you’re coming from. That would be a hard pill to swallow.”

“Exactly,” Samantha said. “There’s no reason for Nate or his brothers to put themselves through—”

“Except what if this Louise woman wants to give you and your brothers the chance to tell her off before she dies?” Kelly interrupted before Samantha could finish her thought. “You have to have things you’d like to say to her, right?”

I shrugged. I hadn’t put any thought into what I’d say to Louise given the chance. For the most part, I’d done my best to put her presence out of my mind.