As I rounded the corner of the house, there she was sitting on the chair and talking on the phone. She noticed me approaching and slid the phone into her back pocket. She straightened, her hands crossed at her thighs. Clearing my throat, I sat next to her. The wind blew in my direction and her scent flew my way. I’d missed her.
“How are things?” I said after an awkward silence lingered between us.
“You don’t have to do this.” Her gaze was glued to the grass.
“Do what?”
“Make pretend you care.” She snapped her head in my direction. She tried to keep her composure, but there was hurt in her eyes. Years of pain and suffering. “I’m here for Julian. I only need your help with him. There’s no need for you to ask how I’m doing.” She hated me, and there was nothing I could do to change that.
“I spoke to Julian.” Her tensed shoulders dropped. “He’ll be here tomorrow morning.” Brielle pursed her lips, lowered her eyes and looked away. Her body shook slowly and I knew she was crying. “Brie…”
Shaking her head, she wiped the tears from under her eyes. “I’m fine.”
I wondered how many times she had lied to herself with those words. “Talk to me.” I rested my elbows on my knees.
“There’s nothing to say.”
“You drove all the way here and there’s nothing you want to say?”
“I’ve told Delaney everything that’s going on with Julian. She’ll fill you in.”
“I’m your friend, too. You can talk to me.”
Her head snapped in my direction. “Friend? It hurts to even look at you, Nate. We will never be friends. I must’ve been out of my mind thinking it was smart to come here and ask you for help.” She sighed. “All I need is for you to help Julian, get him on the right track, and make him quit working for Dennis. That’s it.”
I nodded. I deserved that.
Caleb came running through the front door and in our direction. “Mom said dinner’s ready.” Brielle stood and walked toward Caleb. “Aunt Brielle, can I sit next to you?” His eyes were wide when he looked up at her. Brielle nodded and then placed her arm around his shoulders.
It pained me to see them together. It was a sight that had burned in my mind years ago when I desperately wanted her to be the mother of my children.
Chapter 24
Brielle
After dinner, Caleb retrieved my suitcase from of my car and carried it up the stairs to the garage apartment. He was a bright and charming young boy. Throughout dinner, I grew fonder of him with each passing second. He seemed eager to know everything about me, and unlike other nine-year-old boys who only wanted to watch TV or play video games, Caleb wanted to show me where I’d be staying.
Opening the door, he turned on the light and smiled. “Welcome to your new home.” He waved his hand as he showcased the one-bedroom apartment. It was small, with only one entrance that led into the kitchen and no wall between that space and the living room.
Delaney walked me through the fully furnished apartment. She pointed out the linen closet and assured me the towels were fresh. Her voice faded when my gaze landed on the one blood red wall in the living room. I stopped dead in my tracks, unable to look away.
“Yeah, sorry about the obvious red,” Delaney said. “It was the first thing Nate painted.” She turned away from me and looked back at him. “You were so adamant about this stupid red wall.”
“It’s important to me,” he said from the kitchen in a husky voice.
Inhaling slowly, I reminded myself that one red wall didn’t mean shit. He still chose her.
“Well, if you need anything, call.” Delaney walked over to me and gave me a hug.
“Can I sleep with Aunt B?” Caleb jumped in place.
“No.” Delaney shook her head. “You have school first thing in the morning, and your Aunt Brie needs to rest.”
I thanked Delaney again as I closed the door behind them. Strolling back to the couch, I sat back and stared at the red wall.
Just like we had painted in my dorm room on Christmas Eve . . .
Just like I had painted in my home the night before.
I sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “What the hell are you doing, Brielle?” When I couldn’t answer my own question, I stood and decided I desperately needed a shower.
Delaney kept the apartment ready for guests at all times. I dug through my bag until I found my pajamas and toiletries. To my surprise, the bathroom was stocked with soap, shampoo and conditioner. The medicine cabinet even had new toothbrushes.
I showered until the water turned cool, washing the dirt and travel stench off my body, then sat on the floor of the tub until my skin wrinkled. After I felt clean and had changed, I walked aimlessly around the apartment, familiarizing myself with their previous love nest. I left my duffle bag in the living room and planned sleep on the couch. It felt odd sleeping in a bed they shared as husband and wife, but the couch idea was a bust when I realized how uncomfortable it was. I needed to let go of my insecurities and face my fears head on. Ten years had passed. We had all grown up. Standing tall, I grabbed my duffle bag, marched into the bedroom, and turned the light on. A full size bed was in the center with a small night stand. I placed my bag on the dresser near the window that looked out onto their home. They had no window on the second level but one on the first. My gaze trailed down the siding of the house to the lighted opening. I gasped when I realized Nate was looking back at me. He sat on an office chair, his green eyes locked on mine, and he flashed me a smile.