Torrid Affair(97)

Delaney brushed past me, her shoulder colliding with mine. “He’s asking for his wife, not his whore.” Delaney paused right before she stepped inside his room. “Why don’t you do us all a favor and disappear again?”

Broken, I turned away from her and left. Delaney was a heartless bitch, but she was right about one thing.

I’d done enough damage.



I arrived home to a cold, empty apartment. Julian’s scent lingered in the brisk air. Aimlessly, I walked through the rooms. My mind wouldn’t turn off. I’d ruined it all for all of them. There was nothing left here for me. My husband was gone, and the man I loved was married with a child.

Walking to the junk drawer, I pulled out a pen and paper. It was time to say good-bye. I didn’t want to risk Delaney finding it and deleting it.



Dear Nate,

Almost eleven years ago, you took my parking spot. Eleven years later, you took a bullet for me. I sit here and wonder how different your life would be had I arrived to class early that morning and beaten you to the spot. There wouldn’t be any half kisses, nor would there be a nasty affair. Julian would still be here, and none of the sadness and heartache would have happened.

I’m heading back home. There’s no reason for me to be here anymore. I came here with one mission, and that was to help Julian, but instead, I made it worse. I stood by your mother as she placed his ashes in an urn, and I couldn’t stop the guilt that weighed on my heart.

You and Delaney were happy before I arrived, and I hope you find that happiness again once I’m gone.

I’m sorry I didn’t get to say good-bye, but I need to live for me. I need to go out in the world and be the person I’ve always wanted to be. I need to find what brings me joy.

I will cherish every second I spent with you. I will love you all the days of my life. Maybe in another lifetime we will bump into each other again.

With all my love,

Brie.



I folded the piece of paper, slid it into an envelope, and walked over to Nate’s house. Louisa and Warren sat with Caleb at the kitchen table. Smiles were plastered on all their faces.

“Nate’s awake,” Louisa announced blissfully.

“I heard.”

“We’re headed to the hospital now. Would you like to come with us?” Warren invited.

“I actually have to do a few things here for Delaney, and then I’ll head over,” I lied. I planned to be long gone before they ever got back. Walking over to Louisa, I leaned over and hugged her. “I’m truly sorry about Julian,” I whispered into her hair. Releasing her, I scurried to Caleb. “You are such a strong, brave young man, Caleb.” My voice cracked. I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “Don’t ever change.”

I stood and looked over at Warren. He nodded in my direction as though he knew I was saying good-bye. I nodded back and walked toward Nate’s office. When I pushed the door open, it looked as though nothing ever happened. As if Julian’s suicide ceased to exist.

Walking over to Nate’s desk, I slid the envelope in Caleb’s workbook. I hesitated for a second when there was a tap on the door. My head snapped up and I was greeted with Warren. He was leaning on the frame of the door.

“Something I can help you with?” His voice was low.

I pressed the envelope to my chest. If I left it in the workbook Delaney could find it. I sighed and walked over to Warren. “Can you please make sure Nate gets this?” My lips quivered as tears threatened to fall. “Wait till he’s home . . . and alone.”

“Of course.” He folded the letter and shoved it in his back pocket. “You’re not going to the hospital, are you?”

“No.” I whimpered. “It’s better for me to leave now. I want everyone focused on Nate getting better, not me leaving. Besides, there’s nothing left for me here. This isn’t my home. I don’t belong here.”

Warren took a step toward me and opened his arms. I hugged him tightly as I cried into his chest. He was the father I desperately needed in that moment. “Remember that home is where love is,” he whispered.

I pulled back and wiped my face. “Thank you for everything.”

A small grin grew on his face and pushed up his crow’s feet. “You were always my favorite daughter. Please stay in touch.”

I nodded.

“Warren?” Louisa called from the kitchen.

He leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on my cheek. I’ll see you soon.

Once he left I turned back and glanced one last time at Nate’s office. “I’ll see you soon.” It was less painful than saying good-bye.

My feet dragged out of the office and toward the kitchen. When I was walking up the stairs toward the apartment, I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Yve.