Page 5 of The Jellybean Dilemma

Those smooth fingers raked through his hair, which was longer on top and usually hidden by his cap. “Did you pack anything comfortable in all that luggage? It’s a long trip and, don’t get me wrong, you look good, but…” He trailed off as a big, fat tear rolled down my cheek.

How can I fail so completely at something millions of people do every day?

His jaw worked a few times, and he sighed. “Just wait here, all right? Climb in the back and keep your coat on. There’s a blanket, too, if you’re cold. I’ll leave the car running.” He stepped out of the door and shoved his hands in pockets, before dipping down to add, “I won’t be long.” Then he left.

I didn’t even bother to get out. I hit the lock button and shimmied over the console to the back seat where I burrowed into the blanket. I flopped my head against the seat, frustrated at myself and my life. Every time a sliver of hope awakened inside me, an incident like this would snuff it out.

Since Kevin and I broke up, my days had been dull and empty. My life was meaningless. There was no point, and it had nothing to do with my ex.

He’d just been the icing on the cake. It was seeing Avery and my brother together that had made me realize that my relationship with Kevin was for all the wrong reasons. Avery stood up for my brother and made him feel worthwhile. They had just met a couple of months ago, but they brought out the best in each other.

I envied their synchronicity, as well as their individual sense of purpose. Derek had just launched an app which changed the shipping industry, making filling containers much more efficient. Avery was still studying for her degree in business.

Me? Until I’d seen the two of them together, I’d been content with my life. I thought I had it all—money, friends, the right fiancé. But after being around them, I saw my life as it really was—fake.

A rapping on the window startled me. I hurried to unlock the door, swiping at my wet cheeks as an afterthought. But I wasn’t quick enough.

Greg’s smile dimmed. “Oh, Jellybean.” He set several bags on the seat next to me and sighed. Then he straightened, pulling his phone out of his pocket. The deep murmur of his voice continued for several moments before he reached in to unlock the front door. “Buckle up.”

“Where are we going?” He’s not taking me home, is he? I bit my lip as nerves twisted my gut.

He met my gaze in the mirror when he sat down, and he grinned before tipping his imaginary hat. “I know just the place.”

A few minutes later, we pulled up to Derek and Avery’s apartment complex. Greg hurried to open my door. “Avery’s expecting you.” He nodded when I hesitated, gifting me with a soft smile. “Go change. I’ll find us some coffee.”

Relief pulsed through me. He wasn’t ditching me, and I not only had a safe space to change, I’d get to talk to Avery for a few minutes. I grabbed the bags, flying out of the door.

I braced myself as I stepped into the elevator. Small spaces were my nemesis. No one knew my deep dark secret—I was claustrophobic. I’d been expecting to change in some tiny restroom at a gas station, and I was happy to endure the elevator if it meant avoiding that horrible experience.

Knocking on the apartment door, I shifted from foot to foot. The door flung open, and my brother greeted me. His jet-black hair was tousled in his signature style. Our hair might be the same shade, but his eyes were a rich deep blue, while mine were pale. More like ice. I’d always been jealous of him for that, not to mention he’d gotten all the height.

He looked me over, concern etched on his face. “Rhonda, what’s this about you going on a trip with Greg?”

Needing comfort more than anything, I stepped up to him and rested my head on his shoulder.

He immediately softened, shutting the door with one hand and patting my back with the other. “Hey, you okay?”

“Derek!” Avery squealed, running down the hall. “Did I hear the door? Is Rhonda here?” She skidded to a stop, her long, strawberry-blonde hair swinging around her. “Oh, good.” She beamed.

“Geez, Ave. Chill.” Liam’s deep voice startled me.

I hadn’t even seen him sitting on the couch. I squared my shoulders and moved away from Derek, unwilling to appear weak in front of my brother’s oldest friend. “Hey, Liam.”

He grinned, and I glimpsed why my friends always thought Liam was so hot. Not only was he rich—the guy was built, tall, and muscular. But he was too beefy for me, and a bit on the arrogant side. Plus, I’d grown up with him. He was our neighbor, and his mom was close friends with ours. But you’d never know he was two years older than us by the way he acted. Twenty-three to our twenty-one. When Derek skipped a grade, Liam had been right there to stand up for him.

I’d forgotten what that was like, to know someone always had your back. My brother and I were getting to that point once more. It hadn’t been easy, and I had Avery to thank for it. But I still had difficulty remembering I wasn’t alone anymore.

“So, you’re running away with the chauffeur?” Liam chuckled. “About time you shook things up.”

Derek glared at him.

I just sighed and turned to Avery. “I’m soaking wet under this coat. I managed to spill a bottle of water all over myself.” My shoulders bobbed up in a self-deprecating shrug. “Is there some place I can change?” The sympathy in my friend’s expression was almost my undoing, but I kept it together.

“Of course. C’mon.” She led me to the spare room.

I hurried to change, wrinkling my nose at the too-big sweater and the jeans that bagged in weird places. There were no underthings either, so I kept my panties on but went braless. The sweater was baggy enough you couldn’t tell.

Another bag contained thick socks and clunky boots. I stared at them for a long moment, loath to give up my Jimmy Choos. But Greg had been kind enough to pick them out, so I sat on the bed and put them on. Then I had to tamp down my makeup, for obvious reasons.

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