Page 81 of The Jellybean Dilemma

I looked up at him, needing clarification.

“Coming home, settling in with Greg. Is that all going well?”

A sigh escaped me before I could stop it. “I just don’t fit anywhere.” I explained the way I’d been feeling. “It’s not Greg. I’m happy with him, beyond happy. But I don’t have a purpose here, and I miss that.”

He shot me a sympathetic smile. “I’m glad things are good with you and Greg, but as for a purpose? It just takes time. You’ll figure it out.”

I shrugged. “Hopefully.”

“Have you talked to Mom and Dad at all?”

“Not since scheduling the dinner.” I twisted my napkin in my hands. “I’m nervous, Derek,” I admitted quietly. Only two weeks stood between us and the looming announcement to my parents.

“Hey.” He waited for me to look at him before continuing. “Greg is a great guy. Mom and Dad, well, they might need some time, but they’ll come around. Maybe they’ll surprise us both, and you’ll be worried for nothing.”

I scoffed. “Yeah, right. I’m just hoping they’ll give me the chance to explain.” But I knew even that was unlikely.

“Well, we’ll be there for you guys, no matter the outcome.” Empathy rested in his gaze. “And I don’t plan to propose to Avery until after you’ve introduced Greg. If they accept him, then they can be a part of our celebration. Otherwise…” He shrugged. “They don’t deserve the chance.”

Warmth spread through me as the server appeared with our food. I didn’t take my eyes off my brother, thrilled to have this with him. Thrilled that he was a part of my life once more. And thrilled that he had my back, no matter what.

* * * *

That night, Greg and I met Derek, Avery, and Liam at the bar Gina worked at, called The High Five. Her boyfriend, Josh, was there too, running lines for his part while she worked, so we all crowded around a big, round table in the middle of the floor.

“Hey, guys, what are you having?” Gina looked cute in her fitted tee and tight jeans. Her short dark hair and tan skin always made me think of a young Halle Berry. We all greeted her, rattling off our drinks as well as getting some appetizers to snack on.

After Gina left, Avery exchanged an excited grin with Derek. “Okay, so Gina already knows, and I can’t wait another minute. Mother’s trial was today, and they found her guilty of misappropriation of funds! I have a trust Daddy set up for me from my grandparents that I’ve never had access to. Plus, so much of their money was his in the first place.” She beamed. “She has to pay all sorts of fees, on top of the divorce being final. I can finally get him the care he deserves.”

“I’m so happy to hear that, Ave.” I grinned. What a relief that must be for her, not to have to sneak around to see her father and worry about his isolation.

The others murmured their congratulations.

Gina came back with our drinks, handing them out and leaning a casual hand on Josh’s shoulder. “Avery told you the good news, huh?” She stayed to chat for a bit before she was called away.

Then Derek steered the conversation to me. “How are you doing, Rhonda? Any progress?”

I froze with my wine glass at my lips, knowing he was referencing our conversation the other day. I needed to catch everyone else up. After taking a sip, I set the glass back down. “I’m all recovered from the accident, and Greg’s been staying with me, but I still feel…off.”

I’d promised to not hide anymore, so even though it was hard, I wanted to try. “My charities are all running themselves. I don’t have any desire to jump back into the social circle I was in, with the society luncheons and committee meetings and country clubs.” I shrugged. “I’m still trying to find my niche.”

Greg leaned closer to place a warm hand on my back. My brother nodded thoughtfully. I knew it wasn’t the answer he’d hoped for, but I could tell he appreciated my candor. Liam changed the subject to a light-hearted story about his morning at the gym.

I glanced over at the hallway where the restrooms were. The worst thing about The High Five was their little one person bathrooms. But nature called.

My chair scraped against the wood floor as I stood up. Greg glanced up, so I jerked my chin in the direction of the restrooms, not wanting to interrupt Liam. A line appeared on Greg’s forehead, knowing my issues. I patted his arm to let him know I’d be fine and strode away.

I glanced back as our table erupted in laughter at whatever Liam had said. I smiled and shook my head, loving how well we meshed as a group.

The dingy bulb in the narrow hallway didn’t offer much light, and I steeled myself as I pushed open the bathroom door. In and out, I told myself. I started to shut it, but someone pressed on it from the other side.

“It’s occupied,” I called, trying to latch the door. I stumbled backward as the person gave a violent shove. “What the hell?”

Kevin’s leering grin met my stunned face. “Hey there, Rhonda.”

I was too shocked to scream, and by the time I’d thought of it, he had one hand clamped over my mouth while the other locked us inside the too small bathroom. The combination of the cramped space, filled with the extra body and the pressure of his hand on my face had the panic pressing in more with every moment.

“I couldn’t believe my luck when you and your friends walked in tonight. I’ve just been biding my time, waiting for a chance to talk to you.”

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