Page 55 of The Confidentiality Clause
And I hope she doesn’t hate me once she does.
Chapter twenty-five
Brock Jones
I shut the car door, then wipe my rain-soaked hand on my sweatpants. Shaw stands nearby with his hands in his pockets. Ariel left a little while ago since she had to work too, but promised Sutton she’d see her this afternoon. Now, Sutton and my parents are in the back yard touring my mom’s garden. I slipped away to throw my things in my car, but Shaw must have followed me.
“Leaving without saying goodbye again?”
I sigh. “For the last time, I was sick the night of Emmett and Hazel’s wedding.”
“I hope they believe that, otherwise you hurt your most reserved friend and his incredibly sweet wife.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I hope they believe it too, because it’s the truth.”
Sort of.I wasn’t sick, but I did have a mild panic attack in their bathroom. That seems reason enough to need to leave during a wedding reception.
“And was it the truth that you’re going to see Sutton again before we leave tomorrow?” He stares me down, unrelenting.
“I said maybe.”
Shaw looks toward the house, his jaw clenching.
“Thatmaybebetter mean you’re going to stop by sometime tonight or in the morning. You can bring her a gift, apologize for being a jerk, and tell her next time she calls you’ll do your best to answer.”
“And why would I do that?”
He looks at me, but instead of a glare, there’s hurt in his eyes. “Why would you not? Man, you’re hurting her. I can take you not answering me or bailing on game nights. But Sutton? She may put on a brave face, but you and I both know she’s more sensitive than she lets on.”
“I’m not trying to hurt her.” I drop my hands and clench my fists. “This is just a season. It’s hard to keep up with everything.”
“If you can’t call your sister back or visit your parents, then maybe it’s time to rearrange your priorities.”
I bite back the harsh words that fly through my mind. All that will do is hurt him–and my jaw when he swings at me. He doesn’t understand. He won at life. He’s got the trophies and the fame and a wife. If he retired tomorrow, no one would bat an eye becausehe made it. I haven’t yet. But I will. Then I’ll have time for vacations and video games.
“I’ll stop by later to say bye. Tell everyone I had to go,” I say in a tight voice, then open my door.
“I know you’re mad at me, but I have to tell you the truth if no one else will.”
“I know, because you love Sutton.”
I slide into the car, and I’m about to slam the door when he says, “No, because you’ve been my brother since elementary school. We’re always straight with each other.”
I hear the accusation in his words. He thinks I’m not being honest. And I might be embellishing a few details, but the core truths are there. He just doesn’t like what they are.
“I’ll see you later.” I shut the door and drive off, leaving him standing in the front yard alone. But he won’t be lonely. He’s got a wife and adoring fans and a successful career to return to. Unlike me.
I’m standing in Target, staring at Star Wars figurines, trying to remember which ones Sutton has, when my phone rings. Ariel’s name pops up on the screen.
“Perfect timing,” I say when I pick up.
“That’s unusual for you to say when it comes to me. Or really anyone who calls you.”
“Well, I’m about to buy Sutton one of those Star Wars bobbleheads, but I can’t remember which ones she wants.”
“I think she has the whole collection.”
I tip my head back in defeat. There goes that idea.
