Page 116 of The Rules We Broke
“Thanks, Olivia, you look great, too.”
We grabbed our drinks and found a table. She was eager to hear everything—my time in Alabama, the whirlwind romance, the infamous Jacksons. And most especially, Brady.
“Elle, you really look great,” she kept saying. “I think Alabama—or should I sayBrady—looks good on you.”
I laughed and agreed. Brady was the perfect accessory.
We chatted about everything: book sales, new story ideas, her husband Darren. It reminded me—I’d brought her Christmas gift and bonus.
I reached into my purse and handed her the sealed green envelope.
She grinned as she took it. “I thought you’d forgotten, my dear Elle.”
She tore it open like I knew she would. Inside: a generous bonus and two tickets to Hawaii.
She jumped up and hugged me hard.
“Merry Christmas, Olivia.”
“You’re the best.Thank you,thank you!”
“You’re worth every penny.”
About an hour and a half later, my handsome country boy walked through the door. I watched Olivia’s expression shift instantly. She was impressed. Honestly, who wouldn’t be?
I found myself wondering if I needed to tip her chin up—or mop up any residual drool. It was a good thing she adored her husband.
Brady was pleasant, but something was off. He wore his smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
I didn’t ask in front of Olivia, but I didn’t have to wait long—she had another appointment and left shortly after.
When we made it back to his truck, I turned to him the moment the door shut.
“What’s wrong?”
He kissed my forehead. “Not a thing. The interview went very well.”
I gave him a long, pointed look.
“I’m serious. They said they’ll let me know after Christmas, but they practically offered me the job.”
“Well, that’s great.”
He smiled. But it still didn’t touch his eyes.
He stayed unusually quiet on the drive to my townhome. It wasn’t far from the bank, nestled in a newer, upscale section of the city—a three-story brick place with clean lines, warm light, and just enough space to feel like home.
And yet, something in Brady’s silence lingered like static.
Brady pulled into my drive and parked, staring out the window with his brow furrowed.
“So, this is home, huh?”
“You don’t like it.” I tried not to be crushed by the thought.
He glanced at me and smiled. “It’s nice.”
I raised an eyebrow, not buying it.
