Page 128 of The Rules We Broke
Aunt Lu was waiting in the foyer, dressed in her version of casual command—robe belted, hair neat, lipstick on like she meant business.
She didn’t embrace me. Didn’t fuss. Just looked me square in the eye and said, “Be careful tonight.” Then she turned and walked off—head high, steps sharp—like she was closing a show at Paris Fashion Week. Come to think of it, she had once.
Her words echoed louder than they were spoken.
And just like that, the chill set in.
I had half a mind to tell Brady I couldn’t go. The words were ready—perched on the edge of my tongue—as I opened the front door. But then he saw me. And he lit up like I powered his whole world.
“Hi, gorgeous,” he crooned, pulling me into him. “Merry Christmas.”
His lips brushed mine—warm, gentle, full of promise. “Are you ready for the best night of your life?”
Uh . . . did he forget where we were going?
I leaned back, blinking at him.
He caught my hesitation and whispered, “Just trust me. Please.”
And that was it. That was the moment I knew I’d go. Because trust meant something to him.
“I do trust you,” I said quietly. “Will you help me with the Christmas gifts?”
I pointed to the bags by the door—wrapped in bright paper and careful bows, each one a peace offering.
Brady walked me to the truck first, holding the umbrella like it was a shield against more than just rain. Then he ducked back inside to retrieve the gifts.
When he climbed in beside me, the truck door clicked shut, and he turned, grinning. There was something mischievous in his eyes—like he knew something I didn’t.
But his expression faltered when he saw me. “What’s wrong?”
I hesitated, staring out at the streaks of rain crawling down the window.
“I don’t know . . . I don’t like leaving my aunt.” I paused, searching for the right words. “And I’m nervous. About your parents. About everything.”
Brady gently cupped my face in his hands. “Ellie, your aunt will be fine,” he assured me. “And there’s nothing to be nervous about. I promise—this will be a night we’ll always remember. Our first Christmas Eve together.”
He sounded so hopeful, it almost made me believe him.
“I’m sure you’re right,” I murmured, though my heart wasn’t convinced.
He studied me for a moment longer, concern flickering in his eyes. Then he kissed me—just a soft peck—and we were off to whatever awaited us.
The weather was miserable. Rain came down in sheets, blurring the road and swallowing the world in gray. Brady focused on driving, so we didn’t talk much. Except for a quiet apology.
“Sorry I’ve been so distracted the last couple days,” he said.
He didn’t need to apologize. He’d been busy with work. Apparently, the bank turned into a madhouse this time of year. It’s not like I expected him to spend every waking moment with me. I loved it when we were together, but I also valued my independence.
I tried to relax. Breathe in. Breathe out.
It took longer than usual, but eventually we pulled up to the glowing Jackson mansion.
I stared at it through the drizzle, the lights shimmering like a mirage. It felt like I was looking at a façade—something polished and hollow. And I wished more than anything that I didn’t have to go in.
Brady reached over and rested a hand on my thigh, grounding me.
“I think I failed to mention how beautiful you look tonight.”
