Page 28 of The Rules We Broke
While stringing the lights, our hands kept touching. Every brush sent a pulse through me. His touch hadn’t changed. And neither had my reaction to it. I always wanted more, even now that I hated myself for it.
“So,” he asked, breaking the silence, “what’ve you been doing these last ten years?”
What could I say?
I’d spent far too much of that time trying to get over him.
“Graduating from college,” I said carefully. “Traveling, writing.”
I had the urge to tell him everything, but it was best to keep it general. Keep him at arm’s length.
Brady stepped back from the tree and let the ornament he’d just hung settle into place. The handcrafted nutcracker from Russia swayed slightly—stoic, intricate, foreign.
“I’m so proud of you. When your first book came out two years ago, I wasn’t surprised at all. I remember all the short stories you used to write and read to me down by the riverbank.”
Oh, I did too, but I couldn’t respond to that. It was too painful.
“How did you end up at the bank?” I tried to steer the conversation. And I was actually curious. I don’t ever remember that being part of his plans.
“Well, after I broke my leg, the NFL was out of the question.” He looked at me as if to confirm that I knew about his injury. I think everyone in the state knew about that injury. I would never forget seeing him hurt and how I ached.
“I’m sorry you didn’t get your dream of playing in the NFL,” I said quietly, but I meant every word.
He shrugged as he added another ornament. “The NFL wasn’t my dream, just my favorite career choice.”
His tone and admission surprised me. He sounded like he had come to terms with it, but I could tell there was some regret there.
“Benjamin talked me into working for him,” Brady said, adjusting a branch. “So I got my master’s in finance. Turns out I’m not half bad with numbers.”
“Speaking of Benjamin,” I began, careful not to sound too curious, “how did he end up back here—and married to an Auburn grad?”
The sparkle returned to Brady’s eyes. “Well, let’s just say Miss Teen USA drained their joint account and ran off with the Miss Virginia pageant organizer.”
“Ouch.”
He nodded. “Benjamin moved back about seven years ago. Took over my dad’s spot at the bank. His wife, Kendra, used to be my physical therapist.”
“You let an Auburn woman touch you?” I teased.
Brady peeked around the tree, catching sight of my jersey. “I’m actually partial to Auburn women.”
I looked straight at him. “And yet you chose one from Alabama.”
I shouldn’t have said it. But maybe I needed him to know just how much he’d hurt me.
“Ellie . . . ” He reached for me, but I stepped back.
The tree was almost done, and so was I.
“I’m sorry, Brady. I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s late.” I glanced over at Caroline. “You should probably get her back to your momma and daddy’s.”
“I have my own home. You should come out sometime and take a look, you would love it. It’s out by the lake, and I have a tire swing. We could talk. Really talk.”
I shook my head even though the offer was tempting. A tire swing and Brady were a magical combination. Too magical
“I don’t think so. I’m only here until my aunt gets better. Thank you for tonight. I wish you the best,” I stuttered out.
“I’m sorry, Ellie. There are so many things I want to tell you.”
