Page 66 of The Rules We Broke
I started shivering—this time from the cold.
I didn’t get in my car right away. Some part of me still wanted Brady to say something. Anything.
But he didn’t.
Instead, he took off his coat, wrapped it around me, and helped me into the driver’s seat.
“I’ll follow you home. Make sure you get there okay.”
I tried to hand his coat back. “It’s unnecessary. Thank you.”
He draped it right back over my shoulders. His eyes said he wouldn’t take no for an answer.
I wasn’t sure if he was mad, heartbroken, or just tired of chasing shadows.
But I knew this much: this was the end of us.
I shook the entire way home, even with the heat blasting and Brady’s coat wrapped around me. I didn’t know how to feel. I wasn’t someone who erupted like that.
I’d been taught to smile through thorns and call them roses. But tonight, I let them hurt.
Brady followed me to the gate—then drove off as soon as I passed through.
I started to cry. Not because I didn’t know we were over. But because goodbye still hurt like the first time.
I should’ve made Aunt Lu come with me to Atlanta. I should’ve known better than to come back to Kaysville.
It was a mistake. A beautiful, unbearable mistake.
Chapter Eleven
Doriswasalreadygone,thankfully. I was sure I looked frightful. I dragged myself upstairs, sat on the edge of my bed, and cried again. Brady’s coat was still wrapped around me, the fabric clutched close like it could ward off regret. I inhaled deeply. That scent—familiar and warm, like the end of a fall afternoon.
I’d always loved the way he smelled. Well,exceptright after football practice or a game. But even then, I hadn’t minded much. I used to stand on the sidelines and watch him play, cheering like a fool. And the moment he stepped off the field, he’d scoop me up, spin us in circles, and kiss me breathless. I had loved that boy with every corner of my heart.
It was memories like these that got me into trouble.
Why couldn’t I be normal? Why couldn’t I be like other people who eventually got over their high school sweetheart? Instead, I felt like one of those heartbreak addicts they parade ontalk shows—still holding on while everyone else tells you to let go.
And that kiss didn’t help at all. The moment his lips met mine, my first thought wasFinally.I’d been kissed by other men over the years. But none of them compared.
There’s no explaining it, really, but when Brady kissed me, all felt right with the world, and I felt like I was his world.
I was so exhausted, I kicked off only my shoes before I curled up on my bed, wrapped in Brady’s coat, and fell asleep. I woke up early and reluctantly took off Brady’s coat. I got a garment box out of the closet and placed the coat in it. I wrote a short note:
Dear Brady,
Thank you for the use of your coat and for being there for me yesterday. I will always remember your kindness.
I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Elle
I almost wroteLove, Ellie.My hand hovered for a beat—but I stopped myself.
I dressed slowly, folded the note, and placed it in the garment box with Brady’s coat. When I went downstairs, I set it on the counter.
