Page 6 of Ocotillo Kisses
Britt Fraser. In Broken Wheel. In his living room. For the first time in thirteen years.
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IFhe hadn’t already been reeling, seeing her would have sent him spiraling. What was she doing here, in his house, on this day? Making his mother...smile? Otherwise, he might have tossed her out.
Last year, when she’d been in town for her grandmother’s birthday, was the first time he’d seen her since his sister’s funeral. She’d left town without a goodbye, never contacted him. Her parents moved away shortly after. Her grandmother remained, and the few times Britt had returned to visit her grandmother, she hadn’t let him know she was around. He often didn’t know she’d been in town until she was already gone.
And now she was here, in his living room, like she hadn’t abandoned him at the worst time of his life, and reappeared at the second worst.
“Con, I’m so sorry about your dad.” Her voice was as smooth as her movements as she rose from the ottoman, letting her mom’s hand fall as she reached for his.
She was even more beautiful than she’d been in high school, if that was possible, more refined, her make-up flawless, her clothes—a cream-colored pantsuit that didn’t really seem appropriate for a funeral—were probably expensive. He had heard she was an event planner in Houston, so she probably had good money, and she’d always had good taste.
“I won’t stay,” Britt said. “But Con, at some point, I’d like to have a conversation with you.”
“At some point?” he asked, really, the only words he could get out.
“I’m going to be here for a few weeks with my grandmother. She...she’s not doing so great living alone, so the kids and grandkids are taking turns staying with her. It’s my turn.”
How had he not known that? Had her sisters been in town and he’d missed it? He’d been occupied with issues in his own life, sure, so maybe he had. But now if she was going to be here a couple of weeks, could he avoid her?
“I’m sorry to hear your grandmother’s not doing well,” he said, the words feeling like they were choking him. “But I’m not interested in a conversation, Britt.”
She glanced toward the back door. “Just an apology, that’s all.”
“I think the time has passed for that,” Con said. “I think you should go.”
“No, she’s welcome to stay,” his mother said. “Con, I can’t believe you have forgotten your manners for a guest in our house.”
Con looked at his mom, a little guilty, but also disturbed she couldn’t see why he’d be upset about Britt’s appearance. Of course, she’d been wrapped up in her own grief when Britt left. She hadn’t known how abandoned Con had felt when she moved away, and without a word.
“Fine. We’ll have a conversation. Let’s go.” He stepped back and motioned for her to precede him to the back door.
Britt looked a bit taken aback, like she hadn’t really wanted to talk to him here, now. But if he didn’t do it now, his thoughts would be twisted up over what she could want by coming here. Best to set her straight that she had nothing to gain by being here.
After a moment’s hesitation, she walked out the back door.
