Page 111 of It's Always Been You
Rebecka snakes her arms around Jamie’s shoulders and kisses his cheek, unaware of my grief.
No one but Jamie knows about my miscarriage.
Jamie reaches back to scratch her belly, smiling at her like she’s the only woman he’s ever loved.
I turn away from the wholesome image, swallowing hard against the tears. Why couldn’t I have fallen in love with a man as uncomplicated as Adam or my brother Jamie? A man who desires to be happily married toone womanand one woman only?
“Not only did Brandon break Cora’s heart,” Jamie rambles on, still stuck on this topic I’d rather drop. “But Cora was a single mother for a long time because of him. And no offense, sis—I know you two have always been close, so you only see the best in him. But . . . that’s the last thing I want for you.”
The air in my lungs becomes as thick as smoke, threatening to suffocate me from the inside out. I almost became a single mother because of Brandon once. I can’t relive that experience or anything like it. I wouldn’t recover.
I decide at once that I will never give Brandon the chance to hurt me ever again.
Evie
Friday, February 17, 2023
Well,IwonderedifBrandon and I were ever going to make up after our falling out. I also wondered if he might change his mind about us. And now I have my answer.
This evening, when I was doing some food prep at Bert’s house and helping his granddaughter, Erica, move his bed into the living room, the doorbell rang. Bouncing with excitement, Erica smoothed her dress down and ran to the front door.
She’d been gushing all afternoon about her date for the evening. Apparently, he was a doctor. A tall, charming, blue-eyed doctor that she met through mutual connections at the church she’s attending while she’s in town. Erica is a traveling nurse, so she’s staying with her Grandpa Bert while working in the area.
Once I had Bert’s bed situated, I excused myself to the kitchen to give them their privacy. I was in the middle of unloading his dishwasher when I heard his voice. I’d recognize it anywhere. I froze, and the mug I was putting away slipped from my fingers and bounced off the countertop before crashing to the floor.
Brandon. It was Brandon’s voice. He was the tall, charming, blue-eyed doctor Erica had been referring to. Erica was going on a date with Brandon.
Which meant Brandon was seeing other women.
While ignoring my calls and texts.
Crushed, I ran toward the hallway, hoping to escape before he could notice me, but it was too late. Erica and Brandon appeared in the kitchen doorway, wondering what all the commotion was about.
Hands trembling, I kept my eyes downcast as I grabbed the broom beside the fridge. Apologizing profusely, I explained what happened and urged them not to worry, to gohave their fun. Obviously wanting to make a good first impression on Erica, Brandon wasn’t having it and insisted on helping me.
I chanced a peek at him as he removed the broom from my fingers. His expression was cool, calm, but somehow still concerned. Like we had been mere acquaintances rather than best friends. Or secret lovers.
The concern was probably for show.
Erica looked between us, asking if we knew one another. I’m sure she could sense the sudden spike of tension in the room.
Brandon hesitated, offering a sheepish smile as he explained that I’m his “best friend’s sister.”
Erica’s face lit up, then she laughed, going on about how it’s such a small world.
Brandon chuckled, but it sounded empty. Only I could tell that he had been knocked off-kilter. Then we cleaned up the mess in strained silence while Erica chittered relentlessly about the restaurant she chose for the evening, and then they left.
And I sobbed quietly in Bert’s bathroom while picking up the pieces of my shattered heart.
Chapter 37
Brandon
Oneweek.It’salmostbeen a week since I’ve seen Evie or spoken to her. For some reason, she won’t answer my calls or texts. Not only is her silence confusing me, but it’s hard not to take it personally—especially after our heart-to-heart on Christmas Eve.
I glance down at the jewelry box clutched in my hand as I wait for Yolanda to answer the door, rubbing my thumb over the surface. Inside is the black diamond necklace I bought Evie three Christmases ago. I found it on the side of the road a few days after . . . that night. While there was a part of me that wanted to believe I hadn’t clasped it properly, the reality is that the chain was broken. I had to have it repaired, meaning Evie must have—
I still can’t bring myself to imagine her ripping it from her neck.
