Page 248 of Tempting-
Emma brings me lunch and dinner. She sits with me as I pour my heart out. Hugs me as I cry.
But I don't fall apart until the sun sets. Night falls over the house slowly. My room is silent. I can hear my parents go to bed. My mom sobbing. My dad comforting her.
Emma turning on the TV.
Footsteps moving toward my door.
A soft knock.
Brendon's voice. "Hey."
"Come in." I pull the sheets a little higher. I'm not ready to face him, but I need his comfort. It's confusing. My first thought is that Grandma would know what to do.
But she's not here.
She's never giving me advice again.
She...
I choke back a sob.
Brendon steps into my room and presses the door shut behind him.
He lays in my bed behind me. Wraps his arms around my waist and pulls my body into his.
And he holds me as I sob.
As I release every bit of hurt.
I fall apart in his arms.
Even with everything between us, he's the only person I trust to piece me back together.
Chapter Fifty-Five
KAYLEE
Iwake up alone.
Even so, the world is a little less cold.
A little less dark.
It hurts a little less, Grandma being gone.
I manage to drag myself out of bed. I brush my teeth, shower, put on makeup, blow dry my hair. I feel better. Not great. But better. Like I can actually face the world.
I pull on an old dress. It's a little small, but it's stretchy enough to be comfortable. I'm about to move into the hallway when I see it.
A note on my desk.
Meet me at the boardwalk at noon. I have something to show you.
- Brendon
And there's the exact address. And a detailed drawing. A blooming rose in the shape of a heart, covered in thorns. It's beautiful. Intricate. Incredibly Brendon.
My stomach flutters. It pushes away the darkness flowing through me. I actually feel warm. Alive. Like the world is a place where good things can happen.
