She nodded. But even as her head moved up and down, she had doubts. If things were different, if they weren’t from two opposite worlds, maybe they would still be together.
Releasing Mom’s hand, he leaned forward. “Have you talked to him?”
Britt shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Why not?”
Because he’s not who I thought he was.“We would never have worked out anyway.”
He frowned. “You really think so?”
“C’mon, Dad. You work for his father. You see how they live. They literally have an art gallery in their house. And you’ve met Hunter. He’s gorgeous, smart, charming—”
“Manipulative,” Mom muttered.
“He’s not like that. He’s always been kind and considerate of me. He’s also extremely patient, easy to talk to...”And a fantastic kisser.Her parents didn’t need to know about that, though.
Dad and Mom exchanged a look.
“Do you love Hunter?” Mom asked.
Surprised by her question, she wanted to say no. But she couldn’t.No more lies.“Yes,” she whispered. “But it doesn’t matter anymore.” She got up from the couch and left, heading for her room. While she appreciated their help and that they’d stopped fighting when she asked them to, there was nothing they could do.
Britt went inside her room and perched on the edge of the bed, motionless, staring at her desk. She’d thrown Hunter’s portraitsaway, but they were seared in her memory. She glanced at her closet and saw her maid of honor dress hanging in its garment bag. It had been delivered yesterday. No returns.
Her life had been normal for a few weeks, and she’d been happier than she ever imagined. But taking risks and moving out of her comfort zone had only resulted in pain she couldn’t have fathomed.
“Brittany Danielle Branch!”
She jumped at the sound of her name.Huh?
“To the window. Now!”
Was that... Maude? She got up from the bed and opened her window, the steamy summer air hitting her square on. Sure enough, Maude was in her driveway, holding a megaphone and wearing a brick-red and lemon-yellow flowered caftan. The hot breeze caused the hem to flutter around her ankles.
Britt leaned partway out the window. “What are you doing?”
She brought the megaphone up to her mouth. “Getting your attention.”
Mom and Dad came outside, looking confused and alarmed. “What’s going on?” Mom demanded.
Maude turned to her, still talking through the megaphone. “I have a special announcement—”
Mom held her ears while Dad took the megaphone from Maude.
“Sorry.” Maude held up a letter. “I have a special delivery for Brittany Danielle Branch.”
“You could have put it in the mailbox,” Dad said, looking up at Britt.
“Oh no.” Maude’s voice was plenty loud as she shook her head, her glasses bouncing on her chest. “I have to hand deliver this to her, and she has to read it in my presence.”
“I have a doorbell, you know.” Mom was also gazing up at the open window.
Maude ignored them and stepped forward, staring straight at Britt. “Would you have answered the door and talked to me?”
Britt paused. Shook her head.
“Exactly.” She took the megaphone from Dad and resumed using it. “I’m going to stand out here in the blazing heat until I hand you this letter and you read it.”
