Page 47 of Changing Lanes

I walk away as the scene between Brannon and Ava unfolds, I’m quickly followed by Thayer, who walks me to my car.

“Torrie, is there anything I can do?” she asks. I stop to take a steadying breath.

“It’s been ten years since I last saw him. I didn’t expect him to be celibate, but to be with her, it just crushes me.” Glancing back to the building, I watch as he puts Ava in her car.

“I’ve known him my entire life, it may not be obvious, but he’s a good guy. I’m sorry you’re hurting.” She lays her hand on my arm as if knowing I need it.

“Every time I think I can move forward, he makes me take four steps back with things like this. I’m just not sure I can work with him if this is what it’ll be like.” I can’t believe I said it the way I did.

“I’m sorry. Can I hug you? I know it’s weird, but we’re about to become great friends, so let me hug you.” She pulls me into a hug. A hug. It’s been so long since I’ve been hugged.

“Thank you. I just need to gather myself,” I reassure her.

“It’s fine, really. Could I suggest dinner? I would love to take you out. One’s wife, Lea, could join us.” Dinner with girls? I could do that.

“Sounds like a plan. I need to get a few more things for my stay while I’m here, maybe you could show me where to shop after.” I ask her.

“Here’s my card, use the cell. I’ll let Lea know, about six?” She nods with a broad smile.

“Perfect. Thank you, I appreciate this,” I tell her.

By the time I get back to my rental, I’m ready for a nice, hot bubble bath and a glass of wine. I’ll be happy to go out tonight with Lea and Thayer. At least I won’t be here wallowing in self-pity. I soak until the water gets cold, getting out just in time to get a text.

We’ll be there in an hour— Thayer sends.

Okay. Text me and I’ll buzz you in. I reply.

What should I wear?

Whatever. Her response made me laugh out loud. I can’t remember the last time I went anywhere that it didn’t matter what I wore.

At six, I get a text. We’re here. I grab my purse and meet Thayer and Lea outside.

Thayer and Lea show me the best places to shop. Come to find out, I know Lea. Well, I know of her. I read an article on the rise of her internet business along with the quick sale of her start up. She has a brilliant mind for business. She and One are a force to be reckoned with. And their bank account alone would earn my father’s attention.

We sit down at a little, out of the way place. The ladies order tea, but I get a Long Island Ice Tea. After taking their advice on local specialties, we order our food and spend some time getting to know each other. I adore the relationship they share; not only are they sister-in-laws, but they’re best friends.

“Hardy and I married in November after his attack. I wasn’t wasting another minute, we fought so hard to be together,” Thayer explains.

“Not unlike Malone and myself. I think he would say the hardest part was allowing me to find myself. I had to figure it out. Damn strong man, hot as hell, too,” Lea adds.

“I may not be so lucky in love, but my business game is strong.” I smirk at my statement. I may be a little tipsy.

“About that, ‘not lucky in love’ thing, spill,” Thayer says with a smirk of her own.

“I don’t even know where to start. We met at college. Fucked. He fucked me over.” Picking up my glass, I finish it off as I wave for another.

“Interesting. I’m thinking there’s more to it. More details, Torrie.” Lea leans back, getting comfortable.

“I first saw Brannon when I was escorting his freshmen class across campus during orientation. The first day of classes, we ended up sitting side by side and tossing playful glances at each other. I was drawn to him instantly. He just has a charismatic personality that calls to me. Fate maybe? We started dating in September and by Thanksgiving, I was ready to call it what it was—love.” I smile to myself, remembering that all-consuming emotion only Brannon has ever evoked in me. “My father…” my face falls flat, “…my father is an asshole. He wanted a boy, so he got Torrence.” Stabbing my thumb at my chest.

“He’s made my life hell. Brannon made me feel good. He believed in me, my abilities. It didn’t matter if I come from money. It only mattered how I treated him. I tried to prepare him for my father. That’s not true, I didn’t do enough.

“There were issues, my father thought he was beneath my raising. Brannon wasn’t what my father planned for me, so he took care of it. Somewhere between falling in love and my father’s money, I got screwed.

“My father threatened to take Brannon’s family’s farm if I didn’t end it with him. I told my father I would pick being a poor farmer’s wife over being his daughter any day. I took some time to have a good cry and to get my thoughts together. By the time I returned to the main house, Brannon was already gone. I refused to believe the story my father spewed, thinking it was all lies in an attempt to turn me against Brannon. But then my father showed me the video, and there it was in black and white. Brannon climbing into a cab with a check in hand.” I feel as though I have word vomit. I take a drink to wash the bad taste away.

“Damn. I’m sorry, Torrie. Sometimes, life just gives you a good kick in the teeth. I know, I have the bloodstains to show for it.” Lea leans forward and pats my hand.