Page 59 of Changing Lanes

Can’t I just stay away from him? I knew better than to have breakfast with them. The glutton for punishment I am, I just sit right on down. Having his daughter say those things to me, how did he plan it? What’s worse, I loved being with them.

Our short time together was more meaningful than any other thing I’ve done. Maybe because I did it with my whole heart, I’m not sure. What I do know for certain, I’ve never been the same. Brannon changed me, I’m better because of what happened.

I’ve lived ten years blaming him for something I’m not even sure took place. Why do we do those things? Harbor resentment? Not talk to someone because we find them guilty without knowing all the story. Looking back, I should’ve talked to him. My father is capable of so many things, he could have very well manipulated this entire thing. I know he orchestrated it, but what if he skewed the evidence?

Once you close your heart, it’s proven to be the hardest thing to reopen. The love you’ve felt turns into something you’d prefer to never feel again.

Why? The bravest thing we can do is love. We’re taught to use our brain for everything, even love. We deduce what may or will hurt us, then we stop ourselves from the action. Matters of the heart are complicated, by our own hands.

Betrayal consumed me, told my heart to be silent. He has always been there, waiting. I turn a blind eye to my father’s treachery while burning Brannon at the stake for what I presumed as disloyalty. One was no greater transgression than the other, why give my father a place in my life and not find a place for Brannon?

Will he have mercy on me if I go to him, needing the truth? Or will the truth tear me apart? I’ve never believed in wishing on a star, but I sure as hell would try right now. One way or the other, it’s time I learn the truth.

My phone vibrates with a text from Lea.

Hey, wanna grab lunch with me and Thayer?

Sounds great. Where? I push send.

Little River Café. In thirty, she replies.

“I’ll be there.” Anything has to be better than sitting here, alone with my thoughts.

Thayer waves at me from the corner table, and Lea turns in her seat to smile. A blonde with hot pink highlights sits opposite of Thayer, I take the chair between her and Lea. “Hi, ladies. Thanks for inviting me.” Returning their smile.

“I’m happy you could make it,” Thayer says.

“Torrie, this is Maisyn. Maisyn, Torrie. Maisyn owns her own Tattoo Shop, she does all our art. She also may or may not be sleeping with Lachlan.” Lea cracks me up, she’s so blunt.

“Lea, damn, put it out there. Good to meet you.” Maisyn extends her hand, covered in tattoos. She’s breathtakingly beautiful.

“Who’s Lachlan?” I question as I scan the table for an explanation.

Thayer answers, “Went to college with One, they’re good friends. He’s Scottish.” Wiggling her eyebrows as she talks about him.

“Does he have a brother, I’m not fairing too well in the relationship area?” Giggling, we look over the menu.

“Are you serious? I mean. I thought you and Brannon would work things out.” Lea cocks her brow with doubt.

“No, I’m not serious. I’ve decided to hear him out.” I continue to read the menu, well, I try to, but I know they’re all staring. I glance up to mouths hanging open. “What? A girl has the right to change her mind?”

“Even after Ava’s shit show? I’m just surprised,” Lea says.

“Yeah, what in the hell is her issue?” I ask.

“She’s always thought she had a claim on that boy, he’s an amazing man,” Maisyn adds. “Oh, I went to school with them.” She gives me a nod.

“Well, I for one am thrilled. He loves you like One loves Lea,” Thayer throws in.

“Or the way Hardy loves you or how Lachlan loves you, Maisyn.” Lea smiles with a wink. Maisyn chokes on her drink. “He does, you know it.”

“Well, I’m about to find out. I need to know the truth, and he keeps saying there’s more to the story,” I admit before we place our orders.

“He loves you. Brannon hasn’t been with anyone else. Everyone just assumed it had something to do with everything he has on his plate.” Thayer shrugs. “But one conversation is all it takes to know he loves you, it’s written all over him.” I picture him in front of me, it’s true. He looks at me the same as he always did.

“Now, what?” Maisyn ponders to herself.

“For you or me?” I question, we chuckle.