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They scurried off and I could feel Brooke’s eyes on me. I was pretty sure Morgan was making some sort of joke behind my back, but I didn't care. I knew dessert was almost done and then all of us would be sitting at the same table, trying to act like this history didn’t exist between us.
“How have you been, Brooke?” I asked.
Her eyes met mine and I could see a flash of pain move across them before it fluttered away.
“I’ve been good,” she said. “What about you?”
“Life has been good to me, despite some disruptions,” I said.
“I can tell by this house,” Morgan said. “Are you renting?”
“Morgan, it’s really—” Brooke said.
“It’s okay. Really. Actually, I own it, Morgan. I bought it a few weeks ago.”
“You just—saw it and wanted it so you bought it,” Morgan said.
“Isn’t that how it works?” I asked.
“If you’ve got money, sure,” Morgan said.
Brooke looked like she wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. “Jesus Morgan,” she mumbled.
I shook my head. “Well, she’s right. I guess you could s
ay I do okay. I’ve been very fortunate,” I said. “So, what are you doing here in Nassau, Brooke?” I asked.
“She’s trying to get over a shitty ex,” Morgan blurted out.
“Morgan!” Brooke exclaimed. “Language.”
Morgan looked over at my kids, who’s own eyes were wide as saucers, and her cheeks flushed. “Oops. I’m really sorry,” she said sheepishly.
“What’s a x?” Sydney asked.
I tried to think of a way to answer that question in a way they would understand, but Brooke started talking before I could.
“It’s kind of like someone you aren’t friends with anymore,” she said.
“Were they mean to you?” Daniel asked.
“Yeah, kind of,” Brooke answered.
“Daddy says we should be nice to everyone,” Sydney piped up.
I shifted uncomfortably on my feet when Brooke’s eyes lifted to meet mine.
“He’s right,” she said.
“I’ll be nice to you,” Sydney said.
“Mee too!” Daniel added.
Brooke giggled at the kids before she reached over and ruffled Daniel’s hair.
“You guys are really sweet. Thank you,” she said. “But I’m fine. I promise.”
Dessert with the gang was actually a pretty good time. Brooke told me that she had graduated with her English degree and that she was currently working on a book.
