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RORY
Pulling into the driveway of the two-story colonial feels so bizarre. It’s been almost two months since I ran out of our wedding and left Brad standing at the altar. Two months since he told me to go fuck myself when I confessed I no longer loved him. Two months since I had to look him in the eye and face the reality of what I did. The box of his things currently in my backseat has sat in my garage, waiting. With all the end of the year activities at the school and Brad’s ever busy schedule, this is the earliest we’ve been able to meet up. I suggested it might be easier for us to just mail the boxes to each other, but Brad insisted this was the more civilized thing to do.
“Just remain calm. Don’t react to anything negative he may have to say. Remember, you were the one who hurt him, not the other way around.”
I’ve said these words out loud a handful of times on the drive over. I want to give Brad whatever closure he may be seeking and to do so I need to not be on the defensive. Hopefully reminding myself that I’m the cause of any hurt feelings will help me do that.
Taking another minute to gather up my nerve, I see the front door open. Oh well, so much for my minute. Brad makes his way down the path as I open the Jeep door and step out. Closing it, I lean against the door panel as Brad comes to a stop in front of me.
“Hi,” I say, almost in a whisper.
“Hey.”
This is so awkward. We stand here facing each other, and I take a long look at him. He looks good. His usual five o’clock shadow is now a well-trimmed beard, and his short, perfectly styled hair has grown out into soft waves. He’s dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, which is very unusual for him. He’s never this casual. It looks like not being in a relationship with me agrees with him, and that thought makes me happy.
“Let me grab your box.”
“No, allow me.” Brad moves before I can. “Is it in the trunk?”
“Back seat.”
Brad opens the rear driver’s side door and slides the box over to him. “Yours is in the kitchen. There’s a pitcher of tea on the island if you’re thirsty.”
“Um, yeah, that sounds good.”
Brad shuts the jeep door, balancing the box in one hand. “After you.”
I lead our way into the house, bypassing the staircase and heading straight into the kitchen. The afternoon sun shines brightly through the large bay window. On top of the white marble island sits a vase of fresh flowers, the pitcher of sweet tea, and a small brown moving box. Ironic, despite being together for over three years and the fact that I was supposed to live here, I never brought much over. Peeking inside, I see the box isn’t even halfway filled.
“The house looks wonderful.”
“It looks exactly the same as the last time you saw it.” Brad chuckles slightly as he reaches for a glass out of the cabinet.
“Right.” I roll my eyes at my stupidity. Brad pours the tea into the glass and hands it to me. “This is really uncomfortable.”
“Yeah, I knew it would be. I’m kind of having fun watching you squirm.”
“Thanks,” I mutter before taking a sip.
“I have to admit, I’m surprised you came alone. I thought for sure Jackson would tag along, waiting for you in the car like the love-sick puppy dog he is.”
“Nope, it’s just me.”
“If I were him, I wouldn’t have let you come alone.”
“He trusts me.”
“Must be nice. I never had that much confidence in our relationship. Guess I should’ve gone with my gut, huh?”
Trying to maintain my composure, I take another sip of tea and calmly place it on top of the marble. “I think I’ll just grab my stuff and head home.”
“Wait, please,” Brad says, trying to stop me. “I told myself I wouldn’t be an ass. Yet… uh… it’s exactly how I’m acting.”
“It’s warranted.”
“Even so.”
“Out of curiosity, why did you insist we do this face-to-face? I thought for sure you’d jump at the opportunity to never see me again.”
