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I nod. “I know that now. I recognize that I was a naive college girl with stars in her eyes who thought she was in love, and he took advantage of that. But the fact remains that it hurt me deeply. And then when I was finally over it enough to start dating my ex, well…”
This time Brady forcibly takes my hand. “But that’s not us.”
I shake my head. “Everyone thinks they’re the exception to the rule. Besides, do you even really know what you want? Can you honestly say you have a clear vision for the path forward for us?”
It’s his split second of hesitation that seals it for me. “I know—”
I raise my hand. “You don’t. And that’s okay. I’m not angry. We didn’t expect to have to decide this fast. It was fun while it lasted, but our time together is done.”
My fight-or-flight response has kicked in, and I’m firmly in flight mode. Because when I ask myself if I’m ready to trust another man with my whole heart—and Brady would demand no less—I’m not. Especially when the man in question means so much more to me than my ex ever did. That’s terrifying to think of.
Hannah’s return is a good reminder that even though it may have felt like it for a short period of time, I’m not a part of this family.
“This is bullshit. You’re just giving up and taking off without even trying. Without having a real conversation about how you’re feeling.” He stands from the bed, staring at me in anger.
“We’re having that conversation right now. You just don’t want to hear what I have to say.”
His nostrils flare and his hands fist at his sides. “You’re not really being honest with yourself right now and you know it. You had your mind made up before I came in here. You didn’t even hear what I had to say.”
I stand too, anger getting the better of me. “It doesn’t matter. We agreed what this was at the beginning. Neither of us is ready to take it to the next level, so it’s over. Let’s just leave it at that.”
“So you’re content to bounce on Theo too? You have no issue walking away from him?” His voice shakes.
His words are like a lance to my heart. “We all knew I’d be leaving when Hannah returned.” Somehow I manage to keep my voice even.
Brady shakes his head, an expression of pure disgust on his face that cuts me down until I feel five inches tall. “Fine. Have it how you want it. Congratulations, you’ve avoided your own possibility of heartache, but you’ve probably broken mine and Theo’s hearts in exchange.”
He stalks from the room and I crumple to the floor in silent tears so he doesn’t know how devastated I am.
Thirty
Brady
After I leave Violet’s room, it takes me a minute at the bottom of the stairs to compose myself before I join Hannah and Theo in the family room.
“Everything all right? You were gone for a while.” Hannah’s eyeballing me with concern.
I told her I was going to make sure Violet wasn’t upset and knew that her pay wasn’t in jeopardy of being cut.
I clear my throat. “Yep, all good.” Then I muster up a half-ass smile to appease her.
She nods and goes back to what she’s doing with Theo and his Lego set. I shouldn’t be surprised that’s the first place he took her. He was so excited to show her all the things he’d put together in her absence.
They do their thing for a bit while I sit quietly on the couch, going over my conversation with Violet. I can’t believe she’s just running away. I really didn’t think this would be the outcome, regardless of how it turned out between us. But fuck it, if she wants to bolt, let her. I’m not going to beg her to stay.
Seconds after I have that thought, I hear her coming down the stairs, dragging her suitcase. I should probably go help her with the heavy bag, but I don’t have it in me to look at her any more than I already have to.
She enters the family room, and I stand from the couch to say goodbye, ready to put on a show since Hannah’s present. It’s obvious that Violet’s been crying—her eyes are red and puffy. The sight guts me, but I remind myself that she only has herself to blame for those tears.
Theo rushes over, stopping halfway when he notices the suitcase behind her. “Where are you going?”
She gets down on her knees and holds her arms out to him. “I have to go home now. Your mommy is home, so my job is over.”
He rushes to her and wraps his arms around her neck. “But I don’t want you to go.”
I can tell from his voice that he’s close to crying, and I look away and swallow hard. I catch Hannah’s eye when I do, and her eyes narrow as if she senses something.
“I know. Me either, buddy. But listen…” She pulls back and sets her hands on his shoulder. “If you ever want to talk to me, your mom and your dad both have my number. You can call me anytime, okay?”
