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“Patience is key, brother.”
CHAPTER22
Charlotte
When I reached the top step, I stared at the closed door to my home office. Opening it, I stepped inside and looked around. I’d already been in here yesterday, but only for a brief moment. I sat behind my desk and picked up the picture of Conner and me that sat in a frame. I felt something when we danced. Something I hadn’t felt in years: safe. I supposed that wasn’t entirely true because if he made me feel that way now, he also did before the accident. I told him everything about me, moved in, and created a life with him. I accepted his marriage proposal and wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t wholeheartedly love him. I just wished I could remember everything that led me to fall in love with him. What would the psychologist in me say to one of my patients if they were going through this? I placed my elbows on my desk and buried my face in my hands.
“Charlotte? Are you okay?” Conner stood in the doorway.
“Yeah. I’m fine.” I stared at him.
“I thought you were going to lie down.”
“I was, but I wanted to come in here and see if anything jogged a memory.”
“And?” He stepped inside.
“Nope.” I sighed. “Can you play me something on the piano?”
“Yeah, of course. Come on.” The corners of his mouth curved upward.
We went downstairs and took a seat on the piano bench.
“I played this song for you the very first time you came to the house. We both sang it together, so I expect you to join in.”
“If I know it, I will.”
“You know it.” He grinned as he placed his fingers on the keys and began playing and singing Tiny Dancer.
I smiled as I listened to him and joined in the chorus.
“Oh, my God. You’re so good.” I grinned as I clapped my hands. “I had no idea. Well, I’m sure I did.”
“Thank you. I’m happy you liked it.”
“Can I ask you something?” I asked.
“You know you can ask me anything.”
“Did I ever mention to you if I went and saw my brother? Right now, I never want to see him again, but I don’t know if that changed over the past ten years.”
He looked down for a moment, and when he brought his eyes back to mine, I knew something was wrong.
“Charlotte,” he took hold of my hand, “over a year ago, Aiden was in a fight with another inmate and passed away."
“What?” I placed my hand over my mouth.
“I’m sorry. You had him cremated, and we took his ashes on the boat, and you scattered them over the water. You said that he was free of his torment and pain, and so were you.”
“And you couldn’t have told me that?” I spoke with irritation.
“You’re already going through so much, and you didn’t need that news on top of it. I was going to tell you.”
“Really, Conner? When? When the fuck were you going to tell me?” I shouted as I stood up and ran up the stairs, slamming the bedroom door behind me.
The door opened as I paced around the room, trying to calm down.
“What else aren’t you telling me?” I shouted at Conner, who stood there.
