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My thoughts go back to earlier…to Hayden begging me to let him explain. He accused me of running, and he wasn’t wrong. I didn’t give him a chance to talk because I was too hurt to listen. I told him and Brody that in order for us to work, we have to communicate, yet at the first sign of trouble, I refused to do just that.
Were they wrong for hiding it from me? Yes. Do I have the right to be upset? Hell yes. But one thing I learned a long time ago from being married is that nobody is perfect. The fact is, Hayden never once mentioned me selling out my lease, and when Brody and I discussed business and I mentioned it to him, he didn’t try to sway me one way or the other. If they had ill intentions, wouldn’t they have hinted at something by now? We’ve been seeing each other for several weeks now.
As if they can sense me thinking about them, my phone goes off, and when I check it, it’s a text from Brody in our group chat.
Brody: I know shit is fucked up right now, but I’m lying in bed, and it’s not the same without you. I just need you to know that. I miss you so damn much. I hope you arrived safely and are enjoying your time with your kids, but I miss you…
Along with his text is a selfie of him lying in bed with a bit of light streaming in, probably from the hallway light since they leave it on. His hazel eyes are staring at the camera, his face covered in scruff since he hasn’t shaved in a few days. His lips are tipped up slightly, but not enough to call it a smile, and his features almost look…sad.
My chest aches at the thought of him hurting. I care about him and Hayden, and even though I’m hurting, I don’t want them to hurt. Regardless of how it all shakes out, we need to talk. I need to listen to them and then decide. Running isn’t how things should be handled.
Me: I arrived safely, and it felt so good to hug and kiss my babies. Miles is taking me fishing in the morning, and then Evie and I are going to play dolls. I miss you too. Both of you.
I hit send, knowing Hayden will see the text.
Brody: You don’t know how much those words mean to us. Enjoy your trip, sweetness. When you’re ready to talk, we’ll be here.
I tear up at his words, wishing I could be in two places at once. Hating that I left without talking to them. But right now, I need to focus on spending time with my kids. They made it clear they’re having a good time and don’t want to come home yet, which means I only have a few days with them before I need to get home to run Heart’s while they stay for another few weeks.
Me: Thank you. Good night.
Brody: Night xo
TUESDAY MORNING
Brody: Morning, I hope you have fun fishing. Catch something big!
Me: >
Brody: That’s quite the fish! Good job.
Me: Thank you. Miles caught it and was so proud.
TUESDAY NIGHT
Brody: > Missing you like crazy.
Me: > Miss you too.
Me: Miss you, Hayden.
Hayden: Miss you so much more.
WEDNESDAY MORNING
Brody: Hey, sweetness. Just thinking about you. Hope you have a great day with your kids.
Me: >
Brody: You look beautiful, and your kids look just like you.
Me: Thank you.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Brody: Good night, sweetness. Sweet dreams. >
Me: Good night. >
Me: Good night, Hayden.
Hayden: Good night, beautiful.
THURSDAY MORNING
Brody: > Coffee is delicious, but you taste better.
Brody: Lacey says hi. >
Me: Nothing tastes better than coffee… Tell Lacey hello and that I’ll see her soon.
THURSDAY NIGHT
I check my phone several times while sitting outside sipping my wine and reading my book, but nothing comes through, and I wonder if something is wrong, or maybe Brody’s busy. Hayden has only texted after I texted first, and I know it’s because he’s trying to give me the space I asked for. I’m checking my phone for the millionth time when Beatrice knocks lightly on the door to let me know she’s here.
“You don’t have to knock,” I say with a laugh, gesturing for her to join me. “It’s so nice out here. I don’t know how you ever go back to New York. I’ve considered moving here several times,” I joke.
Beatrice sits in the chair next to me. “We’ve considered it. Especially with Stephen retiring this year, and we plan to stay here more often, but we’d miss our grandkids and you too much.” She smiles softly at me and then takes a sip of her wine that she brought out with her.
