Ask Me Why(40)

Braelyn slaps the table. “She might be the worst human ever.”

I grunt. “You haven’t met my mother.”

Her jaw drops. “No wonder you have issues with women.”

I cradle my throbbing skull. “We’re not getting into that tonight.”

She hums. “That’s fair. I think we’ve made a lot of progress already.”

My scoff bounces off the walls. “What?”

Braelyn motions between us. “We have a better understanding, right? Bonded through pain or grief or whatever this is. Life has not been the smoothest ride. We get each other on a level most cannot reach.”

“That’s some fluffy ass shit, Braelyn.”

Her smile sparkles. “Just go with it. I’m feeling sentimental.”

The last thing her damaged psyche needs is a man like me. But who am I to deny her? “Kindred fucking spirits. Awesome.”

“I’m glad we’re on the same page,” she giggles.

The fact this woman can laugh after what she’s suffered through is a testament to her character. The center of my chest grows warm while I listen to the joyful sound. I rub at the tingling sensation and curse that soft spot for spreading. Exploring these feelings is more dangerous than dwelling on the countless ways my mother fucked me up.

I adjust my watch, clocking the late hour. “Enough of this sappy shit. Let’s get to the reason we’re here.”

Braelyn’s eyes are twinkling. “You wanted to take me out on a date?”

“That’s hilarious.” My flat tone reflects zero amusement. I open the notepad app on my phone. “We’ll begin by reviewing your assets.”

“Is that a sneaky way of asking to see my butt?”

I almost choke on my tongue. “Strictly business, Braelyn.”

She rests her chin on a closed fist. “Since when? That’s no fun.”

“Writing a will isn’t meant to be.” A thought occurs to me. “How did you manage to open Thicket two years ago? You were what, twenty-three?”

Braelyn lowers her gaze. “Devon had a will and left everything to me. That turned out to be more than enough capital to start Thicket. He included a simple note that told me to follow my heart. So I did.”

Every ill word I’ve thrown out about that store slaps me in the face. Shit, I’m an asshole. I swallow a massive bite of humble pudding, which is far worse than pie. “I’m glad you were able to do that. He made sure you were taken care of.”

“He really did,” she murmurs.

I almost reach for her hand, but stop myself at the last second. “I’m sorry he’s not here to see what you’ve built.”

“He is in his own way.” She spins the bracelet on her wrist. The rainbow colors are faded with age.

The pressure in the room increases tenfold, and I find it hard to breathe. It’s becoming painfully obvious how bad of an idea this was. I have no right to get involved with her personal dealings. I open my mouth to diffuse this lit stick of dynamite, but she beats me to it.

Braelyn pulls something out of her purse and sets it on the table. “Before I forget, these are for Ollie. I got a new flavor of taffy. He wasn’t in today so I figured you could give this to him.” She pushes the wax paper package closer to me.

A torrential downpour wreaks havoc on the deserted lands that makes up my entirety. The concrete surface soaks in the moisture and groans for more. With a simple gesture, this woman ends my drought. She’s already busy planting ideas and sprouting possibilities. The desert in my chest will be a thriving rainforest if this continues.

All I can do is stare at her offering and the implications waiting inside. Her eyes are searching too close, watching my inner storm pass and clouds lift. There’s more damage being erased with every blink.

I lift the hefty sack of candy. “That’s a lot of sugar.”

She shrugs. “He’s had a lot more on many occasions.”

I clear the shrapnel from my throat. “Well, thanks. Ollie will love this. Maybe it’ll help him forgive me for hanging out with you when he wasn’t around.”

Braelyn laughs. “We’ll just have a redo. The second time around will be better.”

Dammit, she’s digging deeper into me. I just might let her.





Braelyn



Cross



I tip my face up, allowing the midday sun to shine down on me. Is there anything better than kicking back while soaking in natural vitamin D? At this moment, I’m going with no. My new sunglasses paint everything in a rosy tint. The bright hue matches my mood. I’d stay here for hours and bathe in this cheery goodness. It’s a beautiful afternoon to be outside.

The bench creaks beneath me when I cross my legs. Even though the wood is weathered and worn, this is my favorite place to sit. I release my hair from the confining bun. With a swoosh, long waves spill down my back. The breeze picks up, and golden strands swirl in every direction.

All around me, the park is bustling with activity. Probably due to the temperature being that optimal blend of warm and balmy. A group of teens whip a frisbee around, chasing the disc back and forth. There’re countless children climbing all over the playground equipment. An adorable puppy scampers by with a young girl holding the leash. I smile at the pair.