This was nicer than I’d expected.
“That wasn’t okay, Brooke. You have to know that.”
“Well, were you going to ever tell them?” she asked, throwing her hands up. “I got it out of the way.”
“That’s still not?—”
“I know, okay? Dean already said I was wrong. So, I got breakfast.”
I stared at her. This was the closest I would get to an apology, and even this was more than I’d ever seen.
Just how had Dean gotten through to her?
“Thanks, Brooke.”
“It’s whatever. Enjoy it. I’m going back to Nashville.” She muttered it and went to get her purse. She got to the stairs in front of the door before she paused and looked back at me. “Just remember.I’mfamily. He’s not.”
And then she was gone.
I was still angry, but she’d tried, which was something. With a sigh, I went to the dining room where there was food left out. There was even coffee in a Styrofoam cup.
I had no idea how to feel, but I ate breakfast, grateful that I didn’t have to cook. Once I was finished, some of the anger had dissipated.
Now I had to deal with the town.
Slowly, I went to my closet and started to put together anoutfit for the day. This was one of the few times I wanted to dress in something to help me blend in, not stand out.
But I fought that urge. I’d feel better in something pretty, and after a few outfit changes, I landed on a pink dress with a jacket, and knew this was the right choice.
My heart hammered as I walked the streets. I had to face this, but it was terrifying.
I passed by Marjorie first. I expected some smart-ass comment about getting knocked up, or a poorly made joke about pregnancy, but she only waved.
Next was Jackie. She waved and asked, “It’s getting warm, isn’t it?” and moved on.
Okay. Neither of them were at the bar, so maybe news didn’t spread too fast.
Then I saw Kerry. She was outside the diner, about to walk in. Her eyes met mine and she froze when she saw me. I figured she would run up and pepper me with questions. Instead, she squeezed her lips together and ran inside.
I paused on my walk. Kerry didn’t have questions? Since when?
Mark was walking from Food ‘n’ Things and nodded when he saw me. “Like the dress. The jacket might make it too warm, though.”
I looked down at my jacket. “Probably, but it makes it look better.”
I waited for the comment about pregnancy not helping, but he only laughed and walked into Bell’s Brews.
What the fuck was going on?
I knew this town and how they operated. There wasnoway they found out about me being pregnant and just let it go.
Collective amnesia was more possible than that.
I had barely opened the door before I heard fast, loudfootsteps. Jade wasrunningtoward me, and in her combat boots, it was terrifying.
“Oh my God,” I said. “Is everything okay? Did Gabriel come back into town?”
“Funny, but no. I’m here to talk about you.” She looked around like she had contraband stuffed in her pockets. “Get inside. We need to talk.”