“You’ll come to my graduation, right?”
“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for anything!”
“Thanks, I’m glad you’ll be there.” The relief in his voice stung. “I’ll work on getting an extra ticket in case of rain. If it rains, it’ll be inside, and it’ll just be you, Mom, and Dad. If it’s outside, then they’ll open it up to six people per graduate so everyone can go.”
Bile threatened to crawl up my throat. “Everyone?”
“You, Mom, Dad, and the Belkes.”
Of course, our parents invited the Belkes, their neighbors and best friends. As far as they were concerned, we were one big happy family. “All of them?” I tried to sound natural despite the chill running through me, but I don’t think I succeeded. It washard to sound normal when my throat felt so tight I could barely breathe.
“Gloria and John for sure, and probably Brian, too.”
Dang it! It would kill me to disappoint Tyler, but it would be a hundred times worse to see Brian. Was there any way I could make sure it rained?
“When is it? I have to see if I can get off work.”
“May seventeenth. You’ll be able to come, right? Can’t Izzy switch a few days with you?”
“I hope so, but…” I searched for a plausible excuse. “Her daughter has a softball tournament in May, and I already agreed to work so she could take off. I need to ask her the dates.” The lie burned like acid on my tongue. Maybe I could find a softball tournament on May seventeenth and convince Izzy to sign Sophia up.
“Oh,” Tyler muttered. “I really hope you can come. I miss you, Jen Jen. It wouldn’t feel right to do something so important without you.”
Way to twist the knife in deeper, Ty. “I’ll do my best.” My best to get through this. Or out of it. “I’m so proud of you.”And so sorry.
“Mom wants to have a party the following week, but if you come, I’ll tell her to do it the night of graduation instead so you can be there.”
Even if I got lucky and it rained, he could still be at the party. I couldn’t go. I’d promised myself that once I moved away, I’d never see Brian again, and so far, I hadn’t. Well, not since my sophomore year. As much as I wanted to be there for Tyler, I wouldn’t break my promise to my younger self.
“If I can’t make it, or even if I do, you should come out here. Visit and we’ll make a vacation out of it before you get too busy working.”
“Yeah. I’ll try. Let me know if you’ll be there.” He sounded so disappointed in me, just like every other time I’d let him down over the years.
I sniffled, not even trying to hide my heartbreak. He deserved to know I was just as sad as he was. “I will. I love you, Tyler.”
“You too.” And then he hung up.
I was the world’s worst sister, but there was nothing I could do about it. The only way he’d understand was if I told him the truth. I could imagine that conversation...
“Sorry Tyler, but I can’t go because I don’t want to see Brian.”
“Why? You were always so close.”
“Not really. He was actually a monster. But when I said no, he threatened to go to you.”
Nope. I didn’t protect Tyler for all those years just to destroy him now. Even if he was upset with me, I was doing the right thing.
I pet Thor, who was sprawled across my lap and every available inch of the couch, and sighed. Tonight had been too good to allow thoughts of Brian to ruin it. I closed my eyes and pictured Liam kissing me at the door, his touch and kiss so gentle in contrast to his strength. He’d crush Brian like a bug if he knew.
Firmly keeping my focus on Liam, I pulled out my phone and texted the only people who could semi-understand.
Me: He’s perfect.
Juliette: I knew it!
Me: We’re going out again on Friday
Nicky: Yay!!!