Page 68 of All the Promises We Break

All the words spill out over the table. I can’t look at either one of them. My mother breaks the silence lingering around us. “Will you at least stay at home when Wes is out of town? I don’t like the idea of you being alone for days at a time.”

“Sure. Of course I will. He wouldn’t…” Time sort of freezes for a second. Did I hear her right? She said his name. “What? How did…?”

I continue to stammer and stutter until I feel my father’s hand reach across for mine. “Your mother and I both wondered if he wasn’t the young man you were seeing. We didn’t want to bring our suspicions to you until you were ready.”

“How long have you known?” I ask. My heart is beating so fast in my chest. There’s a heavy mix of excitement, relief, but more than that, fear of them being angry at me or at him.

“Your father picked up on a few cues the night you all were over for dinner, then I watched you two at the wedding. Wesley couldn’t keep his eyes off you.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Of course not. We do have concerns I guess you could say,” my mother adds. “Are the two of you exclusive?”

“Yes, we are. This is the question he was most worried about. He knows what you might think, but he’s definitely not seeing anyone else.”

“Does he treat you well, Hayley?” my father asks.

“Honestly, Daddy, I’ve never had a boyfriend treat me like he does, ever. He wants me to be my own person. He doesn’t try to control anything about me, even the things I think he should. I feel supported and cared for. We’ve had a couple of bumps in the road, but we’re learning together.”

“Is this why you had us meet you here? Did you think we wouldn’t approve?” My father reaches across and offers his other hand to me too. “Hayley, your mother and I love Wes. He’s like another son. If he’s who you choose, who are we to stand in your way?”

My shoulders, which have felt like they were resting around my ears, slowly sag to where they should be. “I didn’t know what you’d say. The only person who knows, other than you, is Dylan.”

“No one has spoken to Elijah about this? Not that either of you need his permission, but this surprises me,” my mother states.

“Honestly, we’re both terrified. Dylan has agreed to let us tell him our way. We’ve asked her to keep quiet about it, not lie if asked, but just don’t give him the information.”

“Hayley, you must realize the terrible position you’ve put Dylan in.”

“I know, Dad. We know. We’re telling him tonight. That’s where I need your help. How do we do this?”

My mother reaches in for my other hand. “Hayley, all you ever need is honesty. Look at how you came to us. What if he’s simply waiting for you both to be ready like we were? Don’t worry so much. He loves you both.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Dylan

This day has been an emotional roller coaster. From my mentor, to Skye, then, finally getting my period after some of the longest hours of my life, to lastly, not having to carry Wes and Hayley’s secret anymore. It’s time for something good.

I thought Eli would call after his appointment. I hope that doesn’t mean more bad news. I put in my earbuds on the train to try to drown out all my thoughts. Music usually clears my head. I have to be mentally prepared for the fallout that might chase us. I’m so tired. I need this to go well for so many reasons.

My key opens the lock and I close myself inside. It’s completely silent. Maybe Eli went back to the office for a while. I drop my bag on the floor beside the chair and fold over on the couch. I feel like garbage and I need to be ready for later. Just as my eyelids fall, I hear Eli’s voice. “Bad day?”

“Shit.” I jump. “I didn’t think you were here. Not great, no.”

Eli stands over the end of the couch with his arms folded across his chest. “Care to share?”

“I will but I need a minute first.” Even though I just laid down, it’s a struggle to get back up. “I want to hear about your appointment. How was your check up with Dr. Collier?”

“Fine. No real surprises, just altering my meds a bit. She said she hopes you can make it next time. How was rehearsal?”

“A shitshow,” I sigh. “That’s part of my bad day.”

“I see.”

His tone is cold. He’s never been cold with me ever. “Are you upset with someone or something?”

“Should I be? How was Hayley? She was meeting you at the studio today right?”

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