Page 154 of Reckless Vow

“I can’t believe you would both jump to that conclusion. That I’m the monster.”

They continue screaming at each other, no longer making sense, just throwing insults.

The shouting only gets louder. I cover my ears.

Don’t they realize I’m right here?

Don’t they realize they are talking about the worst night of my life?

Don’t they realize what a big misunderstanding it has been?

“Skittles,” I shout, and everyone freezes.

Baldo turns to me, bewildered. But then his expression softens. “Fuck, Brook, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lose it.”

I sigh, because I don’t know what to say. I wish he hadn’t lost it either, but this is not only about me or us.

This is about him and his parents as well. And I don’t think we can separate all those layers. But we can try to have a respectful conversation.

“Dad, you made the wrong assumption. Looking back, I can see how that happened, but that doesn’t excuse your behavior. I don’t want to talk about that night anymore. It’s painful, and I think it’s time to look forward, not backward.

“You told me not so long ago how Mommy regretted that she never reconciled with Roberta. How family was the most important thing for her. You told me that time with people who matter is up there as the most important thing. Baldo matters to me, and if you can’t accept that, we’ll have to leave.”

“Nobody is leaving,” Mom thunders. “We’re going to throw the steaks on the grill and enjoy each other’s company. And if the two of you need to sit on opposite sides of the table, so be it. This family is large enough to create a buffer between you.”

Holy shit, I almost forgot how formidable Mom is. How nobody ever contradicts her.

She raises her eyebrows, glaring Dad down. He sighs and nods. Then she turns to Baldo.

His jaw ticks as he taps his fingers on his thigh. He looks at me and his expression softens. “What can I help with?”

And just like that, the loud clan of the Cassinetti-Lowe family resumes the commotion and starts the late dinner.

And I get to spend time with the two most important men in my life. Even though they glower at each other.

Chapter40

Brook

Celeste

I can’t believe I’ll never be your maid of honor.

Saar

Hey, why would you assume you’d be her maid of honor?

It’s good I’m already married, so I don’t have to choose between the two of you.

Celeste

It’s kind of sad you didn’t have a real wedding.

Saar

You’re hopeless. Romance is dead.

Saying that makes you hopeless.

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