Page 26 of Rekindled Heat

"Max, baby, this is delicious," Anne gushes.

I nod my agreement but keep on eating.

“I bet Erick would enjoy it, too.” Max remarks.

"Well, our friend Erik might need to talk to someone." She says.

"Is this where you tell me the truth about what you and Brandy have been up to?"

"Red had nothing to do with it, Max. It was all me."

I go on and tell him what happened between me and Erik. I make sure he understands I take full responsibility for everything that happened. When I'm through with my story, I wait and stare at him. He says nothing and keeps eating his dinner. Anne kicks him under the table.

"Hey, I'm thinking." He says.

"We're on the edge of our seats here."

"Just tell me, Max.” I cry. “What do you think?"

"You need to give him time."

"Max!" Anne hollers.

"Hey, you lied to me too, kitten, and it took me several weeks of talking to you to start letting go of my anger. Erik is more laid back, so it might not take as long, but he still needs a little break to absorb everything."

"I think he's right, Anne. I'm going to stay here for a couple of days, and then I'll head back to Woodland Falls."

"I might just go with you," Anne says, shooting daggers with her eyes at her soon-to-be husband before she smiles at him.

If time is what Erik needs, that's what I'm going to give him.

Chapter 10

Brandy

Lugging my stuff from Miami to Colorado was difficult, especially because I couldn't leave my great grandma's sewing machine behind. Even though it's not functional right now, it's an heirloom. Back home, my house is spotless, and the fridge is stocked, thanks to my mother and my BFF Sam. But this no longer feels like home to me. Something is missing, and I keep wondering if one can die from a broken heart.

I take a shower to wash off the yuck from all the travel and then throw myself on the bed to wallow in self-pity. Sleep takes me while I think about Erik back in Miami. The sound of the doorbell ringing wakes me. The house is dark, and I flip switches to find my way to the front door. I look through the peephole, and it's none other than my mother with a group of people.

Thankfully, Sam is one of the people, and when I open the door, she drags me to my room and closes the door behind us. We hug for the longest time, and the tears come out.

"Stop that, you can't let the old biddies see you cry."

"They're here?"

"They were at the cafe when your mother went to get me to come here. I'm sorry I couldn't fight that many old people."

That brings out my smile. I know Sam's got my back, but I also know how persistent those ladies are when there's new gossip.

"Get dressed, and then we'll go out as a united front."

"I don't know if that will be enough."

I rummage through my drawers and find a comfortable t-shirt and some leggings.

"Is Erik's mom there too?"

"Yeah. She keeps shaking her head every time she hears Erik's name."

---