Page 43 of The Pilot & the Athlete

Darian just raised his eyebrows.

“Carrie emailed me the whole year you two were dating, and I responded. We emailed almost every day.”

Darian’s eyebrows shot higher. “I knew you were after her.”

“We were friends. It’s tough to be away from home, and you know bright and easy she was to talk to. Her emails really helped me.” He shook his head. “But when I came home, she ran at me and kissed me at the welcome home party. I thought for a beat that you two must’ve broken up, but then I moved away from the kiss and saw you. I knew you loved her.”

Paul hesitated as if debating whether he should say the hurtful things. Shay knew he needed to get them out. She nodded encouragingly.

“She told me she loved me.”

Darian flinched.

“I told her that you were a great man, and that she should be with you.”

Darian rolled his eyes but didn’t otherwise respond.

“Then later that night, she came to my parents’ house on a mountain bike and begged me to love her. I told her there was nothing between us and she should go back to you. She took off on the mountain bike, crying. I felt awful, but I didn’t know what to do.”

“Wait.” Darian held up a hand. “You saw her on the mountain bike … before she died?”

Paul nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“You should’ve called me,” Darian shot at him.

“I did,” Paul said. “You blocked my number.”

Darian jolted and then rubbed his jaw.

“I’m sorry if this hurts you. I wanted you to know the truth and I wanted to finally apologize. I pray you can find healing and forgiveness. It was only recently that I was able to accept forgiveness from heaven and forgive myself.”

“Well, I’m glad you could shed the burden,” Darian said, sarcasm making his voice thick. “Because I can’t.”

Shay looked round to her brother. She’d known this might not go well and she could feel the downslide, read the angst in his teal-colored eyes.

“I want you out of my house and away from my sister,” Darian hollered. “You just admitted that you had a relationship with Carrie, you tried to trick her into loving you, and then you let her die!”

Shay wanted to scream at her thickheaded brother, but it would do no good. She looked up at Paul. She’d seen this braveman take on four armed men and come out the victor. He was a hero of epic proportions, but he was clearly at a loss for how to make things right with her brother.

“Go,” she urged. “I need to talk to him alone. I’ll be outside in a bit.”

Paul nodded and released her, turning to the door. He pulled the door open but then turned back to Darian. “I’m sorry for what happened with Carrie and wish I could make it right. I can’t.” He paused and then shook his head. “Even if you’re furious with me, I expect you to treat Shay kindly, or I will give you more reasons to hate me.” It was a warning. Paul would let Darian berate him, but he would not stand for her brother to hurt her in any way.

“I would never hurt Shay,” Darian snarled.

“Thank you.” Paul gave her one last look, then walked out the door, shutting it behind him.

Shay turned to her brother. He was still glaring at the door. She prayed to know what to say, how to help him.

“Darian,” she started. “When are you going to let this all go? It’s hurting you worse than anybody.”

“Are you seriously dating Paul Braven?” he demanded.

“Yes, I am.” She tilted her chin up.

“Everybody thinks he’s some hero, but he’s a fake and a cheater.” She started to protest, but he overrode her. “You’d choose a backstabber who basically murdered Carrie over your own brother? You’d turn your back on your family?”

His gaze pierced her. Shay wanted to say so many things to him, but she felt frozen and awful. Was that what she was doing? Turning her back on her family? Her skin felt tight and dry and her stomach squeamish. She’d always loved her family.They’d supported her in her dreams when others said she was washed up or too old.

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