Page 57 of Another Postcard

She came to a sudden stop and whirled to look me straight in the eye, her hands balled into fists and propped on her hips. “If that’s what you really think, then fuck you, Levi,” she snapped before pushing me aside to put everything back in her suitcase. “I’ll just go and you can get over your imaginary Brooklynn that much faster.”

I crossed my arms over my chest, my feet apart, a scowl etched on my face. “We’ve already got people taking care of, Baylee. You can’t leave, Brooklynn.”

She flung an incredulous look my way. “You don’t want me here, why would I stay? And what do you mean they are ‘taking care’ of Baylee?”

“Noah informed Penny of the situation and she helped the people from the hospital take Baylee in. And, before you ask, we had already intended to send you home for the next few days to see her and come to terms with everything.”

She finished packing and zipped up her suitcase, then lifted it off the bed. I put my hand out to keep her from passing. “You have a contract, Brooklynn. You’ll be in serious debt if you breach it.” Her face fell even further and I ignored the pain lancing my already shredded heart. “And, unlike you, I mean what I say, so I won’t interfere if everyone else wants you to stay after the tour. But, our final concert in New York will be the last time we sing ‘Sanity.’”

I dropped my arms and pivoted, stalking to the door. “Stay here, I’ll get another room.”

“You’re wrong.” Her whisper reached me just as I was about to close the door. “If you’d only let me explain.”

I slammed the door, shutting out the room and wishing I could shut away all of my memories of her, shut away my love for her, just as easily. Instead, they were so overwhelming that I stumbled into the wall, putting a hand against it to hold myself up.Fuck this shit. You’re Levi fucking Matthews. The world is full of Brooklynn’s who will fall at the feet of a rock god.

I didn’t really believe the voice in my head, but I kept telling myself the same thing hoping I’d believe it eventually. As I put distance between me and our—her room, a barrage of memories fell in front of me, one by one, like unique snowflakes, each with their own story to tell. Every one of them was a different moment with Brooklynn. They reminded me of why I fell in love with her and how genuine and honest she’d always been with me. By the time I reached the elevator, I’d begun to really doubt myself. When I got down to the lobby, I was convinced that I was the biggest fucking idiot in the world. Shit. I almost went right back up to apologize, but groveling alone wasn’t going to make up for what I’d said to her, the things I’d believed, if only for a few minutes.

I’d been headed to the front desk, so I changed course and ended up at the bar. “Whiskey neat,” I grunted to the waiter who seemed to materialize in front of me. “Make it three. And, throw a shot in there somewhere.” The young guy eyed me with sympathy.

“Bad breakup?” he asked in stilted English as he poured.

“Not if I have anything to say about it,” I growled. “First I have to figure out how to make up for a monumental fuck up.”

“She is American?” he asked and I nodded. “You’re in Rome, Signore. There are many inspirations for romance here. Best of luck, Signore.” He nodded and moved on to help another customer.

Poor starry-eyed kid.A romantic walk and a box of chocolates weren’t going to cut it. I had a feeling I was going to need to bleed.

32

Brooklynn

Istaredat the door where the man I loved more than anything had more or less just walked out of my life. The hurt wrapped itself around me so tight I was nearly choking on it. I sunk down on the bed, keeping my eyes trained on the entrance like he might walk back in and apologize any moment. Even if he did, would I really forgive him after the awful things he’d accused me of?

My next steps were fuzzy at best. I didn’t really know what to do next. The instinct to go home was still there, but a strong part of me wanted to avoid the whole situation. I felt guilty for being such a coward and wishing I could avoid dealing with Baylee forever. Then there was the issue of my contract. By the time I got home, I’d have less than twenty-four hours before I had to be back for the concerts in Rome. We wouldn’t have another extended break for four weeks, but then we had almost a week off. A much more reasonable amount of time to handle everything at home. I needed more information before I could make a decision.

Digging my cell phone out of my purse, I pulled up Penny’s number and pressed call.

“Brooklynn?” her voice sounded strained and tear-filled.

“Hi, Penny. Are you okay?” I asked softly.

She sniffed. “Yes, I just, I’m so sorry Brooklynn. I don’t know how she disappeared on me and…and I just don’t understand how she could do such a thing. She talked about you all the time like you were her favorite person. The only other person she talked about like that was—well, you know. Anyway, I’m—I’m just so sorry.” She was crying in earnest now and I wasn’t sure what to say. It was hard to provide comfort when I couldn’t find any.

“Penny, it’s okay. Really. You didn’t do anything wrong. I mean, if I could miss it, how would anyone else see it?”

“I guess.” Her voice was small and sad.

I cleared my throat around the lump forming. “How is she?”

“She’s all right, I guess. Mostly, she seems scared and lost.” My heart squeezed, hating that my sweet little sister was—but then, did my sweet little sister only exist in my mind?

“Can you give me the information for her doctor? I’d like to check in with them.”

“Oh sure.” She rustled around for a moment, then rattled off all the information.

“Penny, I hate to ask, but I may be stuck here a little longer due to my contract. Would you stay on and keep an eye on her, stay in contact with the doctors and keep me updated?”

“Oh, of course, Brooklynn! I really think that deep down, she’s the Baylee we know and love. I feel it, deep in my heart.” I was glad she felt that way but I wasn’t sure I had any hope that she was right. We said goodbye and hung up, then I dialed the number for Baylee’s doctor at the hospital she was checked into.

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