Page 117 of Broken Promises

On the other hand, my best friend is a fucking liar. He lied to my face for months, even after he found out everything that was going on. And I’m honestly not convinced he didn’t know at least some of it.

Willa and I are better than ever, but the moment we step out of our bubble and interact with our friends, everything is awkward. It makes me want to squirrel her away into our house and never leave again.

She says I can’t do that.

I’m going to keep trying, anyway.

“Dec. A package was just delivered for you,” Willa says. “It’s giant and still at the front door.”

I look at Gideon like he’ll have an explanation, which he obviously doesn’t. He just shrugs and grabs himself another beer.

“Come on,” Willa says, grabbing my hand and pulling me through our backyard and to the front of the house. “I want to know what it is.”

I laugh and let her tug me behind her. Once we get to the front of the house, I see the large, rectangular box propped up against the front door.

“I didn’t order anything,” I say, frowning at the box. The label on it only has my name and address, no return address.

“Open it,” Willa says, leaning around me to look at the label. “Maybe it’s a retirement gift.”

“It’s heavy and awkward,” I complain, carrying it into the house and laying it down on the dining room table.

“Here.” Willa hands me a kitchen knife, and I quickly cut the tape on the box.

There’s a note lying on top of something wrapped in bubble wrap. I pick it up and read it out loud.

Declan,

I’ve had this for a while, always intending on gifting it to you. I’m sorry I broke your trust. You’ve been nothing but a great friend to me. When you’re ready, I’d like the opportunity to talk. To tell you my story.

Congratulations on the retirement.

Ben

“Why?” I ask, not sure what part I’m even questioning right now.

Willa shrugs. “Open it and see what he sent you.”

I do as she asks, hearing her gasp before I process what I’m looking at.

It’s a picture he took during one of my games. I don’t know how he managed to get that angle, but I’m speechless.

It’s a picture of Willa and me, our foreheads leaning against the glass. You can see us clearly from each side with the thick glass in the middle. It’s like he had his lens right up against the glass from an open door. Our eyes are shut, and we’re both smiling.

“This is the best picture I’ve ever seen. We have to hang it up immediately.”

“Where?” I ask her, not disagreeing.

She looks around and then points to the staircase. The wall there is blank and looks like it might be the exact right size. It’s already framed, so I don’t have to do that first.

Slava and Rogers end up having to help me, but we get the picture hung exactly where Willa wants it.

“Fuck, man. Do you think I can get him to do that same pose with me and Maggie?” Gideon asks. No one knows about Ben. I may be angry with him, but it’s not my secret to tell.

I shrug. “Maybe.”

“Are you going to talk to him?” Willa asks, wrapping her arms around my waist and snuggling into my side. I put my arms around her and hold her close.

“Probably. Just not yet.”

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