Page 36 of Willow

“We’ll find it, love. I promise we will.” I know it has to be here in the penthouse, it’s just a matter of finding it.

“It won’t be,” she gasps, trying to catch her breath. “The same,” sniffles. “Ever again.” She’s in mourning is the only way I can explain this moment. That locket was a gift from someone she loved and lost.

Rubbing her back, I soothe her the only way I know how. What else can I do? Nothing can replace that locket that much, I know. She reached for it every time she needed to be comforted. Whether it was because of stress or just reassurance. It was always there to provide her with what she needed.

Once she quiets, I sit her in the chair and wrap a blanket around her. She’s still sniffling and distraught, but I’m not coming back in this room till I find her necklace. Throwing on a pair of boxers, I shake out all of the bedding. Not once but twice. Not there. Then, I start at the front door and make my way throughout the penthouse. Searching every nook and corner. Nothing. I check the top of the Steinway, underneath the sides, and come up empty-handed. I fear I made her a promise I can’t keep when I shake out her clothes and a locket falls to the floor at my feet. The clasp is broken, but I can take it to the jewelers and he’ll have it fixed in no time.

Walking into the bedroom, I drop to my knees and open my hand. Palm up. “I found your locket, love. It was inside your sweater.” I was too aroused to notice that she wasn’t even wearing it when I had her by the neck.

“It’s no good anymore.” Another sob.

“I’ll have it fixed—”

“I haven’t taken it off in over five years! Now it’s broken. It’s not the same. It will never be the same again.” I’m trying to understand but I’m more confused than ever.

“I know the locket’s precious, Willow. I promise it will be as good as new and I’ll replace the chain if they can’t—”

She gives me a shove in the chest with such force, I plant my hands on the floor to brace myself from falling over. Bounding off the chair she spits venom as she screams, “Brodie gave me the locket for my nineteenth birthday. He put it around my neck and I haven’t taken it off since. Don’t you see? He’s not here to put it around my neck so it just doesn’t fucking matter. It’s too late!” Standing up, I hold my hands out in surrender. Who the fuck is Brodie? I thought it was her father who gave it to her.

“I know you’re hurting, love, and I want to help you, but I can’t if you don’t tell me who Brodie is.”

She walks over, stands right in front of me, and taps my chest with her fingertip. “Who Brodie was, not is. He was my father’s best friend and the love of my life. He was murdered two hours after he put that locket around my neck. He’s dead because my father found out that his best friend was in love with his daughter.”

22

WILLOW

Caleb droppedmeoff this morning on his way to work. He refused to let me drive. Claiming I was too distraught to be behind the wheel. I don’t know. Maybe he’s right. Since I keep reaching for my locket and it’s no longer there. He insisted on taking it to the jewelers and I didn’t have the heart to say it didn’t matter. It’s been a part of me for so long and now it’s gone. I know he doesn’t realize that I’ve worn it for so long because Brodie’s the one who placed it there. Close to my heart. Every time I dwell on it, I want to start crying all over again. Which won’t do me a bit of good, since it was my fault it broke in the first place. It must have gotten snagged in my sweater when I yanked it over my head.

One of the hardest things I had to do was come to terms with the fact that my necklace is gone. Physically I still have it, but the emotional bond I’ve had for the last five years has been severed. I’ll never get it back. So, even if Caleb goes ahead and has it fixed, it will never be the same as the day Brodie made me hold up my hair to drape the necklace around my neck. It was one of the happiest days of my life, and also the worst day of my life.

The second hardest thing I’ve ever done is confess to Caleb what happened that fateful night. I even revealed the secret that my mom made me swear I wouldn’t tell a living soul. That Brodie was my boyfriend, my lover, and the man I loved. As far as the police know, my dad had a fight with Brodie and was so enraged he shot him in cold blood. Right in the driveway where Caleb delivered my brand new car. If you look really closely, I think you can still see a trace of his blood. It could be my imagination playing tricks on me, but when you stare at something for so long, it becomes a reality. I know Mom thought she was protecting me and my reputation by not telling the police that Brodie and I were together.

My only saving grace was Lucas, Jet, and Trevor. They knew Brodie and I had secretly been seeing one another. Oh, they tried to scare me into thinking they would tell my parents but I knew they would never out me like that. They respected my wishes because they knew I was in love with him. The heart wants what the heart wants.

Now my head’s spinning. I’m lying in bed with the covers pulled up to my chin, mulling over what transpired over the last twenty-four hours. I feel horrible for all the nasty things I’ve said and done to Caleb. He was so patient and kind and I lashed out at him. I blamed him for everything. I’d be amazed if he still wanted anything to do with me after that. If I were him I’d run as far away from the crazy-ass bitch as possible.

I can’t wait until this week is over and we’re all together again. I never realized how much I needed my friends until they were gone. They respected me when I needed my space and we’re always there when I needed them. I’m so lucky to have them all in my life. I’m so ready to be back on tour with all the hustle and the bustle. It will be a great diversion and something to keep me grounded. Music has always been the balm to soothe my savage soul.

My phone vibrates with an incoming text and I roll over to see Caleb’s number. I’m hesitant to answer. I also know if I don’t he’ll worry and pace. Best to just rip off the Band-Aid right here and now.

Caleb:How are you feeling?

Me:Like I’ve been hit by a train. But I’ll be fine.

Caleb:Try to get some rest. I’ll drop your car off after work.

Me:Caleb—

Caleb:What do you need, love?

You. Only you. How do you thank someone for saving you from the roller coaster called life? With all of its highs and lows. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I push on.

Me:Thank you for saving me when I never knew I needed rescuing. Sorry, I said and did all those nasty—

My phone rings and I know this is too deep for him to text. “Hey, Boss Man.”

“I didn’t save you, Willow. I was just the catalyst that guided you through. You did it all on your own, love. You don’t ever have to apologize for lashing out at me. I’d gladly absorb all of your grief if I knew you were pain-free. Now, get some rest and I’ll see you later.”

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