Page 88 of Mr. Broody

Spread open.

Bent over my shoulders with my face between them.

Okay you need to stop before I use the toy from the picture I sent because you’re getting me all wet. I gotta get ready.

I was just getting started. Have a great day, Jade. Know that I’ll be thinking of you about a million times today.

A million? A little much, no?

Are you challenging me? You’re always in my thoughts. Always have been.

My hand covers my heart. Oh, this man.

Go have fun with Bodhi. Miss you.

Henry resends the picture of his empty bed.

Still waiting…

I don’t text back because we could go all day doing this.

I hook my arm through Eloise’s. “So, Kyleigh said you made another appointment at the bridal shop. When were you going to tell me?”

She sighs and rolls her eyes as we walk Navy Pier.

It’s a warm day for November, but there’s still a chill in the air. It’s the perfect crisp fall day, and I’m not going to waste it staying inside.

“Don’t be mad,” she says.

I stop us and tug on her jacket sleeve to move to the edge of the lake. “Why would I be mad?”

“I’ve decided to go by myself.” She stares at the water.

I allow her the distraction she wants, and I do the same.

“May I ask why?” I’m disappointed I won’t be there to support my friend in this milestone in her life, but I’ll do whatever she needs me to do. Even if it means not being there.

She doesn’t say anything at first. “I think people expect brides to react a certain way when they see themselves in the mirror, and I clearly didn’t react how I should. I just don’t want any expectations on me.”

“That’s not true. I was just concerned about you, but I get it, and if it’s what you want, then okay. I won’t pressure you.”

“Thank you.”

I hug her and feel the tension throughout her body. Is this what planning a wedding is like? If so, do not sign me up.

Eloise pulls away and smiles at me. “Now let’s walk so you can tell me what’s going on with Henry.”

I really want to tell Eloise, but I can’t betray Henry like that. And I figure it will be a little longer before he feels secure about this thing, and we can spill the news. “Nothing. Other than being invited to his son’s birthday party.”

“Really?” she asks, her eyes widening. “Okay.”

She puts up her hand as we near the end of the pier. Memories come flooding back of Henry and me chasing one another here in our youth. All the summer nights we spent watching fireworks. It makes me miss him, and for the first time, that nagging feeling isn’t in my gut when I think of him. The memories are all good ones.

“What just happened?” Eloise asks. “You got quiet.”

“I don’t know. Usually when I talk about Henry or remember us together, I feel this weight in my stomach over everything that happened—and didn’t—but we spent a lot of summers right here, and I don’t feel it.”

She smiles and runs her hand down my arm. “Maybe seeing him again and being back is helping you to see that you’re finally ready to put the past between you aside.”

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