Page 69 of Facial Recognition

Brooks looked around at all of my handiwork. “I’m sorry you’ve had to bear the brunt of all the planning. I know, technically, it should have been my job.”

“I’ve had a good time doing it, with the help of my friends. Besides, you won’t even be there.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I would come,” he stammered, “but I’m doing a presentation about the dissipation of marital assets at the conference.”

“Sounds riveting,” I teased before plopping down on the couch. “Don’t worry about it. I know you find reunions trite and for people who peaked in their pasts.”

He sat next to me and let out a heavy sigh. “I didn’t say that.”

“You also didn’t disagree with Morgan when she spoke for both of you on the subject.”

“I wish I would have. You were right when you said that people who don’t face their past can never make peace with their future.”

“You remember that?”

“Grace, ever since you walked back into my life, I can’t think of anyone but you.” His sincerity was going to be my undoing.

But I still had some fight in me. “Uh-huh. Which was why you continued to date Morgan.”

“It’s why I was going to end it with her. But can we not talk about her?”

“That is always my preference, but you should know, she RSVP’d to the reunion.” I couldn’t believe it when her reservation came through on our system. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She was more hypocritical than I’d ever dreamed. What was she playing at, exactly? Especially after her sanctimonious speech about reunions. And the fact that I knew what a facade her life was.

Brooks’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?”

“Like my love for General Hospital. She’s bringing an Olivander Kennedy. If that isn’t a pretentious name, I don’t know what is. She obviously moved on from you pretty fast.”

Brooks chuckled. “That brings you some pleasure.”

“Maybe.”

He leaned in closer. “You should know, Olivander Kennedy claims to be a cousin of the Kennedy family—as in JFK—yet can never produce any solid proof. He was also charged with embezzling a fortune from his father’s insurance company, though he was let off on a technicality.”

“How do you know him?”

“I represented his wife in their divorce last year.”

“Why would Morgan date him?”

“Like her, he talks a good talk and can make himself look better on paper than he is in real life.”

“I almost feel sorry for people like that. Almost.”

“Don’t. People like Morgan and Olivander never think for one second about anyone but themselves.”

I tilted my head. “What about you?”

“I’m trying to be better. Trying to right my wrongs, though it’s hard, and I admit I still harbor ill will toward my father.”

I rested my hand on his thigh. “I know he appreciates your effort. How did it go tonight?”

He gave me a crooked smile. “Ryker and Axel did their best to make friends with my colleagues, entertaining them with ridiculous jokes that made no sense, yet somehow they made them sound hilarious.” Brooks beamed with uncle pride. “When the rug rats let someone else get a word in, Dad enjoyed talking shop. He might have lost some memories, but he’s still pretty sharp.”

My brow quirked. “Tom has been promoted to Dad?”

Brooks smirked. “Don’t act so surprised.”

“I think it’s you who is surprised.”

“Right again.” Brooks scrubbed a hand over his face. “He does like to talk about you, which plays in his favor.”

“Is that so? What does he say?”

“That you’re headstrong and wonderful.”

“I concur,” I laughed.

Brooks tucked some of my unruly hair behind my ear. “He also said I’ve been a fool for a lot of years.”

“I agree with that too,” I whispered.

“Me too.”

“Brooks, I’m so happy you’re trying to work things out with your daddy and, admittedly, that you’ve dumped Morgan. But . . . people don’t just change. Not to say people can’t change. But you have some pretty strong opinions about relationships and marriage. Opinions I don’t share. And . . . you really hurt me.”

He scooted closer, worry etched in his beautiful eyes.

I held still, though I was tempted to shy away from him. He had this way of encompassing me and making me forget why I shouldn’t be jumping onto his lap and kissing his face off.

“Grace, I’m sorry I hurt you. For all the time we’ve lost. But you’re right.” He rested his hand on my cheek, and I couldn’t help but lean into it. “I’ve seen what marriage can do to two people, and I shudder to think of you and me becoming like that. The bitterness, abuse, and dissatisfaction I see on a daily basis from my clients makes me hesitant. Not to mention my own family’s situation.”

My head tilted upright. “So, marriage is a definite no go for you?” I bravely asked, not really wanting the answer, yet knowing it was necessary that I hear the truth.

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