Page 71 of Sparking Sara

We all go out into the garage and let Brett open the letter that we know means the demise of his marriage.

“I just hope she doesn’t go after Leo,” J.D. says.

“He claims she doesn’t want him,” Steve says.

“That would kill him,” Bass says. “Especially since she’s in California now.”

We busy ourselves with rig inspections for a while. Then Cameron looks at his watch. “How long do we have to give him?”

Some of the guys from the next shift start to show up, so we take that as our cue to go back inside.

Brett is no longer on the couch. We make our way to the officers’ quarters and see him sitting at his desk. Nobody says anything; we just stand outside his doorway to show our support.

“I didn’t think she’d go through with it,” he says, looking up at us with bloodshot eyes. “She gave me everything. Including Leo. All she wants is visitation. Other than that, she wants nothing to do with me. Us. The eight fucking years we spent together.”

He throws the papers across his desk. “All she wants is a few personal items and her clothes. Who does that? Who walks out on their life after having a kid? How did she turn into such a selfish bitch?”

He looks at J.D., who he’s known since before he met Amanda. “Was I blind to it, man? Was she always that way?”

J.D. sits on Brett’s cot. “No, she wasn’t. Before Leo, she was great. And you guys were the perfect couple. Everyone wanted to beBramanda,” he says. “Becoming a mother changes every woman. It’s just that most of them change for the better. They become more compassionate. Stronger in a way. But it seemed to break Amanda for some reason. None of this is on you, brother. And we’re all here to help. They say it takes a village to raise a child.” He motions to everyone standing behind them. “We’re your village.”

~ ~ ~

I’m not sure why I’m nervous as we take the elevator up to Oliver and Sara’s apartment.

I’m not sure if I want her to love the place or hate it.

I’m not even sure if I want her to remember her life with him.

I’m not sure of anything anymore.

Except that I’m an idiot.

Donovan is here, too. It was a requirement that he come with us in case Sara were to fall or have any other issues. And Sara still has the belt thing around her waist—also a requirement in case she gets unsteady on her feet.

When the elevator doors open, Oliver holds them, allowing Sara to exit first. But then she turns around, not knowing which direction to go.

“Sorry, hun,” he says, grabbing her hand and leading her down the hallway.

I can’t help but stare at their clasped hands. It’s the first real affection I’ve seen from him, other than the occasional chaste kisses he’s placed on her forehead.

I can see Donovan eyeing me out of the corner of my eye, so I try not to react.

Oliver gets out the key. Sara turns to me as he puts it in the lock. She swallows hard. She’s nervous, too, but probably not for the same reasons I am. I give her an encouraging smile.

The door opens and Oliver walks through, pulling Sara behind him. Donovan’s eyes go wide when he sees the view out of the main windows.

“Daaaaaaaamn, girl,” he says, walking over to take a look. “I knew you were successful, but this is filthy-rich territory here.”

Oliver flashes Donovan an irritated look.

“What?” Donovan says. “I call it like I see it.”

“My parents were wealthy,” Sara says. “I can hardly take credit.”

“You underestimate yourself, luv,” Oliver says.

Sara shakes her head. “I … I just can’t believe I make money painting.”

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