Page 109 of Could Have Been Us
“I was there.”
“There’s no way. I saw your brothers there, and I promise, I would’ve noticed you.”
I shake my head and look at Kinsley. “I was there. I wasnotsitting with my brothers because I didn’twantJack to know I was there. He wore a blue tie and took his hat off first. He was in the third row on the left side.”
Jack’s jaw drops. “You were there?”
“I was always there for you, even when you didn’t want me to be.”
He clears his throat, and his tone turns joking. “She was a stalker.”
In the same moment, three things happen. Kinsley giggles, the door chime rings, and Jack’s eyes widen. I don’t need him to say anything, it’s someone we know, and the small reprieve we were enjoying is going to end.
I turn my head, and there stands Grayson, Jessica, and Amelia.
“Auntie!” Amelia spots us, and before Grayson can grab her, she’s running.
I get up quickly and intercept her, hugging her tight. “Hi, Monkey.”
“Auntie, I have missed you so much! Where have you been?”
I smile at her as Gray approaches. “I’ve been working and . . .”
And trying to keep my shit together.
“It’s okay. Are you coming to my birthday party? Daddy let me pick my cake, and balloons, and I’m going to have all my friends there.”
I kiss her cheek and smile. “Of course I’ll be there.”
“Uncle Jack!” Amelia yells, hand waving frantically.
My brother’s eyes dart to Jack and then back to me. “Sorry, we didn’t know you were here.”
“I know that.”
He scoops up Amelia, who doesn’t want that and starts to struggle to get out of his arms. “I want to see Uncle Jack.”
“Uncle Jack is having lunch, you need to calm down, and I’m sure he’ll come see you.”
“I’m sorry,” I say to my brother. I’m sorry that what would’ve been a fun coincidence is now awkward for everyone.
He smirks. “Relax, Stell. It’s fine. Go have your lunch, and if . . . well, if you can or want to, stop by the table.”
“Why wouldn’t she want to?” Amelia asks.
“Because you’re a pain in the butt.”
I tickle her softly. “And because you’re giggly.”
She laughs and Grayson winks. “Go.”
I nod, and walk back to my table where Jack is talking to Kinsley. When I sit, I’m completely out of sorts. I don’t know what to tell her or ask her. “That was my brother.”
“Jack said as much. Is that his daughter?”
“Yes, Amelia. She’s turning five soon.”
I wonder if her thoughts are going as crazy as mine. That’s her cousin, and she doesn’t even know her. A whole family that she could’ve had support her that she never knew. The regrets I have just keep stacking up.
