Page 60 of Coming Unraveled
“Does barbeque sound good? I’m starving.”
Brooks licks his lips as he turns his face towards her, “I’m hungry, but not for barbeque. But it will do for now.”
Her cheeks turn the rosy color that he adores on her skin; it’s the same shade that her body flushes when she reaches a release.
They spend a leisurely lunch at a local barbeque restaurant and Brooks can’t help but wish that this is how they spent every day. Together.
A week in Manteo agrees with Everleigh, Brooks can see that her muscles are less tense, of course, that could also be the many nights spent together making love. Her eyes shine with happiness, seeming brighter than they had before, the dark circles have faded from the skin beneath her lashes.
He has hopes that a second week on the island will banish the remaining darkness from her heart, allowing him to bring back the version of Everleigh he has come to love.
They sit on the planks of a dock stretching out over the sound with fishing poles in their hands, a small container of worms sitting between them.
“You know if you want to catch some actual fish we should go to one of the piers. My dad used to take us night fishing when we were little. It was a lot of fun. For us, I suppose, my mom was a wreck.”
A chuckle erupts from his chest imaging Amy running around chasing six kids as they duck and dodge the flying hooks, fish, and plunging into the water below.
“Y’all probably took a few years off your mom’s life.”
“Oh, I’m sure. We weren’t easy to handle on a regular day. Either way, it was one of my favorite things to do.”
“Well, we’ll definitely do that tonight. It sounds fun. Now tell me, have you spoken to your parents since you’ve been here? I know that everyone feels awful about everything, but I’m sure they feel responsible.”
The pole resting in her hands drops from its upright position and moves to rest against her thighs as she takes a deep breath, her gaze never leaving the water before her. Brooks feels the pain radiating from her body as his gaze penetrates her.
“I haven’t spoken to them. And I know that I should, but I’m not sure that they’re ready to speak to me either. We talked a little after everyone left, but I’m not sure now that everything isn’t so new, now that things have had a chance to settle.
I lashed out and pretty much blamed them for my behavior. But it wasn’t their fault that I wanted attention and found it in the wrong way. It was me being a stupid selfish girl.”
“I don’t think you were stupid or selfish, but I can’t imagine being a parent and learning all the things that they have thought that they had been protecting you.” Her body rocks as she takes another deep breath, letting the salty sea air in her lungs. “Maybe just call and tell them that you’re doing ok. I’m sure they know by now that I’m here with you.”
“You’re right, I’ll call them tonight.”
Stomps sound on the dock, the heavy stride rocking the dock with each step.
“I hate to interrupt,” the tall and muscled man says as he approaches.
Brooks instantly goes on alert until he watches the small smile grow on Everleigh’s lips.
“Hi, Brent. This is my…husband, Brooks,” she introduces, her eyes taking him in as she introduces him as her husband for the first time.
“Nice to meet you, I just wish it was under better circumstances.”
“What do you mean?” Everleigh asks, Brooks instincts instantly going on high alert.
“I don’t know the entire story, but apparently your brother was able to help the FBI track down Rich. They found him at a club trying to strangle one of the dancers.”
Their shoulders sag in relief knowing that Rich has been caught and he isn’t lurking in the shadows.
“Thank you for letting us know,” Brooks expresses.
“That’s not all. Everleigh you’re needed back in Carson. They’re going to call you as a witness and you’ll have to give a deposition under oath.”
His fists clench in his hand at the realization that their nightmare isn’t over. He will hold control over Everleigh every day of her life. His legs wing over the side of the dock and he plants his feet on the planks to stand, helping Everleigh to do the same, taking her fishing pole in his hand.
“I guess our vacation is over,” Everleigh whispers as she grabs the small bait container.
Brooks practically groans recognizing all the progress made this week has been sucked through a hole and replaced by Everleigh’s past horrors.
