Page 62 of Levi
“Thank you.”
We walk into the house and find Halo playing happily with her toys, but I can see it in her eyes that it’s naptime.I give her a big kiss and show Levi our naptime routine.I love how he takes it all in, wanting to learn everything he can to help where Halo is concerned.After getting in the truck, I rub my forehead and temples to rid the headache threatening to come back.
Turning on the road towards the ranch, I can’t help but dread what I’m about to find out.
Saylor
Brody is speaking with Patrick when I pull in and park the truck.I can’t even wrap my head around the last few days, let alone comprehend that the person who I’ve leaned on for the last two years has been lying to me and keeping me from my family.Why would he do that?He was not only the person who was supposed to protect me but he became my friend.
After reopening my eyes and letting out a shaky breath, I open the door and make my way into the house with a slight wave to Patrick.Zeus is there to greet me and I’m thankful.I need all the comfort I can get right now, as I don’t even know how to start this conversation.I’m mad as hell and yet completely sad that someone I thought of as my friend did something like this to me.The door opens from behind me as I’m seated on the sofa.My legs are void of shoes and drawn under me.Zeus stays at my feet, very aware of his surroundings and my mood.He lays his head on my lap, like he knows I’m feeling defeated after everything.
Brody comes over in front of me and drops to his knees, almost pushing Zeus over, who growls and nips at Brody’s arm.
“Sadie, I know there is a lot going on in your mind withhimcoming back and I hate that.If I could make it better I would.”He looks scared and cautious.“There are just some things that you have to understand…”
“My name is Saylor,” I say, trying to hold back snapping at him.Starting the conversation with aggression won’t get us anywhere.“Why?Brody why didn’t you tell me that the DA of Los Angeles was your uncle?”I question, raising an eyebrow.There is more than this to discuss, but I guess we need to start at the beginning.“We had hours on the road to Montana to talk, but you didn’t think that was something I should know?”
“Saylor,” his voice is pleading with me but he must see how sorrowful my face is.He takes a deep breath and continues.“I didn’t think…no, I was told that this was a special case when my uncle called me.I was headed back to Montana, after a short visit with him, when he called and asked me if I would do him a favor.He gave me a rundown of the situation and said that he needed an answer straight away.My first thoughts were to decline but after Googling you and reading over your situation, I changed my mind and told him that I’d take the assignment.”He shifts up from his knees to the seat next to me, keeping his leg up against mine and as close as he can be to me.
“I didn’t think it would be a big deal that Uncle Burt and I were related, as long as I did what I was supposed to do.”
“Maybe not, but when he died you should’ve told me Brody,” I stressed.Wait, I remember something Mitch told me.“You went to LA and even spoke with Mitch,” I accuse.
He nods, but doesn’t give me an answer.
“Brody, you’re going to have to tell me.I’m not going to try and pull everything out like pulling teeth.”I feel my anger start to rise.I wanted to sit down and have a calm conversation about this, but if he doesn’t tell me everything, I think I might blow a gasket.
He sits there for a long while, but doesn’t move.He stares straight ahead and it’s grating on my nerves.
“If you aren’t going to start talking then I’m leaving.”I go to stand and it must light a fire under his ass.He grabs for my wrists and holds me there.Zeus is on his feet, and in a protective stance, with his ears pointing straight up.I know that Brody was his owner but Zeus is very much my dog, and has been since I came here to the ranch.He ignores Zeus and focuses back on me.
“Okay, okay, I’ll tell you but you have to promise that you won’t leave me.”
“I can’t promise that Brody.I feel like I’m a ping pong ball being thrown from one life to the other, only to find out that the life I’ve settled on was never supposed to happen and that my first life has been trying to find me this entire time.”
“I love you Sadie.My life would be empty now that you and Halo have filled it.”
A sigh leaves me and I know that it will take some adjusting to, but this was always supposed to be a temporary home and life.It was never supposed to be forever.We’ve been each other’s person for over two years and a bond has grown from that.It’s only been the last two months that I’ve let myself open to the possibility of being with someone other than Levi, but I know that my heart will always be connected to Levi, no matter where we end up.
I’d always thought Brody was like a big brother when I first got here to Montana, to lean on and it was only recently that I’ve seen him as someone I could enjoy and try a relationship with.I want to give him the benefit of the doubt because Brody has been nothing but loving and the support I’ve needed through this time.
“Brody, please just tell me.I want to believe that there is some explanation to all of this.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Everything.I deserve to know everything!And stop calling me by that stupid fake name,” I almost shout, my patience running thin.
He scrubs his face, then leans back against the cushion.
“Yes, when Uncle Burt died, I went to LA.I lied to you and said that it was a business meeting for my scope and goggle design.The second trip was when Mitch summoned me to the hospital, to question me about Uncle Burt and if I knew anything about your whereabouts.”
“Why didn’t you tell Mitch where I was?And why didn’t someone from the DA’s office inform us that my case had been handed over to a new person to be our point man?”
He turns his eyes to his boots that are perched up on the wooden coffee table.
“Because there was no other person who knew about you.”
How can that be?
