Page 77 of Lucky in Love
Alex didn’t say anything. The excuse sounded reasonable, but it didn’t change the situation.
“I’m so sorry, Alex,” he said. “I had no idea this was coming. I guess they figured since I was leaving anyway, it didn’t matter if they pissed me off. Which they have.”
“The damage is done, Brody,” she said. “There’s no ‘undoing’ the internet.”
According to him, this wasn’t his fault, but she hadn’t fully wrapped her mind around that yet, and residual anger still oozed toward him. Rather than talk it out or attempt to work through her feelings right there in front of him, she walked past where he sat and went inside, leaving him on the porch.
After being upset all morning, it was going to take her a minute to shift gears. She changed into leggings and a hoodie and was relieved when she opened the door and found the chair he’d been sitting in empty.
Running in the cold wasn’t her favorite thing, but she needed this. Trees, nature, and fresh air couldn’t unpublish Brody’s article, but it would soothe her soul.
She threw a handful of bread into Daisy’s house, stretched a little, and set off. Her ankle was a tiny bit sore, but not enough to hamper her. Any real pain, and she would switch to a walk.
Even though Brody had explained what happened—and she had no reason to doubt his story—the feelings of betrayal wouldn’t go away. Maybe the anger and hurt were a subconscious defensive mechanism, working together to shore up the wall surrounding her heart. To keep it safe from what she felt was inevitable—Brody disappointing her in some way.
She jogged around the lake twice, slowing to a walk after the second lap. Just when she thought she felt better and was ready to talk to Brody, a woman flagged her down in the parking lot.
She’d just gotten out of a snazzy black town car with rental car plates. Tall and blonde, she wore heels and a flimsy white blouse tucked into a tight pencil skirt. Good luck getting anywhere dressed like that.
“Excuse me,” the woman called, throwing up a hand and waving. “Where can I find Brody Collins?”
Alex looked her up and down. She screamed big-city businesswoman, but the look in her eyes said this was personal.
“I don’t usually give information about renters.” Was she fishing for information? Yes.
“Well, I’m his girlfriend,” the woman said. “I’d ask him myself, but I wanted to surprise him. He’ll be happy to see me, I promise. Do you know which cabin is his?”
Alex’s brows shot upward. Was this Chloe? Or some other woman claiming to be Brody’s girlfriend? Was this another lie, or another misunderstanding? Either way, Alex was done.
All the irritation she’d just worked so hard to run off came flooding back tenfold. And in that moment, she would’ve given Brody’s cabin number to anyone who asked—serial killer, door-to-door salesman, any religious group.
“Cabin twelve. Straight down that road.” She pointed the way, and without another word, jogged back to her cabin.
She refused to cry over Brody Collins. He did not have any hold on her heart. Even if there was an explanation for the fancy lady, Alex didn’t want to hear it.
Just seeing the type of woman he liked—pretty, polished, and prissy—made her doubt his attraction to her. She was thecomplete opposite—brash, bossy, and dressed like a lumberjack most of the time. Obviously not his type.
She had enough on her plate. She didn’t need drama from the man in cabin twelve. After a quick shower, she turned off her phone and went to see Juliet.
Juliet was the closest to her geographically. Plus, she had dogs. As Alex drove past the Barkingham Palace sign and caught sight of two terriers frolicking next to the barn, she immediately felt better.
“Give me the cutest, fluffiest one you got,” Alex said. “A puppy if possible.”
Juliet chuckled and walked her to the kennel of a slow-moving yellow lab. “No puppies, but this ol’ girl will do if you need some lovin’. What happened?”
She unlocked the gate, letting the dog lumber out as Alex gave a quick rundown of the last few days—Brody saying he loved her, the negative review, the excuse about the negative review, and the encounter with the woman.
“You don’t actually think she’s his girlfriend, do you?” They sat on the floor in the middle of the barn, the lab’s head on Alex’s lap.
“If that was Chloe, then I doubt it.” Alex stroked the dog’s head. “Could be some other woman. Or maybe itwasChloe and they never really broke up.”
“Why would he lie about that though? Especially with the whole catching-her-cheating story? That just makeshimlook bad. Plus, we barely knew him then.”
Alex shrugged. “Maybe it’s all explainable. It probably is, just like the article. But there’s too much ambiguity. What will come out next? That he isn’t really staying here? That saying he loved me was some big joke?”
“There’s only one way to find out,” Juliet said. This was the other reason Alex had come here. For some sage advice. Juliet was a year younger than the rest of the team, but sensitive and wise beyond her age.
“I have to talk to him. I know you’re right.” The lab picked up its head and licked her face, causing her to laugh. “You sweet thing. Maybe I should get a dog.”
