Page 10 of A Love That Broke Us
Stella
Don’t worry, Al. I take my birthday duties very seriously.
I grin, texting back.
That’s the kind of support system every brother needs. You guys doing anything fun tonight?
Michael
Dinner with friends. Wish you were here.
Me too… New Year’s?
I try to go to Chicago every other year for Michael’s birthday, but this year, I just couldn’t swing it. My bestie, Scarlett, and I went to Montenegro and Croatia two months ago, so my time off is tapped out. It was totally worth it, though. I’ll see him at New Year’s. His friends throw a great party. I’ve only been twice, but since I’m missing his birthday, I decided to make the trip for New Year’s instead.
Michael and I grew up in Barrington Hills, about a forty-minute drive from Chicago. We lost our mom eight years ago, and my dad’s a drunk. Hence why it’s not exactly first-date material. I haven’t been home to see him since Mom died. Michael’s always on my case about it, but I just can’t bring myself to do it.
It’s not that I’m heartless. I honestly can’t handle it. Seeing him that way tears at my insides. Dad’s always struggled with alcoholism. He went off the rails when I was young, but stayed clean through most of my teenage years. Then Mom got cancer, and everything changed. He relapsed when we needed him most. I think I hate him for that—for checking out when she was on her deathbed, for drowning at the bottom of a bottle while she was dying.
My stomach churns at the memories, a heaviness settling in my chest. Michael’s text pulls me from the spiral.
Michael
Can’t wait. Talk soon. Thanks for the birthday wishes. Love you, little sis.
Love you too, old man… You too, Stell! Give the kiddos a squeeze for me. Xoxo.
Chapter Four
JENSEN
THEN
NOVEMBER
Thank God it’s Friday,and I get to work remotely. I’m spread out on my sofa—laptop open, coffee in hand, the fireplace crackling under the TV. The golf channel’s on mute as I prep a presentation for next week.
My phone dings, and the message pops up on my laptop screen. It’s from Alley.
Alley
Hey, I’m in the area. Want me to bring you the world’s shittiest cup of coffee and some stale bagels?
A grin spreads across my face as I grab my phone, sliding it open to text her back. I took her out twice last weekend—Friday night, to a Knicks game, and Sunday for brunch. We text constantly, and I’m falling harder for herevery day.
How could I say no to that? Does it come with a side of Alley, or is it just the stale bagels?
Alley
Only if you promise not to spill me on your lap. I know how easily you get boners.
On second thought… maybe I wouldn’t mind.
I laugh out loud.
If that’s an offer, I’m not going to say no.
Alley
