Page 80 of A Me and Him Thing
“Oh, he loves me and wants to remain friends.” I hang my head for a moment. “It’s a long, sad story. And I’m angry with him. Not crazy-Bree angry—normal-Bree angry. He shouldn’t have started a relationship with me when he knew he couldn’t follow through. Except I did tell him I only wanted to be friends. So there’s that.”
“I’m going to need you to explain. You lost me. Leave out nothing.” Quinn finally takes a bite of salad.
I take a deep breath and explain every detail. From becoming friends to him never touching me. From spending Sunday with his family to visiting his heartbreakingly broken wife.
Quinn hangs on every word, her eyes wide. “So he refuses to divorce her, even though it’s been four years? And he refuses to leave her or give up on her?”
“Yep. The wife he knew and loved is gone. There’s no coming back from where she is. She’ll never get better. Yet he won’t move on with his life. He’s living in limbo. It’s like he’s torturing himself.” I scoff. “It appears I have a penchant for falling in love with married men. Go me.”
“Breeeee,” Quinn breathes. “You can’t see it, can you?”
“See what? That I’m destined to be alone my entire life?”
“No, you finally got it right.” Quinn runs one hand through her blond hair, almost with frustration. “You’ve found a man who is faithful and loyal to the end. Do you realize how rare that is? What an amazing man. He’s dedicated without wavering. He’s devoted to his wife. Those qualities should be commended, not scorned. He should be admired, not belittled. Don’t let himgo. Stand by his side. He needs you; he needs support. He needs companionship. He obviously loves you, but he won’t let himself betray his wife. Be there for him, waiting in the wings. One day he will lose her, and he’ll turn to you. You’ll have your happily-ever-after. You just have to wait for it a little longer. But it will come. Don’t lose him, Bree.”
I have to admit, Quinn’s words stun me. Why didn’t I see the situation the way she does? Why did I choose to feel betrayed? To cut Ren out of my life? Will I never learn to be a decent human being?
“But he didn’t tell me…” I start.
Quinn interrupts. “What could he have said? ‘By the way, my wife is brain dead? I refuse to leave her. Want to have dinner on Friday night?’ Would you have given him the time of day?”
“Well…I…uh…probably not.” I don’t know what I would’ve done. More than likely, I wouldn’t have wanted to get involved.
Ren’s handsome face runs through my mind. His smile, his laughter, his humor, his kindness. His velvety voice. The way he builds people up. The way he built me up. I love him. I adore him. I miss him. I want him.
“I can literally see your brain ticking away. What are you going to do about it?” Quinn asks.
“I’m going to call him the minute I get home?” Why is that a question?
“No, not good enough. You need a grand gesture. Go to him. Find him. Apologize. Tell him exactly how you feel. Make an effort.”
I nod several times as I think it through.
Quinn adds, “But if he denies you, listen to him the first time he says it.”
My face flashes with heat. “That’s fair.” But I don’t want to think about the mistakes I made with Sawyer.
Quinn’s right. I need to stand by Ren’s side. Help him through this difficult time in his life.
And wait for my turn.
Chapter Twenty-two
“THANKS, QUINN. THAT’Sexactly what I needed to hear.”
“You bet. Now I promised the girls we’d take them to the park. Do you have time? They’re excited to see you.”
I’m paralyzed with happiness. “Seriously? I would love to.” Then I’m filled with dread. “Um…is Sawyer home?”
“No worries. He’s at the aquarium until five today. He won’t be home until dinnertime. You do know he’s over it, right? He said he spoke with you at the baby shower. We’re good.”
I know they’re good, back to being the golden couple. Quinn is so secure, she’s not even worried about me being in the same room as Sawyer. It’s me who’s still struggling, even though I’ve found someone new. Seeing Sawyer reminds me of how horribly I acted. As for him, he’s over it, doesn’t care, and has moved on. I’m ancient history. “He did. I appreciate both of you being willing to forgive so easily.”
“You took care of our babies. We can never repay you.”
My heart feels like someone’s squeezing it with their fist. “Okay.” I take a deep breath. “I would love to see the girls.” I’m just happy Quinn still wants to spend time withme.
There’s no doubt she’s a bit wary, a bit hesitant. Her guard is up. I’m not surprised. But she’s willing to give our friendship a second chance.
