Page 58 of Versions Of Us

And still, the conversation I had with Em is playing on my mind. Whenever I think I’m making progress with that girl we end up taking three steps backward.

But this time was different than all the others. The viciousness in her tone, the accusatory nature of her dialogue. I’ve been unable to put my finger on why it has me so rattled.

And then it hits me.

You’re lucky he left you. It gave your mother a chance to meet a stand-up guy.

What she said isn’t untrue.

But I never once mentioned to her that my mother had met another man.

Chapter 25

HENLEY

Fuck. I wish this loft apartment didn’t have a direct view into the Haven.

I awoke at four this morning, which is better than yesterday’s 2:30am. I used my insomnia to my advantage though, spending hours lugging the paint cans, screws and nails, cleaning supplies and random tools I’d purchased from Bill’s hardware yesterday into the abandoned room downstairs.

I sat for another hour, formulating a plan to repair the damaged drywall and locating phone numbers on Google for a good local window repairer. I began cleaning up some of the broken glass and debris but left the room before Dylan began his shift.

I think it’s safe to say he doesn’t have a high opinion of me. I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t approve of my extra-curricular activities, although he probably doesn’t even know that room exists. Nevertheless, I figured it’s best to keep my plans a secret.

Today is my day off and I’m restless to say the least. Since returning to the loft, I’ve spent the better part of the morning sitting by the window watching as Kristen greets customers with her perfect smile, probably asking them about their day and making them feel like a million bucks because that’s what Kristen does.

She makes people happy. She gives them a sense of worth. At least, that’s what she’d always done for me, even when it was the last thing I deserved.

My phone echoes from somewhere on the other side of the room. When I finally find it smothered in my unmade bed sheets, I see that it’s Katie calling. My sister has been ignoring my calls since I returned to town so there’s something unsettling about seeing her number displayed on the screen. I swipe the answer key and hold the phone to my ear.

“Hey, Katie.”

“Hi,” she says, her voice clipped.

“I’ve been trying to call you,” I say. “I guess Dad told you I’m back in town. I’m living in the…”

“Yeah, that’s great, Alex,” she says, cutting me off. “Look, I’m only calling to tell you to back off, okay?”

“Back off?” I ask, genuinely confused. “What do you mean ‘back off’?”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way. It’s just that word has started to circulate about you being back in town and I can’t have it affecting my business.”

“Your business,” I parrot dumbly.

“Yeah,” she sighs. “I’m kind of a high-profile real estate agent now and I can’t be drawing negative attention.”

I slump back down into the chair by the window, running a hand down my face. “I see.”

“I’m really glad that you’re okay. It’s just that…”

“You’re worried I’ll make you look bad.” It’s my turn to cut her off.

“Alex.”

“No, I get it. Don’t worry. I won’t bother you anymore.”

I abruptly end the call and peg the phone across the room, watching as it bounces off the dresser in the corner.

I don’t know why I’m surprised. This is what happens when you bring shame upon your family.

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