Page 66 of Inspiring Izzy

Brady's arms tighten around me and I close my eyes.

Sometimes, I forget he broke my heart. Sometimes, I forget I'm supposed to be putting up walls around him. Sometimes, I forget how horribly he hurt me.

But I can't. I can't forget. I owe it to myself not to.

Chapter 17

I arrive at Cohen Tech's annual family hike alone. Which isn't the worst thing in the world.

Everyone is pissed at me. Mom is mad I left her to entertain Steve on Saturday morning> Dad's annoyed I won't give Steve a second chance. And Steve isfuriousI was canoodling with my wealthy boss. My wealthy boss who also happens to be my first love, and the reason I moved to California.

Steve will riot if he ever finds out.

I hope he doesn't.

I zip up my green puffer vest and make my way over to the group that's gathering. Angie and Adrian are chatting up another couple, and families of staff are excitedly conversing.

I stand on the outer edge, feeling out of place.

I could have invited the entire Thompson clan. They all would have come. They all would have been overjoyed to spend a Wednesday hiking in the woods with me.

But I couldn't ask them.

It's hard to be around people who have their lives together. It's harder to admit to myself that I'm jealous. Jealous that I have made a mess of my marriage—and my family.

So, I'm here alone.

"Alright, folks!" Brady claps his hands together at the front. "Who's ready to hike?"

Cheers erupt as I wrap my arms around myself.

"Let's go!" Brady hollers and everyone starts moving forward.

His gold eyes find mine, and he steps aside to let everyone pass.

"Hey," I say when I reach him.

Brady glances around. "Where's your family?"

I shake my head. "They're at home."

He falls in step beside me.

"Why?" he asks.

"I didn't invite them," I answer.

Brady sighs heavily. "Iz."

"It's just..." I trail off.

"Hard," he finishes for me.

I look over at him. "Things are a little tense with Steve here, and I needed some quiet."

"I can let you hike alone," he offers.

I shake my head. "No, I, um...you don't make as much noise as they do."

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