Текст книги "Don't Let Go"

Автор книги: Michelle Lynn

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Текущая страница: 14 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

Chapter 26

My body is warm and at peace. If it weren’t for my itchy eyes and my dry, raw nose, I wouldn’t remember that I’d cried most of the night in Brady’s arms. Sitting up, I notice I’m not in Brady’s bed but in the king-size one on the third floor. Brady’s blood– stained t-shirt is draped over the chair and a bag of thawed frozen vegetables now rests on the nightstand next to Brady. His hands are raw, red, and swollen. As he lies there peacefully, I recall last night. It hurt so much watching someone I love fight again. I understand why Brady did what he did because Miles’ words hurt, and the fact that they were said in front of Brady kills me even more.

He had to stand next to me while another man told him what a great fuck I am. Another guy who I had been intimate with, who had kissed the body that Brady now desires. Just as I was forgetting who I was at Drayton, Miles Jacobs comes and throws it in my face again, reminding me of my past. I worry this won’t be the last run-in with someone and I can’t do it to Brady again. He shouldn’t have to hear the words that were so carelessly conveyed last night. His hands shouldn’t be swollen and red from fighting a battle to defend the weak person I had been. God, I wish I would have met Brady two years ago; then all these issues would be non-existent.

I get up and look over at him sleeping. A tear falls down my cheek, but I know this is for the best. He deserves much better than me. I take one last look around the room that should have been ours. Last night, I was ready to tell Brady that I would move in with him. It seems so sudden, but I feel like I’ve known him forever. My decision made, I quietly walk down the stairs, out the front door, and out of Brady Carsen’s life.

Walking the two miles to my dorm sucks, especially with the cold front coming in, but I had to get out fast. I know that when Brady wakes up, he will be calling me, wondering where I went. My mom’s visit couldn’t have come at a better time. I will stay at the hotel with her tonight. I know he will fight to try and change my mind because I would do the same for him.

Thankfully, Jessa is at the dorm when I get there. To buy myself some time, I text the following message to Brady:

Me: Jessa came and got me. I have my mom coming in around 2.

When I get no response, I figure he is still sleeping so I crawl into bed, hoping to get a couple more hours of sleep before dealing with the drama of my mom. I wake up to a text from Brady.

B:

Don’t ever do that again.. I would have driven you back. You scared the shit out of me. What? No ‘love you’?

Me:Sorry! After last night, I wanted you to sleep. Love you…so much.

B: You sure you don’t want me to come with you and your mom?

Me: No, I have it handled.

B:I know that but I could be moral support.

Me: That’s ok but thank you. I love you, Brady!

B: I love you beautiful! Call me when you’re done.

I leave it at that. I don’t want to give him any ideas regarding what I’m about to do. I shower and get ready, and at around two my mom texts me, saying she’s outside.

I walk to the entrance of the dorm to let her in and she’s smiling through the window at me. When I open the door, I can’t believe it.

“Grandma Ida!” I exclaim and give her a hug. The tears start flowing down my face and she slowly runs her hand over my hair, asking what’s wrong.

My mom comes over, embracing both of us. “What’s wrong, Sadie?” she asks and it’s all I can do to breathe, much less talk. “Did you and Brady break up?” my mom questions and I break down into sobs.

“Let’s get you to your room, darling.” My grandma keeps an arm around me while I open the door to my dorm. My breathing becomes calmer as we walk down the hall. Concerned girls ask if I’m okay and my mom assures them that she will make sure of it.

“Sadie!” Jessa yells down from her loft as we enter the room and starts to climb down. “What’s wrong?” She comes over to my side, leading me to my chair.

“I’m her mom, Maggie, and this is her grandma, Ida,” my mom informs Jessa. “She became hysterical when she saw us.”

“When she left the room, she was okay,” Jessa tells them. I hear them talking but I can’t say anything yet. “Let me call Brady,” she says.

“NO!” I scream.

“Why?” she asks, concerned. “Did something happen? Is this about last night?” she questions me.

“What happened last night?” my grandma asks, taking Jessa’s chair while my mom kneels on the ground next to me.

Jessa looks at me, silently asking permission to tell them and I nod my head. “Well, Brady’s band was playing at a fraternity house. At the end of the night, a fight broke out between Brady and a guy from Drayton,” she informs them.

“Sadie,” my mom sighs. “Who was it?”

“Mi..Mi..Miles Jacobs,” I stutter.

“From Theo’s fraternity, right?” she clarifies and I nod.

“That boy and his father are jackasses. Do we even want to know what he said?” she asks and I shake my head no.

“So, Brady was right to kick his ass,” Jessa confirms.

“Darling, I assume Sadie knows that. Does this have to do with Theo?” my grandma asks.

“Yes…no,” I manage to get out.

“Does Brady know?” my grandma asks.

“Yes, he knows everything that happened to Sadie. I do, too. He loves her besides all that, probably more for having gone through it.” Jessa stands up and gets bottles of water for everyone.

“I know how crazy that boy is over my granddaughter. That’s why I’m so confused. Why is she crying just because some dipshit from Drayton started crap at a party and Brady protected her, kicking his well-deserved ass?” All three of them turn to me for an answer.

“Because…I can’t have him,” I admit.

“Nonsense,” my grandma says.

“I love him too much to put him through it. I thought I could move on, but Miles reminded me who I really am.” I undo the cap to my water bottle, taking a few sips.

“Who you really are?” Jessa sarcastically asks. “I can tell you who he is…a self-centered, egotistical asshole,” she spouts.

“I like you,” my grandma says to her. “I like her,” she then informs me as though I didn’t hear her.

“Don’t do this, Sadie.” Jessa kneels in front of me. “Don’t doubt this,” she begs me, placing her hands on my legs. “That guy last night is a piece of shit. Don’t let him ruin what you and Brady have. Don’t let him win,” Her voice becomes increasingly angrier.

“Jessa, I don’t want Brady to have to deal with guys telling him how I was or filling his head with thoughts of me sleeping with others. Jesus, look what happened last night because of me. I put Theo in bad situations, making him protect me. I won’t do the same with Brady,” I argue.

“Sweetie, what happened to Theo wasn’t your fault. Theo was always a fighter, you didn’t make him into one. It was a horrible thing with Theo…but it wasn’t your fault. Brady isn’t Theo and Miles isn’t Craig. Brady only fought to protect your honor, that’s it,” my mom says, grabbing my hand in hers.

“But…what if,” I start to speak but can’t even complete the sentence.

“What if, nothing,” my grandma chimes in. “Sadie, I refuse to let you do this to yourself. You are too smart of a girl not to know how much Brady cares for you. I’m pretty sure he would beat up a line of guys for you to prove how worthy you are.”

“Damn right I would, Ida,” Brady’s voice calls out from across the room. How did he get in without me hearing him? I glance at Jessa and she smiles.

“Oh thank god. Talk some sense into my granddaughter, Hot Stuff,” she says and Brady nods, coming directly to me.

Bending down on his knees between my legs, he grabs my hands, clasping our fingers. I cringe when I see his swollen knuckles. “I knew something was wrong when I woke up this morning and you weren’t there.” He looks at my mom and grandma, an apology written across his face for this confession that we were sleeping together. I will have to tell him that they know I’m not a saint. Then he turns back to me. “I don’t give a shit about that douche last night. Your grandma’s right. I will be happy to beat the shit out of every guy who says anything disrespectful to you, but at the same time, I shouldn’t have done it. I’m sorry, Sadie. I should have known to walk away with you. Please forgive me.” He stares up at me and my eyes fixate on his soft brown eyes.

“How could you stand there and hear someone say things about me and not do anything about it? I don’t like your hands like this, but I can’t expect you to stand by and do nothing. It’s a lose-lose situation, Brady. I love you too much to let anything happen to you, and if you stay with me, something bad will happen,” I admit with tears in my eyes.

“What happens to me if you leave me? I’ll beat the shit of every guy that crosses me the wrong way because I’ll be a miserable bastard without you.” He inches closer to me and ducks his head down to meet my face.

“Aww…” my mom, grandma, and Jessa say in unison.

“Please, Sadie. You told me last night that I was it for you, game over. Is that still true?”

“This was never about me wanting anyone else, Brady.” I rest my hands on his forearms. There is no way I can deny this. I knew I didn’t stand a chance if he fought for me.

“I can’t promise you it won’t be a bumpy road for us, Sadie. But my love for you will never waver and will only become stronger each day. With you by my side, we will get through anything that’s thrown our way. But only on one condition,” he states, moving his hands to my cheeks.

“What?” I whisper.

“You never let me go, because I’ll never let you go,” he says and I melt instantly. “Promise me?” he insists.

“I promise,” I respond and his lips capture mine. He leans forward, keeping my face in his hands to hold me in place while he explores my mouth.

“Please never leave me again. I hated waking up with you missing this morning.” He kisses me again and grabs my hands to stand up. “Now that our drama is over ladies, let me take you all to lunch,” Brady jokes and my grandma comes over to give him a hug, followed by my mom.

Brady drives my mom’s rental car so we can all fit, even though I would have been happy to drive with him alone. I happily instruct my grandma to sit up front, leaving me in the back with Jessa on one side and my mom on the other. Brady’s eyes keep finding mine through the rearview mirror. He still doesn’t seem completely himself. I can’t help but think he is upset with me for leaving this morning, not that I blame him. I meant what I said; I will never walk away from him again. I’m going to follow my heart and pray like hell it doesn’t get broken.

We enter a small Italian restaurant and when we get up to the hostess station, Brady asks to speak to a guy named Tony. The young lady excuses herself and walks through the back doors. A couple minutes later, a tall, larger man comes through the doors. He has a head of salt and pepper hair and is dressed in a silk shirt and black dress pants. When he walks over, I can’t help but notice what a strong presence he has.

“Brady!” he exclaims and places his hand out to him.

“Tony, how’s it going?” Brady shakes his hand back.

“Can’t complain. Business has been good. How is everything with you?” he asks while glancing over to the four of us questioningly.

“I can’t complain either. Tony, this is my girlfriend, Sadie Miller,” he introduces me, gently pulling me forward to his side.

“I wouldn’t be complaining either.” He smirks at Brady. “It’s nice to meet you, Sadie,” he says, shaking my hand.

“And this is her roommate Jessa, her grandma Ida, and her mom, Maggie,” Brady says, completing the introductions.

Tony politely shakes everyone’s hands, telling them it is nice to meet them, until he reaches my mom. “I can see where your daughter gets her looks from,” he compliments her and she turns a nice shade of pink.

“Oh. Thank you,” my mom flirts back, making me raise my eyebrows.

“So, Tony,” Brady tries to grab his attention away from my mom. Tony slowly turns away from my mom to look at Brady. “Can we borrow the back table?” he asks.

“Of course, I don’t have any reservations until this evening.” He shuffles over to the hostess stand and grabs the menus. “Follow me.”

We file in a line through the restaurant filled with families and couples enjoying their food. “Here you go,” Tony says, walking through a curtained-off room. A large chandelier hangs above a round table for eight, and there are dark red curtains that hang from the ceiling to the floor, making the room private and elegant. Brady always knows what we need.

“Thanks, Tony. I wouldn’t ask but we need some privacy,” Brady says, placing his hand on Tony’s back.

“Anything for you, Brady, you know that,” he says, winking at him. Tony bows slightly at the waist, saying how nice it was to meet us and he hopes we enjoy our meals. We all thank him in return, but I’m not ignorant to his lingering eyes toward my mom.

“I’m sorry for that episode at the dorms,” I apologize after we all take our seats. Brady grabs my hand under the table and squeezes it.

“It’s alright, sweetie. I’m just glad it all worked out,” my mom says, smiling at Brady.

“Thank god you picked a hottie with a brain,” my grandma says and we laugh.

“I hope you aren’t mad at me, Sadie, but I knew the only one who could talk some sense into you was Brady,” Jessa sheepishly says.

“She texted you?” I ask Brady and he nods his head in confirmation.

“Thank you, Jessa,” I graciously say.

A young waiter comes into the room with a busboy who fills our water glasses.

“Hello, my name is Jimmy and I will be your waiter this afternoon. Can I get you anything to drink?” he asks. He explains the daily specials and then retreats from the room, leaving an uncomfortable silence behind him.

Jimmy returns a few minutes later with our drinks and bread. We give him our orders and after he leaves, I figure this is the time to find out why my mother and grandmother are here.

“So Mom, why did you and grandma make the trip here?” I ask and Brady moves his arm around the back of my chair, almost as though he is preparing to comfort me.

She looks at Jessa and then back at me. “Jessa knows everything, you can talk in front of her,” I say and my mom nods her head.

“I’m leaving your father,” she reveals and I almost spit my water out.

“Why? Mom, if this is about me, it’s okay. I’m okay.”

“Oh sweetie, that didn’t help but it has been in the works for a while now.” She takes my hand in hers. “If I’m being honest, we haven’t been happy for some time.”

“Just tell her Maggie. She’s an adult, she can handle it,” my grandma chimes in.

“Ida,” my mom sighs, staring over at her.

“I love your father. He’s my only son, but he’s been cheating on your mom for years. And as much as he is my son, I equally consider your mom to be my daughter.” Grandma places her hand on top of ours.

“Oh Mom, I’m so sorry.”

“Aren’t guys just a bunch of jackasses?” Jessa speaks up and we giggle. I stare at her, suddenly wondering why she was home this morning and not with Rob.

“I’m moving in with your grandma until I can figure something out,” my mom says before I have any more time to consider that thought. “That’s not the only reason your grandma and I are here though.”

“Why then?” I ask curiously.

“Your father might have cut you off but I didn’t,” she admits. Then, looking at Brady she says, “I think you are a wonderful man and my Sadie is lucky to have found you. On behalf of my husband, I apologize.”

“No need, Maggie,” Brady responds.

“I don’t need your money, Mom. I already have my plan,” I tell her. I know first-hand what my dad will do when she leaves. He will fight her for everything, leaving her with nothing. His vengeance will never let up.

“My dad was a smart businessman. He might have left your dad his company, but he left me other things. I’ll be just fine.”

“Like what, Mom?” I ask.

“He left me a trust that only I can access. It’s money I had originally planned to leave you and Theo after I died. Your father signed papers when my dad gave him the company, stating that the money was mine and it was my choice what happens to it.”

I remember overhearing my mom in my dad’s office that morning, telling a man to put a trust in my name only.

“Still, Mom. You will need that to live off of now. I know Dad won’t give you anything,” I admit.

“Believe me, Sadie, it’s more than enough for me to live off of and still leave you plenty when I die,” she says and I sigh, not wanting to think about that. “I want to give you some now. We might not be able to live like we did with your father, but I can pay for your last semester, get you a car, and pay for your dorm.”

Brady squeezes my shoulder and draws me into him, kissing my head. “Mom,” I sigh.

“It’s the end of the discussion, Sadie. I have already paid the university for your tuition,” she admits and I stand up, giving her a huge hug.

“Thank you, Mom…thank you so much,” I say with tears flowing from my eyes.

“I’m your mother, Sadie. This is what we do.” She squeezes me hard, crying as well.

I eventually go back to my seat and cuddle up to Brady. After such a horrible night, I’m ecstatic to have the worry of paying tuition off my plate. But I think I’m still in shock over my mom leaving my dad and his extracurricular activities. I never thought my dad was cheating on my mom. She had been changing ever since Theo died, but I thought it was just because she had lost a child, causing her to cling closer to her last living one. Looking at her now, she does seem more carefree, smiling and laughing more than I have seen her in awhile.

Tony comes in, insisting to Brady he is covering the bill. We thank him and make our way out of the restaurant, but when we get to the curb, I notice my mom isn’t with us. Turning around, I see her in the doorway talking with Tony. He raises her hand, kissing it before she graciously thanks him again.

Brady drives us over to his house and we sit in the living room having coffee while we talk. Jessa disappears up to Rob’s room and I don’t see her for the rest of the night. When everyone grows tired, my mom and grandma go back to their hotel and Brady and I make our way up to his room. He makes me promise again that when he wakes up, I will be there. I agree without hesitation. I change into his t-shirt, snuggling into his arms. For once in my life, everything seems to be on track. I might not have my dad, but if I’m honest with myself, he has never been a major part of life. I have Brady, my mom, my grandma, and Jessa.

Chapter 27

I don’t know why I haven’t agreed to move in with Brady since I practically live here. I am rarely at the dorms, which means I haven’t run into Vince lately. Brady and I went to visit him after my mom left that Sunday, but since then, Brady has gone by himself. He also took me to his sister’s for dinner, which was nice and relaxing. Her husband and children were welcoming and friendly, just like her. Brady and Maura are very similar in their joking, carefree personalities.

My mom called last night from my grandma’s. My dad has already hired his lawyer to fight my mom for everything they have. She tries to keep it from me, but my grandma fills me in. My dad hasn’t tried to contact me since the night I left the house and I prefer it that way.

I worry because Brady has had to go out a couple nights to pick Vince up from the police station. The situation seems to be getting worse, which is making Brady more reserved and quiet. Vince is fortunate that he was such a distinguished professor at the university, where they do everything they can to help Brady and Maura handle the situation. Brady usually picks Vince up, and then takes him to a friend’s house to sleep it off. Vince is adamant that he won’t come back to the house. I see the toll it is taking on Brady and he is starting to pull away. His body slumps every time his phone rings, fearing the worst. He has started having nightmares and talking in his sleep. Usually they are just mumbles that I don’t understand, but last night he called out ‘Dad’ in a panic. I quickly woke him up and he instantly wrapped his arms around me tight, burying his head in the crook of my neck. He didn’t say anything, just held me close until he fell back asleep.

Brady and Maura talk a couple times a day to discuss the situation and what they should do. I often find Brady in the studio, strumming his guitar and singing quietly. Tonight is one of those nights. It’s three in the morning and I woke up without Brady, which has been the norm recently. When I open the door to the basement, I see the lights on so I venture downstairs.

Staring through the glass, I admire Brady playing his music. I sometimes wonder why he isn’t pursuing a career in that since it seems to calm him. In pajama pants and no shirt with his guitar resting in his lap, the burn of having him inside of me grows. He looks up, notices me, and waves me into the room.

“You should be sleeping, beautiful,” he says, continuing to strum a few chords.

“So should you.” I make my way over to him.

He shrugs his shoulders.

“Talk to me,” I request and he opens his arms, moving me between him and the guitar.

“How about I teach you?” He changes the subject and places my hands on the guitar.

“Brady,” I sigh, letting him place his hands over mine.

“Press this string and strum with this hand,” he instructs, ignoring my pleas to talk.

After a few chords, Brady starts to kiss the back of my neck and I feel his hard bulge on my back. I tip my head back, enjoying his lips and tongue on me. In turn, Brady props his guitar against the wall and his hands instantly plant themselves on each one of my breasts, massaging them. My hands rest on his firm thighs and I push my ass into his crotch, feeling his erection.

I continue to circle my hips while his hands roam up my tank top and pinch my nipples. I moan in bliss as Brady stands up, pushing me against the window. He slowly runs his hand down my back and then pulls my boxers down around my ankles.

When I try to step out of them, he says, “No baby, just like this.” He pulls my tank up, exposing my breasts. Then he lifts my arms, pressing my palms against the glass. I stand there with my back to him, sprawled across the glass panel with my shorts around my ankles and my shirt scrunched up around my neck.

“So fucking hot,” he whispers in my ear.

I have never seen this side of Brady, but I’m immensely enjoying it. I can feel how aroused I already am and I need him inside of me.

“I’m going to fuck you just like this, Sadie,” he states and I wait in anticipation.

“Please, Brady,” I plea.

He starts kissing my shoulder blades, making his way down my backside before coming back up. Placing his hands on my hips, he pulls me back into him. I feel his cock at my entrance and I relish the moment.

“Ready, baby?” he asks.

“Yes,” I desperately answer.

Before I can prepare myself, he is inside of me, thrusting into me deeper with every push. He’s never been rough like this, so I’m surprised what an arousing effect it has on me.

“You feel so fucking good,” he breathlessly speaks into my ear.

I moan as my body gets smashed against the glass and Brady reaches around, playing with my clit as I scream his name and roll over the edge. A second later, Brady pumps into me twice before he grabs my hips, holding them in place.

“Fuck, Sadie,” he shouts, stilling inside of me. Then he picks me up so I’m straddling him and throws our clothes in between our bodies. “Now I want you in my bed,” he whispers, kissing my lips.

His lips remain on mine while he carries me up the two flights of stairs. He places me in his bed, positioning me on top of him while his fingers flow through my hair. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” his shaky voice asks.

“No, of course not,” I answer and turn my head up to him as he cups my cheek with his hand.

“Good. You know how much I love you.” There are tears in his eyes.

“And I love you.” I smile up to him. I know what he is doing, I did it myself. If sex makes him forget, I will happily oblige, but eventually I will have to find a healthy way to help him deal with his dad.

I jolt awake with Brady’s body shifting under me. I glance at his clock and see it’s only been an hour since we fell asleep. “Shit! I’m on my way,” Brady says into the phone and climbs out of bed. I sit up, refusing to take a back seat any longer. He didn’t when it came to my issues and I won’t when it comes to his.

“Let me get dressed,” I say, swinging my legs over the bed, ready to get out when he steps toward me.

“No, Sadie, I’ll be right back.” He keeps his hand on my shoulder, keeping me on the bed but I stand up.

“It’s not a choice, Brady, I’m coming.” I get up from the bed and grab my yoga pants and sweatshirt.

“You don’t need to see this,” he says, running his fingers through his hair. “Please,” he begs.

I walk over to him and place my hand in his. “They were your words, Brady. You said you would never let go, but I feel you slipping away. Every night you disappear and every night I find you downstairs. And every day when I wake up to your sad eyes, we slowly become more disconnected.” I lean in closer. “You have to let me in, Brady.”

“It’s pathetic and sad, Sadie. He isn’t the man you know on these nights.” He puts his head down, staring at the ground.

“Brady, what are you afraid of?” I question, bending down to meet his eyes.

“That you can’t handle it…” he admits.

“And what?” I pry.

“You’ll leave,” he says, finally divulging the whole truth. I can work with this.

“Did you leave me?” I ask him back and he shakes his head. “No, and I’m not going to leave you,” I tell him. I grab his hand, “Let’s go.” I lead us out of the room.

Brady doesn’t say anything on our way out to the car but keeps my hand in his.

We pull up to the police station and an officer walks up to the car before we can even get out, informing Brady that they had to send Vince to the hospital for what they believe is alcohol poisoning. On the drive to the hospital, Brady calls Maura to let her know and she says she is on her way.

He parks in the visitor parking and I entwine our fingers as we walk into the emergency room entrance. I give him a squeeze right before the sliding doors open and he looks over at me. Fear fills his eyes and I hope he will let me in.

Brady walks up to the nurse’s station, giving his name and she tells him to take a seat and someone will be out. We sit in the plastic chairs, not paying attention to the infomercial on the television. Brady impatiently shakes his leg while groans flow out of his mouth. Clearly, he doesn’t want to be here and I can’t help but think maybe my presence is making this worse. He hasn’t even glanced my way since we walked into the hospital.

Finally, a nurse comes in, calling Brady’s name. Brady stands up and then turns to me, “Just please stay here? At least until I can see what is going on.” Seeing the anguish in his eyes, I nod my head and sit back down, watching him walk out of the room.

I try to distract myself by flipping through magazines or watching an infomercial about some skin care regime. I’m thankful when Maura comes into the room.

“Oh Sadie, I’m glad he brought you,” she says, obviously out of breath from rushing here.

“I didn’t really give him a choice,” I comment and she embraces me.

“He’s lucky to have you. He won’t take to you witnessing this easily so just remember, he loves you,” she warns me and I can’t help thinking that she’s the second person close to him that has told me this.

“I don’t plan on leaving,” I assure her and she smiles my way, taking my hands in hers.

“I knew I liked you that day in spin.” She turns around and makes her way to the nurse’s station. After talking friendly with the nurses, she walks toward the rooms in the emergency area.

I sit back down, waiting for some news. About fifteen minutes later, Grant walks in and takes the seat next to me.

“Any news?” he asks and I shake my head.

“Who called you?” I question, noticing his clearly sleepy face. He’s wearing sweatpants and a sweatshirt, and a baseball cap covers what I assume is his bedhead.

“Maura.” He takes his ball cap off, repositioning it. “I’m surprised to see you,” he states, still staring straight ahead.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” I snap.

“Oh Sadie, I just meant because of Brady. I didn’t mean…”

“I’m sorry, Grant, I’m just touchy. I know what you meant.” I place my hand on his knee when Brady walks into the room.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asks, anger evident in his voice.

“Of course not.” I stand up and walk toward him and Grant follows my lead.

“It’s not good. Alcohol poisoning,” he says directly to Grant and he nods his head back. I guess they have been here before. “Can you take Sadie home?” he asks.

“No, I’m not leaving,” I declare to him.

“There isn’t a reason to be here, Sadie,” he says, releasing an exasperated breath.

“I’m here for you, Brady.” I touch his arm in reassurance.

“I don’t need you,” he bitterly responds and I quickly remove my arm. “That’s not what I meant…just go, Sadie.” He runs his hands through his hair.

“No.” I stand there, not moving.

“Sadie…” he trails off.

“I’ll stay in the waiting room if you want, but I refuse to leave here without you,” I demand.

“Fine,” he deadpans, clearly annoyed with this conversation. “Grant, can I have a word outside?” He motions with his head for him to follow. Brady doesn’t hug or kiss me before he leaves. This is a very different Brady than I have ever known, and for the first time, I wonder if we will get through this.

“Sure,” Grant says, looking at me before exiting the room.

Sitting down in the uncomfortable chairs, I feel the tears welling up behind my eyes but I will not let them fall. Be strong, for Brady, I tell myself over and over. Grant comes in a couple minutes later and sits down in his previous seat. I don’t ask what Brady was talking to him about and Grant doesn’t divulge it either. The uneasy silence between us fills the empty room until Kara walks in. What the hell?

“Oh Grant, I came as soon as John told me.” She rushes in, taking the seat next to him.

My eyes glare toward her and then to Grant. This little threesome of theirs is starting to piss me off.