17. LIZ
Chapter seventeen
LIZ
The house feels like a stranger’s home now, even though it’s Bryan’s. My packed bags sit neatly by the door, a silent reminder that I’ve already made my decision.
I’ve spent the past few hours convincing myself this is the right thing to do. That leaving Ocean Bay is the only way to move forward. But every corner of this town feels haunted by Nate—his smile, his laugh, the way he made me feel like I belonged. And Max. Sweet, wonderful Max. I can’t even think about him without my chest aching.
I glance at the clock. Bryan should be here at any minute. I told myself I’d wait for him before leaving, that he deserves to know why I’m going. But now that the moment is here, my stomach churns. How do I explain everything without sounding like the world’s biggest fool?
The doorknob creaks. I take a deep breath, wiping my face quickly to hide any trace of the tears I’ve been crying for hours. I open the door, and there he is—Bryan, my big brother, the one person who’s always been able to see right through me.
His smile falters the moment our eyes meet. “Liz,” he says softly, stepping inside. His gaze sweeps over me, lingering on the bags by the door. “What’s going on?”
I open my mouth to reply, but the words catch in my throat. Instead, my face crumbles, and before I know it, Bryan’s arms are around me.
I cling to him, sobbing into his chest like I haven’t let myself do in days. The tears come hard and fast, all the hurt and heartbreak pouring out in waves. He doesn’t say anything, just holds me tightly, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.
“It’s okay, Liz,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you. Just let it out.”
We stay like that for what feels like forever, the silence broken only by my muffled cries. When I finally pull back, sniffling and wiping my face, he guides me to the couch and sits beside me.
“Talk to me,” he says gently. “Who hurt you?”
I hesitate, twisting my hands in my lap. How do I even begin to explain?
“Was it Nate?” he presses, his voice firm. “What did he do?”
I shake my head quickly, my throat tightening again. “It’s not like that,” I whisper.
Bryan’s eyes narrow, and I can see the tension in his jaw. “Liz, don’t protect him. If he hurt you—”
“It’s not his fault,” I interrupt, my voice cracking. “He didn’t hurt me, Bryan. Not intentionally, anyway.”
“Then what happened?”
I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “I fell for him,” I admit, my voice barely audible. “I didn’t mean to, but I did. And all the way. I fell totally in love with him. And now… now I can’t stay here anymore.”
Bryan stands abruptly, pacing the room like a caged animal. “I knew it,” he mutters. “I knew this would happen. I never should’ve let you stay there.”
“Don’t do that,” I say, shaking my head. “This isn’t your fault, Bryan. I’m an adult. I knew what I was getting into.”
He stops pacing to glare at me. “You knew what you were getting into? Did you know his ex-wife was going to show up and turn everything upside down? Did you know he was going to let her stay there, like nothing ever happened? Oh yeah, I already talked with him.”
“Bryan, stop,” I plead. “You don’t understand.”
“Then help me understand, Liz,” he snaps. “Because right now, all I see is my little sister heartbroken because of a guy who should’ve known better.”
I bite my lip, tears welling up again. “He didn’t do anything wrong,” I whisper. “He’s just trying to do the right thing for Max. And I can’t blame him for that.”
Bryan sighs heavily, his hands on his hips as he stares down at me. “So what? You’re just going to leave? Run away from all of this?”
“I have to,” I say, my voice trembling. “I can’t stay here, Bryan. Not with everything that’s happened. Not with all the memories.”
He sits back down beside me, his expression softening. “Liz, are you sure about this? Are you really ready to leave everything behind?”
I nod, though my heart feels like it’s breaking all over again. “It’s the only way.”
He studies me for a long moment, his eyes searching mine. “Okay,” he says finally. “If this is what you want, I’ll support you. But I still think you’re making a mistake.”
I manage a weak smile. “Thank you, Bryan.”
We sit in silence for a while, the weight of the conversation settling over us. Finally, Bryan stands and looks at the bags by the door.
“When’s your flight?”
“In a few hours,” I say quietly.
He frowns. “That soon? Liz, I just got back. I thought we’d have more time.”
“I know,” I say, my voice cracking. “But I needed to leave as soon as possible. I couldn’t stay here any longer.”
Bryan sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Let me drive you to the airport.”
I shake my head. “I’ve already called a taxi.”
“Liz—”
“Bryan, please,” I interrupt. “I need to do this on my own.”
He doesn’t look happy about it, but he nods reluctantly. “Fine.”
“But promise me something, Bryan.”
“Anything,” he responds.
“Whatever happens between me and Nate, it doesn’t change anything between you and him. He’s still your best friend.”
He hesitates for the longest minutes. But finally, he nods. “I promise.”
When the taxi arrives, Bryan helps me carry my bags to the car. As we stand on the curb, he pulls me into another hug, holding me tightly.
“You know you can always come back, right?” he says softly. “No matter what.”
“I know,” I whisper, blinking back tears.
“And if that idiot ever comes to his senses…” His voice trails off, but the unspoken hope hangs in the air.
I laugh weakly, shaking my head. “Don’t hold your breath.”
As I climb into the taxi, I glance back at Bryan one last time. His expression is a mix of sadness and determination, and I know he’s hurting for me as much as I’m hurting for myself.
The car pulls away, taking me away from Ocean Bay, from Nate, from everything.
I’ve made my decision. Now I just have to live with it.