Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
NATALIE
The door slammed shut behind Jasper. The sound echoed through the empty office like a gunshot. My hands shook as I reached for the framed photo of Dad on my desk. My vision was cloudy with tears, distorting his kind smile into a watery smear.
I'm sorry, Dad. I've let you down. I've let everyone down.
Each sobbing breath was a struggle. The truth I'd hidden from Jasper now hung between us like a toxic cloud, poisoning everything we were starting to rebuild. The betrayal in his eyes replayed in my mind on an endless, gut-wrenching loop.
I couldn't stay there. Not in that office, surrounded by the ghosts of my father's expectations and the ruins of my relationship with Jasper. My hands moved on autopilot, shoving papers and personal items into my bag. The picture of Dad went in last, wrapped in a sweater for protection.
I paused in the doorway on my way out, tracing my fingers over the gleaming brass nameplate. "Edward Choi, CPA." How many times had I watched him unlock that door, bursting with pride at the important work he did for our community?
But I was clearly not cut out for it.
Outside, a few locals nodded in greeting as they passed, but I kept my head down, afraid they'd see my failure written over my face.
Finally, I arrived back at Mom's house. A shameful part of me felt relieved when I saw her car was gone from the driveway. I slid into my own car, tossing my bag onto the passenger seat. My hands felt numb and clumsy as I pulled out my phone. What could I possibly say to Jasper that would make this right? How could I apologize for keeping such a massive secret?
After several false starts, I typed out a simple message.
NATALIE
You deserved to know the truth from the beginning. I never meant to cause you more pain.
I hit send then immediately regretted it. The words felt hollow in the face of the harm I'd caused. But it was done now, another mistake to add to the growing pile.
I scrolled to Mom's contact photo. Her warm smile was a sharp contrast to the turmoil churning inside me. As I pressed the call button, a new wave of guilt descended on me. How could I explain this to her?
The phone rang once, twice, three times. With each unanswered ring, my anxiety ratcheted up another notch. What if she's disappointed in me too? What if ? —
When the call went to voicemail, I breathed another sigh of relief. It would be easier that way.
"Hi, this is Marie. I can't make it to the phone right now, but if you leave a message, I'll get back to you as soon as I can." Beeeeeeep.
I took a deep breath and willed the sadness out of my voice.
"Hey Mom. I, um... Something's come up, and I have to head back to the city. I have my computer with me, so I can keep up with Dad's work, but we really need to start looking for a buyer. If you need anything, call me. I love you."
And then I drove out of Sable Point.
Again.