Evie （Chapter）
Evie
Well, I wondered if Brandon and I were ever going to make up after our falling out. I also wondered if he might change his mind about us. And now I have my answer.
This evening, when I was doing some food prep at Bert’s house and helping his granddaughter, Erica, move his bed into the living room, the doorbell rang. Bouncing with excitement, Erica smoothed her dress down and ran to the front door.
She’d been gushing all afternoon about her date for the evening.
Apparently, he was a doctor. A tall, charming, blue-eyed doctor that she met through mutual connections at the church she’s attending while she’s in town.
Erica is a traveling nurse, so she’s staying with her Grandpa Bert while working in the area.
Once I had Bert’s bed situated, I excused myself to the kitchen to give them their privacy.
I was in the middle of unloading his dishwasher when I heard his voice.
I’d recognize it anywhere. I froze, and the mug I was putting away slipped from my fingers and bounced off the countertop before crashing to the floor.
Brandon. It was Brandon’s voice. He was the tall, charming, blue-eyed doctor Erica had been referring to. Erica was going on a date with Brandon.
Which meant Brandon was seeing other women.
While ignoring my calls and texts.
Crushed, I ran toward the hallway, hoping to escape before he could notice me, but it was too late. Erica and Brandon appeared in the kitchen doorway, wondering what all the commotion was about.
Hands trembling, I kept my eyes downcast as I grabbed the broom beside the fridge. Apologizing profusely, I explained what happened and urged them not to worry, to go have their fun. Obviously wanting to make a good first impression on Erica, Brandon wasn’t having it and insisted on helping me.
I chanced a peek at him as he removed the broom from my fingers. His expression was cool, calm, but somehow still concerned. Like we had been mere acquaintances rather than best friends. Or secret lovers.
The concern was probably for show.
Erica looked between us, asking if we knew one another. I’m sure she could sense the sudden spike of tension in the room.
Brandon hesitated, offering a sheepish smile as he explained that I’m his “best friend’s sister.”
Erica’s face lit up, then she laughed, going on about how it’s such a small world.
Brandon chuckled, but it sounded empty. Only I could tell that he had been knocked off-kilter. Then we cleaned up the mess in strained silence while Erica chittered relentlessly about the restaurant she chose for the evening, and then they left.
And I sobbed quietly in Bert’s bathroom while picking up the pieces of my shattered heart.