20. Isaac
Chapter 20
Isaac
Second Year of Fellowship
3 Years Ago, August
T he room is crowded, but I spot Jo almost immediately. It’s been nearly three years since I’ve seen or spoken to her.
I tuck myself into a small alcove at the back of the room, mostly hidden from view. I only run the risk of being recognized by a few people here, but regardless, it’s best if I stay hidden.
The last time Jo and I spoke, it was a knock-down, drag-out fight. Every part of me has regretted the moment I decided to walk away from what could be in favor of what was.
Generally speaking, I shouldn’t fucking be here.
“You shouldn’t fucking be here.”
Carmen.
I should’ve known she would find me. She’s always had a talent for sniffing me out. I assume it’s a protective mechanism, and I love her fiercely for it. She would lay her whole life on the line for Jo.
Like I should’ve for the past nine years.
“I know I shouldn’t.” I turn to face her, surprised by the fact that she’s holding a six-pack of beer cans. “Uhm, planning to have a party?”
She rolls her eyes, glancing over to where Jo stands next to her father’s casket. Though she’s clear across the room, I can tell her eyes are puffy and red.
“Little do you know, but Andrew just spent the last thirty-five minutes berating her for not paying enough attention to him. At her father’s wake.” She lifts the beers in the air. “So I brought in reinforcements.”
“Wait, I’m sorry. Andrew?” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Yeah, you asshole. When you left, she was miserable. He called and she went running, despite my best efforts against it.”
My head falls back against the wood paneling on the wall, and I sigh.
“You fucked everything up, Isaac. You broke her and I had to stay here and help her through it while you went and married Victoria.”
“But I—” She takes a step closer to me and presses a finger against my chest before I can explain myself.
“You don’t just get to waltz in here and play the hero today. I won’t let you.”
Carmen steps back, glancing around the room and then back at me.
“It took her years to get over you. Don’t open that wound again when she’s already grieving her dad and dealing with Andrew being a child.”
I nod sheepishly, raising my hands up in the air in surrender. “Okay, I agree. You’re right, and I’m sorry. I’ll go.”
Turning to walk away, Carmen glances back at me once more. “Just not today, okay?” The change in her demeanor is palpable. The voraciousness with which she protects Jo is something I aspire to. Someday.
“Not today.”
Carmen doesn’t look back as I speak, but continues her strut towards Jo, holding out the beers in front of her. Just faintly in the distance I hear her ask, “What do you say we go shotgun some beers in the parking lot?”
Watching Jo and Carmen exit the room, followed closely by Chloe, I head toward the guest book. Even if not today, I need her to know I was here. I can’t have her think I’d let her face this grief alone.