So Into You

Chapter 26

Britt sat on the couch in the living room, staring at her lap, unmoving. She couldn’t bring herself to look at her parents

or even tug on her shirt hem. It was bad enough she put her channel on private. Ever since the Picketts’ party, she wasn’t

motivated to do anything, especially art. But she was getting so many DMs and questions in the comments of her videos, she

had to do something. She was losing ad revenue, but she felt she had no choice.

And now her parents were fighting again. Shame filled her as she sniffed back more tears. Hearing her parents fight like they

had when she was a child had kicked her into the past, when she would cry herself to sleep at night while they had World War

III in the other room. After all this time, nothing had changed. They were still at each other’s throats, and she was still

that little girl who couldn’t hold in her tears.

“Britt,” Mom said, her voice sounding thick. “Please. Talk to us.”

Us. Hearing her mother say that word was strange. The fact her parents were in the same room together not battling right now

was a miracle. And she knew why. They were worried about her.

She was worried about herself.

Britt didn’t like ignoring her mother, but Mom had been overwhelming ever since the night of the party. Hovering and smothering,

and the only way to stop her was not to engage. At least her father sent her minimal texts, like hi and thinking of you . Britt managed to respond to those with one-word answers. Maude too.

Hunter had completely stopped texting her. No surprise since Britt refused to answer him. She couldn’t seem to do anything,

including work. Every time she thought about art it brought Hunter to mind, squeezing her heart until she was sure it would

burst. Then there was Savannah, whom she hadn’t heard from at all.

She’d lost her boyfriend, her best friend, and if she didn’t get it together, she would lose her job. But she didn’t care.

She was falling down an abyss and she didn’t know how to stop.

“Brittany,” Dad said. “Your mother and I want to help you.”

The calm concern in his voice compelled her to look at him. “I don’t think I can be helped,” she said, her voice so tiny she

could barely hear it.

“Oh, honey,” Mom said. “Sure you can. This is just a small setback—”

“Small?” Britt’s eyes narrowed. “My life is a wreck, Mom. How can you call that small?”

“I didn’t mean...” She turned to Dad, silently pleading.

Then he did something that shocked Britt to the core. He took Mom’s hand. Even more unbelievable, she didn’t shake him off.

“Regardless of our relationship, we both love you. I know I have a long way to go before you fully trust me, but your mother

has always been here for you, and no matter what happens, she always will be. We both will.”

Britt wiped her weepy eyes with the back of her forearm. “It hurts so much.”

“I know.” Mom grabbed a tissue and blew her nose. “A broken heart is the worst.”

Dad winced.

“I wish I’d never met him.” She’d said the words over and over in her mind, but this was the first time she’d spoken them out loud. “It wasn’t worth this.”

“Are you sure?” Dad said.

She nodded. But even as her head moved up and down, she had doubts. If things were different, if they weren’t from two opposite

worlds, maybe they would still be together.

Releasing Mom’s hand, he leaned forward. “Have you talked to him?”

Britt shook her head. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Because he’s not who I thought he was. “We would never have worked out anyway.”

He frowned. “You really think so?”

“C’mon, Dad. You work for his father. You see how they live. They literally have an art gallery in their house. And you’ve

met Hunter. He’s gorgeous, smart, charming—”

“Manipulative,” Mom muttered.

“He’s not like that. He’s always been kind and considerate of me. He’s also extremely patient, easy to talk to...” And a fantastic kisser. Her parents didn’t need to know about that, though.

Dad and Mom exchanged a look.

“Do you love Hunter?” Mom asked.

Surprised by her question, she wanted to say no. But she couldn’t. No more lies. “Yes,” she whispered. “But it doesn’t matter anymore.” She got up from the couch and left, heading for her room. While she

appreciated their help and that they’d stopped fighting when she asked them to, there was nothing they could do.

Britt went inside her room and perched on the edge of the bed, motionless, staring at her desk. She’d thrown Hunter’s portraits away, but they were seared in her memory. She glanced at her closet and saw her maid of honor dress hanging in its garment bag. It had been delivered yesterday. No returns.

Her life had been normal for a few weeks, and she’d been happier than she ever imagined. But taking risks and moving out of

her comfort zone had only resulted in pain she couldn’t have fathomed.

“Brittany Danielle Branch!”

She jumped at the sound of her name. Huh?

“To the window. Now!”

Was that... Maude? She got up from the bed and opened her window, the steamy summer air hitting her square on. Sure enough,

Maude was in her driveway, holding a megaphone and wearing a brick-red and lemon-yellow flowered caftan. The hot breeze caused

the hem to flutter around her ankles.

Britt leaned partway out the window. “What are you doing?”

She brought the megaphone up to her mouth. “Getting your attention.”

Mom and Dad came outside, looking confused and alarmed. “What’s going on?” Mom demanded.

Maude turned to her, still talking through the megaphone. “I have a special announcement—”

Mom held her ears while Dad took the megaphone from Maude.

“Sorry.” Maude held up a letter. “I have a special delivery for Brittany Danielle Branch.”

“You could have put it in the mailbox,” Dad said, looking up at Britt.

“Oh no.” Maude’s voice was plenty loud as she shook her head, her glasses bouncing on her chest. “I have to hand deliver this

to her, and she has to read it in my presence.”

“I have a doorbell, you know.” Mom was also gazing up at the open window.

Maude ignored them and stepped forward, staring straight at Britt. “Would you have answered the door and talked to me?”

Britt paused. Shook her head.

“Exactly.” She took the megaphone from Dad and resumed using it. “I’m going to stand out here in the blazing heat until I

hand you this letter and you read it.”

“Good grief.” Britt shut the window and hurried to the door. Maude would keep her word and probably end up having a heat stroke

in the process. When she went outside, Mom was trying to talk sense into her.

“You’re going to melt, Maude,” she said, glancing around. “And then there are the neighbors.”

“Are they still nosy?” Dad asked.

“Only Mrs. Dalton across the street, but she stays inside on hot days like this.”

Britt walked over to Maude and took the letter. “Fine. I’ll read it later.”

Maude pointed the megaphone at her, but Dad whisked it away again.

“I’ll keep this safe for you,” he said, putting it behind his back.

“How about you two go into the kitchen.” Mom smiled, although it was a little off. “I’ll fix some iced tea, and you and Maude

can visit.”

“Marvelous idea.” Maude headed toward the door, then looked at Britt over her shoulder and motioned for her to follow. “C’mon,

sweetie,” she said to Britt. “Your letter awaits.”

***

“That will be twenty-two dollars.”

Daniel pulled out a twenty and a five and handed it to the young woman behind the ticket counter. After she gave him the white

tickets with purple print and his change, he turned to give one to Amy.

She snatched it out of his hand. “I don’t know why I let you talk me into this. We should be at home.”

He hid a smile, wondering if she realized what she was saying and how it sounded. “We need to give them some time alone.”

Once Britt and Maude had gone inside the house—that woman was quite a character—he’d ushered Amy to his car and told her they

were going to the movies. After some expected back and forth, she got into the passenger’s seat in a huff and didn’t speak

to him the entire way to the Mango Movieplex, nearly a thirty-minute ride. She also didn’t argue with him when they arrived,

just got out of the car and followed him to the ticket counter.

“Don’t you want to know who the letter is from?” she asked. “What it says?”

He guided her to the snack counter. “It’s none of our business. Popcorn?”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, all right.”

“Two small popcorns, two Cokes, and one Junior Mints.”

“I didn’t ask for Junior Mints,” Amy said.

“You can eat them later.” He turned to her as the concession attendant filled their order. “You need a distraction, or you’ll

fret about the situation all night.”

They got their refreshments and headed for the show. Amy stopped him when they reached the theater door. “You know this is

a rom-com, right?”

He glanced at his ticket. Wrong Way, Cupid. “Wait, I thought I asked for Jack Robin: Pirate Mercenary .”

Amy scoffed. “What a stupid title.”

“You think Wrong Way, Cupid is better?”

“No, but I think I see the confusion.” She pointed at the sign. “This is theater six, Jack what’s-his-face is theater seven.”

“Maybe we can trade tickets—”

“It’s almost starting.” She grabbed his hand, and they marched inside. Previews were playing on the screen, although there

were only four people in the theater. That wasn’t a good sign. Exactly how bad was this movie?

Armed with her Junior Mints, she led him to the middle of the theater, and they sat down just as the movie started. Ten minutes

in, he knew it was going to be terrible—one of those movies where every joke was lame and nothing surprising happened.

“We should have traded in our tickets,” Amy whispered, after one of the characters literally slipped on a banana peel. At

least the Cupid character was wearing shorts instead of a diaper, but he was still hauling around a mini golden bow. “Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He dug into his popcorn and tried to focus on the movie. But even if it had been a masterpiece, he wouldn’t have

been able to pay attention. He was wondering about Britt, although he felt a little better after talking to her. His baby

girl was hurting, but the way she had defended Hunter to Amy gave him some hope that the two of them would figure things out.

She loved him, and he knew Hunter cared about her. They just had to get talking again. Maybe Maude could facilitate that.

But Britt was only in the back of his mind. Right now, his senses were filled with salty popcorn and Amy’s vanilla-scented

perfume. He kept looking at her, smiling when she chuckled at a dumb joke. Ironically, for an intelligent woman, she’d always

enjoyed lousy comedy, which made him think her apology was for his benefit more than hers.

Suddenly the film shut off, and the lights came on. An usher jogged to the front. “Excuse me,” he yelled to the six people in the theater. “We’re having projector problems, but we’ll have them fixed real soon. Just hang tight, y’all.” He ran back up the outer aisle.

“Now what?” Amy slumped in the chair. “I was actually enjoying the show.”

“I know.” He grinned.

She turned to him. “I bet you’re hating every minute of it.”

“Pretty much.” But he liked watching her having fun.

“How do you think Britt is doing?” She reached for her purse. “I should text her—”

He took her hand and threaded his fingers through it. Yeah, he was taking advantage of the moment, but he was also trying

to keep her from bothering Britt.

Amy glanced at their clasped hands. “Point taken. You can let go now.”

Daniel angled his body toward her. “Do I have to?”

She didn’t move, her luminous eyes on his. Then she disengaged her hand. “I can’t, Daniel.”

“Can’t what?”

“Let down my guard with you.” She stared at the blank screen.

He faced the front. Neither one of them spoke or touched their food. Minutes ticked by and the four other people left the

theater, leaving the two of them alone.

“Amy?”

After a moment she said, “Yes?”

He had to tread carefully with his next question, but he couldn’t hold back from asking it. “Why didn’t you get married again?”

***

Amy kept her gaze on the screen, unable to look at Daniel. She supposed this question would have come up eventually, especially

if he ended up being true to his word and stayed sober, engaged, and dependable. But she didn’t believe he would. He’d made

so many promises, had let her down so many times. What made this time any different?

He’s different. She couldn’t deny that. He wasn’t the unsettled, insecure, and at times fearful man she’d married. To be fair, he hadn’t

been any of those things before they tied the knot. They were young, but he had confidence back then. Swagger even, but in

a good way. A sexy way. Then he changed, and everything went careening downhill.

“It was never enough. I never made enough money, I didn’t do enough around the house...”

His words slammed into her as they resurfaced. They got married when she was in college, and he was working part-time as a

mechanic, learning on the job. Then she was pregnant with Britt and trying to make straight As, like she had all her life.

She was exhausted and working so hard, while he seemed to barely do the minimum.

The fighting started. The hurtful words said in anger on both sides. The visits to the bar, the cases of beer and bottles

of liquor that kept appearing... and disappearing.

But when Britt was born, he was a new man. So attentive, so sweet. She still had a picture of their tiny girl lying on his

bare chest while they both slept on the couch. Why she kept it, she didn’t know. Those were the good times. But they didn’t

last.

More memories surfaced. Her working on her master’s while she was teaching full time. Britt going to daycare. Daniel still in a dead-end job and drinking again. The fights were epic back then. Eventually the only thing keeping their marriage together were the sizzling ways they would make up, and even that had ground to a halt by the time Britt was in kindergarten.

“Never mind,” he mumbled, breaking into her thoughts. “I shouldn’t have asked.”

She looked at him. He was fiddling with the popcorn kernels in the box on his lap but not eating any of them. All these years

she had blamed him for failing her and Britt. But she’d never taken responsibility for her part in the destruction of their

marriage. She never gave him enough credit or encouragement. But she sure was generous with the criticism.

“No,” she said softly. “I’m the one who’s sorry, Daniel.” His eyes widened so fast she almost smiled. “I made a lot of mistakes

too.”

“Amy—”

“I contributed to our problems, but made you out to be the sole villain. I shouldn’t have done that.”

He took her hand in his. “Let’s make a promise to each other, okay? We don’t look back, only forward.”

She nodded, and the lights dimmed again, Cupid and his white shorts appearing on the screen. She glanced at their entwined

hands again. This time, she didn’t let go.

***

“You’ve been staring at that envelope for ten minutes, Britt.”

She lifted her gaze from what she was sure was Hunter’s handwriting and looked at Maude, who was on her second glass of iced

tea. At least her face wasn’t beet red anymore. What a crazy thing to do, hollering through a megaphone to get her to read

a letter. “Where’s Mom and Dad?” she said, moving to rise from the chair. “They haven’t come inside yet.”

“I’m sure those completely grown adults have figured out something else to do.” Maude tapped the letter. “Quit procrastinating. I made a promise.”

“To Hunter?”

Maude paused, then nodded.

“So you’ve seen him? Did he stop by the store?” Her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Did he look—” She bit her lip.

“Yes, I’ve seen him, yes he stopped by the store—to check on you, young lady—and yes, he looked as scrumptious as ever, although

quite sleep deprived.”

A butterfly faintly fluttered in her stomach, then disappeared. She didn’t want to worry about him, or think about his scrumptiousness,

if that was even a word.

“Britt,” Maude said, a touch of fatigue in her voice. “Just read the letter so I can go back to X. He’s making pot roast tonight,

and I’m partial to those little potatoes he cooks with the meat.”

She nodded, not wanting to come between Maude and her spuds. She picked up the envelope. “I have to read this in front of

you?”

“That’s the deal. Silently—although I wouldn’t mind if you read it out loud—”

“I’ll read it to myself.” Her fingers shook as she flipped open the flap and pulled out the letter, which wasn’t a traditional

letter at all, but several lists.

What I Like About You

The way your eyes sparkle when you smile.

How you stick out your tongue just a tiny bit when you’re concentrating.

Your art, from A-Z. Everything you create is amazing.

You smell really, really nice.

Your hair. Just... wow.

She caught herself smiling, then glanced up to see Maude giving her a sly grin. She shot her a pinched look and continued reading.

How You Make Me Feel

Excited (yes, in all ways!).

Britt blushed.

Comfortable. I can be myself around you.

Warm. Inside and out.

Capable. I feel like I can do anything with you by my side.

Love. I feel love.

Her heart hitched. The last list had only one item.

What I Want

You, Britt. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m so into you, and always will be.

I love you, H.

P.S. Excuse the drawings. I’m missing my art lessons.

P.P.S. Please give me another chance.

She looked at the next three pages. One was a beach scene, and he’d executed it perfectly, the combinations of colors and

shading bringing the sea to life. Floating on the waves were two stick figures on surfboards, their stick arms touching each

other where their hands would be. She hadn’t taught him how to draw people yet. She couldn’t help but chuckle. He’d sketched

a heart around the couple and wrote Hunter 3 Britt .

She folded the letter, put it back in the envelope, and gave it back to Maude.

“What are you doing?” Maude pushed it back at her.

“I don’t want it,” she lied.

The woman looked like her head was going to explode. “That boy wrote you a whole bunch of sweet nothings—”

“How do you know?” Britt asked. “Did you read it?”

“Of course not. I could tell he did by your expressions while you were reading. The twinkle in your eye, the smile on your

face... You’re trying to hide how much you care about him. And, I might add, you’re not succeeding. At all.”

Britt got up from her chair. “You don’t understand.”

“What’s there to understand? You two love each other. Why are you letting a misunderstanding tear your relationship apart?

Unless you’re using that as an excuse to push him away. You are, aren’t you?” She got up from her chair and went to her.

Britt faced Maude, trying to keep her chin up. “He’s turning his life around.”

“That’s a good thing, Britt.”

“He’s going back to college, and he’ll do well. He’ll find his path, and he’ll have the resources, intelligence, and ambition

to succeed.”

“Don’t you want that for him?”

“Yes,” she said, her throat tight. “More than anything. But he’ll end up getting bored with me, tired of my issues—”

“Or he’ll love and cherish you for who you are.” She peered at Britt. “What are you truly afraid of?”

Everything. But that wasn’t totally true. Over the past couple months she’d discovered there were plenty of things in her life and the

world that she wasn’t afraid of.

Maude patted her cheek. “When you figure it out, you’ll know what to do.” She collected her megaphone and held it up. “From

my cheerleading days. Those taters are calling my name, Britt. See you soon.”

She watched her leave, then sat back down at the table, looking at Hunter’s letter. Maude obviously left it on purpose.

Britt pulled it out again. Reread it several times. Looked at the adorable picture he drew. He’s so perfect.

Her head shot up. No, he wasn’t perfect. He had problems and issues. Big ones, actually. Just like me. She’d put him on a pedestal, one he never asked or wanted to be on. And even though he hadn’t told her about his past or

his family, she’d held things back from him too. They were more alike than different.

They were also better together.

She got out her phone, texted Dad, then waited a few minutes for a response. When he didn’t text her back, she didn’t panic.

There was time for them to talk. She hurried to her bedroom, grabbed some clean clothes, and went to the bathroom, catching

a glimpse of her neglected self in the mirror. No more wallowing. No more excuses.

She was going to start living again.

***

By Thursday, Hunter had given up on hearing from Britt. He had to figure out how to regroup, but he wasn’t sure how. He’d

deleted YouTube from his phone, even though she hadn’t put her channel back up. That was a start. But it didn’t keep him from

thinking about her, wanting her, wishing for her to come back.

Before his shift started, he’d enrolled in a Business 101 fall class at the local community college. He almost didn’t do it, but then realized he had to keep moving forward with his life. He had come too far to turn back or fall off the wagon. He was returning to school because he wanted to, not because it was expected of him by his parents or anyone else.

He finished moving a tall stack of pallets with the forklift. Time to go on break. He turned off the machine and jumped down,

and he was heading for the break room when Sawyer came up behind him, putting his arm around his neck.

“What’s up, my dude?” he said, a huge grin on his face.

“On my way to get a Coke. You want one?” For some reason Sawyer was turning him in the opposite direction of the break room.

“Hey, what’s going on—” He froze as he saw an adorable woman with curly black hair approaching them, wearing a yellow and

orange safety vest over a powder-blue T-shirt and white shorts, her hands behind her back. “Britt?”

Sawyer’s arm slipped from Hunter’s shoulders. “She’s all yours.”

He looked at his friend. “How did she get in here?”

“I pulled some strings. I kind of owe ya.” He clapped Hunter on the back. “Don’t blow it this time.” He took off.

Hunter started to run to Britt, then slowed down, trying to keep his cool. She could be here to read him the riot act for

all he knew.

She suddenly stopped a few feet in front of him and whipped out a megaphone. “Attention, everyone!”

He startled. What in the world?

“I have an announcement to make.”

“Britt,” Hunter said. He glanced around. The entire floor had stopped working and was gathering around, staring at them. Her

worst nightmare.

The megaphone wobbled a little in her hand, but she stood firm. “Hunter Pickett...” Her eyes widened slightly as she took in the number of people looking in her direction. But she closed them briefly before meeting his gaze again. “I love you.”

She loves me. His heart soared as he scooped her up in his arms and held her tight. Applause broke out around them. Then he set her on

the ground, soaking in her bright, beautiful, relaxed smile. “How did you do this?” he said, still holding her close.

“I asked Dad to talk to Lila, and she talked to Sawyer, and he made it happen.” She tightened her hold on his waist. “I’m

so sorry, Hunter. I shouldn’t have pushed you away. But I was afraid I’d lose you.”

“And I was afraid of losing you.” He looked around again. “FYI, everyone’s watching us.”

She nodded, keeping her eyes on him. But she wasn’t completely at ease, and he could feel her trembling in his arms.

He held her tighter. “We could have met at K&Bs, or your house, or my apartment. You didn’t have to do this in front of anyone.”

“Yes, I did.” She lifted her chin. “I wanted you to know I’m not hiding anything from you, especially my feelings.”

His heart warmed, and his fingers brushed against the curl resting against her cheek.

“I needed to do this for myself too,” she continued. “I can’t promise I won’t be nervous or anxious or even scared at times,

but I’m not going to hide anymore.”

Impressed with her determination, he said, “And I can’t promise I won’t struggle either. It’s one day at time for me, and

it always will be.”

“I know.” She smiled. “But we’ll be there for each other. We don’t have to go through any of it alone.”

He touched his forehead to hers. “You know what this means, though.” At her questioning look, he whispered, “I’m never letting you go.”

“You better not.”

“Kiss her already,” Sawyer hollered.

“Gotta do what the man says.” He smiled, bending down to kiss her. And when she kissed him back, he knew she was his forever.