“Where did you move from?”
“Montana. Well, I’m originally from Delaware, but Reed and I have been following his father for his job. The last several years we’ve been moving a lot.”
“Oh, well, I guess it’s hard when your husband’s job moves a lot.”
Brooke laughs. “Trust me, I’m not married to Reed’s father.”
“Oh, I’m sorry I assumed.” I shake my head.
“It’s okay. Everyone makes the same mistake. We’re best friends. Nothing more.”
I look at her, wanting to know more about her situation, but it would be rude to ask.
“You can ask. Everyone does.” She smiles.
“You’re friends with your ex? Isn’t that strange?”
Brooke shakes her head. “Nope, because I never dated him.” She takes a sip from her cup. “See, we went to college together. One night after a game, we drank. I mean, a lot. I woke up the next day hung over and naked next to him. Eight weeks later, I found out I wasn’t puking from the stomach flu.”
“How old were you? What did he say?” I’m shocked that she’s so nonchalant about it.
“I had just turned twenty. He was scared at first, but I was too. Then we figured out a plan together, and our friendship has remained strong since then.”
“Do you,” I stop, then decide to go ahead and pry more. “Do you date?”
“Sure,” she says, like it isn’t a big deal. “
But, Reed always comes first for us both. No matter what.”
“I hate to say it, but I’m very impressed. I mean, that’s sounds almost like a dream.”
Brooke laughs. “There are moments that it doesn’t feel that way. I mean, I’m not a fan of all the moving around, but I promised to keep Reed in the same town as his dad because he travels so much with his job. But, Reed’s father paid for me to finish school, and he is the best father for him.”
“Trust me, that’s a dream.” I sip the tea in front of me.
“So, I told you my story. What’s yours?”
“Um.” I clear my throat. It’s only fair. “Tony and I were high school sweethearts. I started dating him when we were freshmen. When we graduated, we remained together. He joined the Army, and I went to college. I took as many classes as I could and was able to graduate early. Tony always wanted to be a soldier, so I wasn’t shocked when he reenlisted. I got pregnant, and he got his papers for another tour in Iraq. We decided to do a quick wedding, and it was perfect.” I can feel the tears building up. “I was about six weeks away from giving birth when we got the news that he was killed by an IED.”
“Oh my God, that’s…” Brooke stares at me with her mouth open. “I’m so sorry.” She grabs my hand.
I nod. Even to this day, I still don’t know how to react when people say how sorry they are.
“I didn’t realize.” She looks as if she’s about to bawl.
“It’s fine. It was almost seven years ago.” I try to make sure my voice isn’t cracking, but I think I fail.
Tony is my true love, and I’ve never gotten over it. I never will. However, I know in my head I need to move on, but my heart won’t let me. Yet.
I hear the front door open, and Tiffany’s voice carries through the house. “I’m here.”
“Aunt Tiff!” Sadie yells.
“There’s a strange boy in your living room.” Tiffany comes into the dining room. “Oh, sorry.”
“Brooke, this is my best friend, Tiffany. This is Reed’s mom, Brooke.”
“Oh, the famous Reed that Sadie keeps going on about.”