Breck’s eyes were wide with surprise. The irony of their conversation didn’t escape Aiden’s notice. For a guy who didn’t want to talk about it, he sure was saying a lot. It felt good, to finally get it out. Like somebody uncorking a bottle, he could feel the pressure slowly release from him.
“Why haven’t you already called her?” Breck asked. He pulled up a chair and sat down, crossing his legs in front of him.
“Because I’ve made enough decisions for her, I don’t want to make any more. I don’t want to pressure her into talking to me. I want her to make the choice to do it willingly.”
“That sounds fair enough.”
“Yeah, but it’s killing me.”
Breck laughed. “I can see that, man.” He shrugged. “But for what it’s worth, I think you’re doing the right thing. I’m no expert on relationships, but I can tell you’ve thought this through. You’re not playing games. You’re handing back control.”
“And I freaking hate it.”
“You’re giving her the time and space to think things through. You’re a good guy, Aiden. She’ll realize it eventually.”
Good guy, bad guy, at the end of the day it didn’t matter. He’d ended up treating her the same way she’d always been treated. No wonder she didn’t believe him when he’d said he was different.
But he’d do whatever it took to be the man she wanted. Even leave her alone if that was her choice. It would hurt him like nothing had ever hurt him before, but he’d still do it.
Because he loved her, and right now it was the only thing keeping him going.
* * *
Brooke flicked on Nick’s nightlight and pulled the door closed behind her, walking back into her small living room. “He’s finally asleep,” she told Ember and Ally, who were sitting on her sofa looking up at her. Three insulated cups of coffee were on the table in front of them – Ally had finished her shift at the coffee shop and had brought them over with her, along with some pastries that looked delicious.
“I’ve got one for Nick, too,” Ally said, pointing at the paper bag next to the cups. “I thought he could have it for breakfast. It’s completely nut free, I promise.”
“Thank God for that.” Brooke wasn’t quite up to smiling at the situation yet, but she still appreciated Ally’s levity. It was so good to have her friends with her. For the past few days she’d taken time off work and her classes to stay at home with Nick while he recuperated. He was itching to get back to school, and the doctor had given him the all clear to start back on Monday.
But for now, all she wanted to do was keep him home and hug him tight.
“Nick’s teacher asked me to give you this,” Ember said, pulling a large envelope from her bag. “His classmates made him a get well soon card.”
Brooke took it, pulling the large white card out of the envelope. Each child had drawn a self-portrait on it, and beneath their drawings they’d written their names in varying degrees of scrawl. Opening it up, she smiled as she read the words.
Get well soon, Nicholas. We miss you.
“That’s so sweet,” Ally said, leaning over Brooke to read the message inside. “I didn’t think of bringing a card.”
“You brought coffee, which is even better,” Ember pointed out.
“Talking of coffee, your mom came into the shop today,” Ally said, glancing at Brooke from the corner of her eye. “She said she and your dad came to dinner here yesterday.”
“I didn’t know you were talking to them again,” Ember said, leaning forward with interest. “Tell me more.”
“It’s still early in repairing the relationship,” Brooke said slowly, remembering the awkward politeness of the previous night. “And they’re probably not going to be talking to me for a while after I fed them chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes, but it was Nick’s choice and they got what they were given.”
“I’d pay good money to see your folks eating chicken nuggets,” Ally said, trying to suppress a grin. “Did they really eat it?”
“Every last morsel,” Brooke said, biting down a smile. “I guess they really wanted to spend some time with Nick.”
“And have you heard from Aiden?” Ally asked.
“No. Not a word.” She tried to hide the disappointment from her voice, but it didn’t work at all. “Actually, that’s not true. He messaged on Wednesday to ask how Nick was, and to see if he was up for staying with him on Saturday.” Brooke licked her dry lips. “I said it would be fine. End of conversation.”
“He didn’t talk about your relationship?”
Brooke shook her head. “No.”