42 Hours (Time for Love 3)

“What troubles you?”

“I hurt Brock,” I explained sadly.

“What did you do?” I looked up as my sister Gwen entered the kitchen. Her words accusing and tone sharp.

“Excuse me?” I asked softly, surprised by the anger on her face.

“Brock’s a good guy, you said you hurt him.” Gwen crossed her arms over her chest. “What did you do?”

I looked from my mother to Gwen, then replied gently, “I’ve decided to pursue a relationship with Scott. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to Brock and explain my feelings, and he walked in on Scott and I kissing.”

I watched Gwen’s face convey her anger, and I wondered at her reaction, then I remembered that I’d never talked with her about whatever was bothering her the other day.

“I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you the other morning like I said I would,” I began, but she cut me off with a scowl.

“Whatever, it hardly matters now,” she said sullenly.

I was confused. If she wasn’t upset over that, then was she really so upset for Brock?

“I know you like Brock, Gwennie, but he and I were only casually dating. I never meant to hurt him, but I finally have a chance to be with Scott…”

“Why are people so cruel?” Gwen asked, cutting me off again. “Why is it so hard to see what’s right under your nose?”

“What?” I asked, feeling even more confused by what she was saying.

“Gwendolyn,” our mother said sternly. “Go now. Don’t confuse your life with Gaby’s. You know your sister, and you also know the feelings she’s always had for Scott. She is conflicted enough, without you adding to it. Go on and leave us.”

Gwen looked like she wanted to argue, but our mother was never one to engage in arguments, so she turned and left the room.

“What was that all about?” I asked when she was gone.

My mother pushed the hair back from my face and said, “Don’t worry about your sister now. She’s having her own troubles of the heart. You need to focus on your men, and handle your situation carefully. I know you will be gentle with their hearts, Gabriella, but make sure you take care with yours as well.”

I though

t about my mother’s words as I enjoyed breakfast in my childhood home. I worried about Gwen, and what troubles she may be having, and promised myself that I would sit down and talk with her after I cleared up the mess I’d made in my own life.

I went through the motions of putting my things away from the weekend, showering, and getting ready. I wanted to give Brock time to calm down, but I didn’t want to put off talking to him. I figured he’d be at work, so I decided to drive by his office to see if he was there. If not, I’d try his house. I didn’t want to call ahead, because I imagined he’d either ignore my call, or tell me not to come over. I didn’t want to give him the option.

Brock’s Harley was parked outside his office. I pulled into the space next to it and took a deep breath as nerves coursed through me.

Shit, shit, shit… I thought as my hands began to sweat. Pull it together and get in there, Gaby.

I slowly opened the door, unsure why I was trying to be quiet, other than the fact that I was a giant chicken. Did I really think a sneak attack was the best course of action?

Ugh…

I walked in and surveyed the small waiting room. Brock was usually in his office in the back, so I started to walk that way, when Brady entered the room.

He didn’t look happy to see me.

“What are you doing here?” he asked unkindly. Brady had never spoken to me like that before, and it took me by surprise. His face was closed off and hard, causing my words to freeze in my throat. “Well?” he asked harshly. “Brock is busy, and doesn’t need you coming in here, throwing another dude in his face.”

Obviously, Brock had told his brother about Scott and me.

“I’m not here to throw anything in his face, I just want to talk to him,” I replied softly. I didn’t understand what Brady was so upset about.

“I think you’ve done enough,” Brady said, stalking toward me.