Fool Me Once

“I’ve become so desensitized over the years, it didn’t cross my mind just how hurt and betrayed you would feel. I can’t apologize for lying because telling you could’ve cost them the case, and that case wasn’t just important to Keegan, it was important to our entire family. And while you may not understand it now, you are actually how Keegan was able to break the case. So, in a roundabout way, I have you to thank.”

“I’m not really understanding. Why was this case so important?”

Her smile is sad. “I think Keegan should be the one to explain it to you, and once you’re ready, he will. Just know that nobody’s actions were malicious or vindictive.”

I nod in understanding. “Thank you for coming by. I don’t understand it all, but it means a lot that you would come over and apologize and explain what you can. I was really hurt. I still am. But I would never keep Zane from any of you.”

“And I appreciate that,” she says, “but my coming over isn’t about that. You are our family, Blakely, and you’re hurting. My apology was only for you.”

We stand, and Larissa envelops her arms around me in a motherly hug. “I love you, sweetie, and I hope to see you soon.”

Shortly after she leaves, there’s another knock on the door. I half expect it to be Keegan, so I’m surprised when I open the door to a delivery guy holding a large bouquet of flowers.

“Blakely Jacobs?”

“Yes, thank you.” I sign for them and bring them inside. I open the card and read it:

Blakely, I would prefer delivering these in person, but I’m giving you your space. Please know that I’m sorry and I love you. Even if you can’t ever forgive me, I would appreciate it if you let me explain.

Xo Keegan

I know I’m being a coward, but I’m not ready to talk to him yet. So instead I text him: Thank you for the flowers, but I’m not ready to talk yet.

A minute later a text comes through from him: You’re welcome. I’m here when you’re ready.

The next morning, I drop Zane off at daycare and, as I’m walking to my first class of the day, I spot Brenton standing against the sidewall of the building, his foot propped up. I glance around nervously. Why is he here? He must’ve gotten out on bail. Is he going to hurt me?

Walking quickly, I keep my head down, hoping he won’t notice me, but of course he does. “Blakely, wait,” he yells. It’s loud enough that there’s no way I wouldn’t hear him, so I stop, figuring it’s best to get this over with. My eyes dart around the courtyard, secretly hoping for Keegan to pop out, but he doesn’t.

“What?” I ask, making sure he knows just how angry I am.

“I know what I did was fucked up, and I’m sorry.” He stops in front of me.

“Fucked up? Yeah, Brenton, it was definitely fucked up! You sold drugs while you were around me and my son.”

“You were never in danger,” he says, as if that will make it all better. “I’m cooperating with the police, and I probably won’t even be serving any jail time. I shouldn’t have brought you to Miguel’s place, but I didn’t know the cops were looking for him.”

“Brenton, do you hear yourself?” I exclaim, my hands fisting at my sides. “You can’t seriously be defending and justifying what you did. This entire situation is beyond messed up and as far as I’m concerned you’re no longer my friend or a part of my life. You lied to me, you—”

“Keegan lied too!” he argues, and it takes everything in me not to smack the stupid out of him.

“And I’m not speaking to Keegan either. But he lied about being a cop. You lied about selling drugs.”

“So, what, you’re just going to forgive him for lying, but you’re forcing me out of your life? I messed up. I know that, but I’m still the same guy I’ve always been. I know you’re mad right now, but you’re going to forgive me…”

“No, I’m not going to forgive you,” I tell him point blank. “You most definitely are not the man I thought you were, and I never want to see or speak to you again.”

I turn to walk away and see Kolton stalking over. His face full of fury. “You need to get the hell away from her right fucking now,” he yells at Brenton.

“I was just talking to her,” Brenton says.

“And now you’re not.” Kolton steps between us. “Walk away.”

“The only place I’m walking to is class,” Brenton points out.

“Actually, you’re not. You obviously haven’t checked your email. You’ve been withdrawn from your classes and disenrolled from this university.”

“You can’t fucking do that!” Brenton roars, and I jump back in fear.