She cursed as she swept up the broken glass. Shattering the picture hadn't made her feel any better, and even worse now she was stuck cleaning up the mess. Bending over, she picked up the photo, and clenched her hand tight around it. She pitched it in the trash—where it belonged. Her entire marriage was trashed, but in truth she'd never had much of a marriage. She'd married Brian, not because she loved him, but because she liked him enough and he was a good man from a good family who would and could take care of her—at least that's what she thought at the time.
They had similar interests, similar career goals, and similar dreams. Both shared a passion for their work at the advertising firm in New York City, and Brian respected her devotion to her work—a quality that other men she'd dated had found to be a deterrent to a committed relationship. In truth, they lived separate lives together, but she didn't realize just how far apart they'd grown until this morning. She'd walked into his office to ask him about the charity event they were supposed to attend and she'd found him…with her. So much for it being just business, she'd scoffed and stormed out. He didn't even go after her. He didn't even care that much.
It hit her as she zipped her final suitcase that she hadn't shed a tear. Pausing for a moment, she realized that Brian cheating on her was more of an embarrassment than anything else. Theirs was a marriage of convenience, and little else. Sighing, she grabbed her bags and began to load them into her car. It was going to be a long drive home.
Kelly sat in the car for a moment looking at the house where she'd spent so many nights. Her aunt had always been there for her no matter what came up…no matter what mistakes she'd made, she always had somewhere to come, somewhere to call home. Coming back to Llanview certainly wasn't in her plans, but now after what happened, she couldn't show her face in the office on Monday. She didn't think she'd ever be able to walk back in there..not after everyone knew…not with everyone giving her those looks. Some were of apathy, others were of guilt, and still others were of pity—those were the ones she hated the most. She walked up to the front door and rang the bell, happy to see Dorian flitting past the housekeeper to greet her.
"Kelly, sweetheart, I'm so glad to see you." Dorian wrapped her arms around her and placed her hands on her shoulders to take a good look. "You look beautiful…far too beautiful to be hurting over some foolish man."
Kelly smiled. Aunt Dorian always knew just what to say. "Thank you. It's really good to see you too." She stepped inside, looking around, noting small changes, but nothing too drastic.
"I've got your room ready," Dorian said, as she stepped into the living room. "Do you need anything, dear? Would you like some tea? Something to eat?"
"No..No..I'm fine," Kelly insisted, as she sat on the couch, watching as her bags disappeared up the stairs as if by magic. Dorian had always employed plenty of help in the house, but Kelly had never really appreciated them as much as she did at the moment. She was exhausted. The drive had been long and tedious and she'd never been so glad to be back in the comforts of home.
Dorian appeared in a moment with ice cream and rum. "Thought this make you feel better," she said with a smile.
Kelly laughed, "Thanks," she said, tearing up a bit. "I've really missed you."
The two spent the next few hours talking and catching up. Kelly spilled all the sordid details of her marriage to Brian. She explained how she'd found him with his broker in his office…and how he'd seem ok with her leaving. Dorian had sat, listening….
After a while, Dorian quietly questioned, "You know, you haven't asked me."
"Asked you what?" Kelly asked, taking another spoonful of ice cream.
"About him…"
"Him, who?" Kelly feigned innocence. In truth, she knew exactly who Dorian meant…it was who they always talked about…every time Kelly called home to check in, every time she called to wish her a Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, or a Happy Mother's Day.
"Ok," Dorian said with a sigh, "I won't push."
"Fine.." Kelly said with a sigh, "How is he? How's Joey?"
Dorian smiled. "She keeps him busy."
"That's good," Kelly sighed. "I'm glad he has someone. I'd hate to think he was alone. Aubrey hurt him so badly."
"She did," Dorian agreed, "But he's moved on. He really loves her and you should see them together…it's really beautiful. Joe was always a sweetheart, but seeing him with her…it's something else entirely."
Kelly smiled. "I can't wait to see him. It's been too long…and I can't wait to meet her."
"You should see him…Don't count yourself out, sweetheart." Dorian locked eyes with her niece. She knew Kelly had never stopped loving Joey, and in truth, she didn't believe he'd ever stopped loving her. No matter where she went, or who he took up with…that passion had never been duplicated.
Kelly shook her head. "I don't want to disrupt their lives. They don't need that right now."
"What about what Joey wants? What he needs? Doesn't he deserve a chance to find his happiness?"
Kelly smiled at her aunt. "You don't think he's happy now?"
"Of course he is," Dorian sighed, "But you could make him happier." She watched as her words sank in with Kelly. "Just promise me you'll think about it."
"I promise. I'll think about it." She stood and leaned to kiss her aunt on the cheek. "I'm exhausted. I think I'm going to head up to bed for now."
Dorian nodded and walked her niece climb the steps to her room. She smiled to herself. Somewhere inside she'd always believe Kelly and Joe were meant to be together.