Chapter 3
A ray of sunlight wakes me up and I look out my window to the waves crashing against the shore. Life was better waking up in Cousin's. Sunny. Happy. Golden. Magical.
Something touches my back and I look over my right shoulder to find Conrad Fisher asleep next to me with one hand on his stomach and the other stretched out towards me, his fingers grazing my back. I cover my mouth and look around the room. How much did they drink last night?
Nothing was out of place. No clothes were on the floor. Her travel bag was still in the corner where she had left it. She sinks back into the bed with relief and stares up at the ceiling lost in thought. This could be worse but Taylor would kill her if she saw them leave her bedroom together. What would she say to Steven? He'd never let this go. More than that, why couldn't she remember anything from the night before? She sighs, feeling the hangover blues.
"Good morning." A voice pulls her out of her thoughts and into reality.
Belly takes her eyes off of the ceiling to find Conrad awake next to her. His hair was falling into his eyes and he was smiling. Her stare lingers longer than it should and she has to force herself to look away from him. Conrad's fingers lightly trace her back, sending electric jolts up her spine and she shrinks away from his touch.
"Everything okay?" Conrad offers a smile then after he studies her face some more he says, "You don't… remember last night, do you?"
She looks back at him, unsure what to say or do. He tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear and she holds her breath as he looks into her eyes. She can feel the heat radiating off of his tan skin. He moves closer and his eyes flash to her lips then back to her eyes.
He was about to kiss her.
"I can remind you." He smirks, looking at her lips.
Before Belly has time to think his lips are pressed to hers and she closes her eyes in surrender. Because it was him. The boy she had loved since she was 12 years old.
I wake up to a knock on the door and sit up in my bed feeling disoriented. I touch my lips. The kiss felt so real. I look to my right to see empty bed sheets. No signs of Conrad Fisher.
I close my eyes. So it was all a dream.
There is another knock on the door and Belly sighs, remembering the plans she had agreed to. Taylor and Anika had joked about getting mimosas to celebrate their first day post-graduation.
She throws the bed sheets off of her legs and walks over to open the door.
"Taylor, I love you but we're not getting mimosas-" She stops when she sees it isn't Taylor.
"Actually, I was thinking of a muffin run." Conrad smiles, leaning against the doorframe dangling his car keys.
Belly quickly glances down the hallway to see every bedroom door shut. The house was quiet. Everyone was still sleeping off their hangovers. Belly looks at Conrad, considering it.
"Um, yeah, sure." She smiles. "I could go for a muffin run. Meet you outside in 5?"
"Meet you outside." Conrad nods with a smile then walks away. Belly watches him walk away then shuts the door leaning against it. Was she out of her mind? A minute ago she had dreamt about kissing Conrad and now she was about to go on a muffin run with him. She looks over to see Junior Mint who was propped up on her pillow staring directly at her.
"What?" She laughs at Junior Mint as if he is judging her.
She throws on a Cousin's t-shirt with denim shorts and heads to the bathroom. She quietly does her morning routine: brushes her teeth, washes her face, and brushes through her curls. She was grateful Taylor had curled her hair for the party because it always looked best the day after. She liked the look of slept-on curls. She applies her favorite lip mask and some mascara then quietly slips out of the bathroom.
When Belly turns around, Taylor is standing in a robe with her arms crossed in disapproval.
"Taylor!" Belly gasps feeling startled.
"Where are you off to, babe?" Taylor squints, taking in her mascara.
Belly knew she couldn't lie to her. It was Taylor. Besides, there was nothing to lie about.
"Conrad and I are going on a muffin run." I nod, nonchalantly.
"You're going on a muffin run with Conrad?" Taylor repeats back to me with raised eyebrows. I press my lips together, bracing for her lecture. At least I hadn't lied.
"Belly, are you kidding me? We just talked about this-" Taylor groans.
"I know but everything is… different now. We're good. Trust me, Taylor."
"Different?" Taylor repeats. "Belly, I don't think this is a good idea. I mean, he really hurt you-"
"And so did Jere." I interrupt.
I knew that would get through to her. Taylor had always been Jeremiah's biggest fan until the night I broke down to her and Anika after I called off the wedding. I told them everything. I couldn't keep his secret anymore. Taylor held me as I cried for what would never be again and it was the night Taylor learned Jere wasn't so perfect after all.
Taylor studies Belly's face then groans.
"Ugh! I'm too hungover for this." She puts her hands to her face then drops them. "Can you just promise me one thing?" She looks at Belly and Belly nods.
"Promise we won't keep any secrets from each other this summer, Belly."
"I'm the worst liar in the world, Taylor. You would know if I was lying to you."
They both laugh and Taylor rolls her eyes in agreement.
"Yeah, that's true but hey a promise is a promise." They link pinkies and laugh.
"And I promise to get you one of the good muffins." Belly smiles, backing up. "If you don't tell Steven..." She begs her with a nervous grin.
"Belly!" Taylor groans then agrees, "Ugh. Fine. Just get us two of the good muffins."
Belly smiles and turns to walk away. Taylor hesitates.
"And Belly?"
Belly turns around to look at her.
"Just make sure you look after your own heart this time." Taylor smiles then shuts the bathroom door.
I make good on my promise to Taylor and get two boxes of the best muffins in town for everyone to share. The best hangover cure you can buy in Cousin's. I'm about to hand the cashier my card when Conrad swipes my hand away and beats me to it.
"Hey!" I laugh as he hands the cashier his card instead.
"It's the least I can do. Jere can devour an entire box on his own." Conrad laughs with her.
It was nice to hear his laugh. It had been so long since she had heard it or seen this side of him.
"Yeah, Jere never was good at sharing." I joke as we both take a box. Conrad's expression changes and she realizes her choice of words, cringing at them. Conrad holds the door for her and they step outside. She mouths a small "thank you" and they begin to walk back to his car.
"So… Do you talk to Adam much?" She turns to him, genuinely curious.
"Here and there." Conrad shrugs. "Jere mostly fills me in on what I miss."
I nod as we walk. "So is Jere liking his new job in the city?"
Conrad looks at her then quickly looks away. "Yeah, from what I hear."
"Sorry, it's probably weird for me to ask you that." I bite my lip, looking down.
"No. It's fine." He offers an apologetic smile. "I guess I just thought… you two kept in touch."
"I mean we're okay, but it'll never be like how it was before. Probably for the best."
Conrad nods in silent agreement. A few moments later, they are back at his car.
"Ready to go home?" Conrad smiles, opening the car door for her with his free hand.
Belly feels her phone buzz in her pocket and takes it out to see a text she had been waiting for. She smiles at her phone then smiles at Conrad. It couldn't have been better timing.
"Actually, we have one more stop to make."
Conrad:
Belly insists on driving to keep the element of surprise and I can't say no to her.
"So, Laurel says you've thought about going to grad school." I look at her from the corner of my eye.
Belly keeps her eyes on the road and laughs. "Yeah? What else does she say about me?"
Conrad decides to tease her. "Well, she said she's glad you broke up with that guy in Spain-"
Belly nudges Conrad's shoulder, "Shut up!" She laughs. "At least I have a life!"
Conrad laughs too. "I have a life too, Isabel Conklin."
She smiles. "Sure you do. A life spent with your face in textbooks. #MedSchoolLife."
Conrad laughs. He was enjoying himself. Their banter always came so easily to them.
"Actually I've been surfing a lot lately." Conrad says, looking out the window. "I study and do early morning beach runs. Go out with friends…"
And when I go out, I look for you in every crowd.
He keeps that part to himself.
"Look at you!" Belly teases him then adds, "Yeah, Laurel says you've been good."
"And what about you?" Conrad looks at her. "Are you happy, Belly?"
Belly keeps her eyes on the road and nods with a smile.
"Yeah, I think I am." She finally says.
Conrad nods and they both listen to the car radio for the rest of the drive.
The song playing is "Mended" by Vera Blue:
It's been a little while
Since we have ended,
But we haven't mended
Haven't mended
What am I supposed to do?
When most of me
Still belongs to you
It's getting close
They turn into the Cousin's Country Club parking lot and Conrad laughs.
"The Country Club?" He gives her a look.
"Don't look so disappointed." Belly grins. "Trust me. You'll like it."
I like you. He thought as they found a parking spot. She puts the car in park then unbuckles her seatbelt with enthusiasm. Belly had always been a naturally cheerful person. Something he could never get tired of. His own personal dose of endless sunshine.
"Ready?" She grins.
I unbuckle my seatbelt and smirk. "Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
"Nope. You're just going to have to see it for yourself." Belly says, getting out of the car.
Conrad follows her lead and they walk into the Country Club together.
"Denise?" Belly smiles when she spots Denise Cameron mid-conversation with someone else. She was the manager of The Cousin's Country Club restaurant. Conrad remembers her from that one summer she let them stay overnight on the golf course. She says bye to the person she is talking with then walks over to greet them.
"Belly! I see you got Laurel's text." She grins, flashing us both a smile. "Nice to see you both."
"It's nice to see you too. How is Cam?" Belly asks.
"On the Pacific coast living his Marine Biologist dreams." Denise smiles like a proud mom. "He plans to make a few stops here this summer."
"Wow!" Belly smiles. "You must be so proud of him."
Denise nods then turns to Conrad, "And I've heard you're in medical school. That is no easy feat. There must be something in that Fisher blood. She would be so proud."
Conrad feels a sharp twist in his gut at the mention of his mother but at the same time it was nice to talk to someone about her. Conrad smiles back at her. He knew Denise understood the feeling. He remembers Cam telling him about losing his sister many summers ago.
"Yeah, Laurel says he's the top of his class." Belly smiles at Conrad.
So Laurel and Belly have talked about him. A smile forms on his lips.
"Well, speaking of Susannah. I believe I have something to show you." She nods for us to follow her and we follow her to the restaurant.
"Wait here." She says before walking away.
I look at Belly out of the corner of my eye. What was she up to?
Denise returns with something in her hand. It was a laminated menu. She hands it to Conrad.
"It's not much but we all know how much Susannah loved this place." She looks around with a smile. "So when Laurel and I ran into each other we got talking and one thing led to another. We can't believe it's been…" She doesn't finish the sentence. He couldn't believe it either.
Conrad opens up the menu and reads it:
Cousin's Country Club
Cocktail Specials Of The Summer
In honor of our dear friend Susannah Fisher, we're delighted to introduce three new summer cocktails. We will also be donating all proceeds to the local women's shelter she used to volunteer at so please come to the Debutante Ball and donate generously. Cheers!
Cocktails Of The Month:
JUNE
Susannah's Garden – inspired by her love for flowers.
Lavender & Mint Spritz:
Blueberry-infused gin with lavender and honey syrups served over ice garnished with fresh mint.
JULY
The Fisher Fourth – inspired by her favorite holiday.
Pomegranate Margarita:
Choice of tequila mixed with pomegranate juice and triple sec served in a salt-rimmed glass with fresh lime.
AUGUST
The Beck Special – inspired by her favorite drink.
Long Island Iced Tea:
Four parts of vodka, tequila, rum, and gin complimented by triple sec and zesty lemon juice with a splash of cola served over ice.
•
Conrad blinks. It was so thoughtful and perfect. Susannah would have loved it. He was at a loss for words.
"Wow. I don't know what to say…" Conrad says, finally looking up at Denise. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me." Denise smiles at Belly. "It wasn't my idea."
A hostess comes up to Denise and she nods then sighs, "Well, I have to go but hold onto that menu. I sure hope to see more of the Fishers this summer. It's not summer without your family."
Conrad smiles at her, "Will do. Thank you."
Belly smiles, "Thank you, Denise. For everything. Tell Cam we said hi!"
Denise winks then walks away with the hostess. Conrad turns to Belly, speechless.
"It was mostly Laurel." Belly bites her lip. "I can't believe it's almost been… Anyways, Laurel pulled a few strings and we thought it would be a fun way to celebrate her impact on Cousin's."
"Thank you, Belly." Conrad smiles. "Seriously. Thank you."
"Anything for the Fishers." She grins at him. "Looks like you and Jere will have to make a few stops in Cousin's this summer."
"Will you?" Conrad asks her suddenly. "Will you be around this summer, Belly?"
They look at each other then Belly nods, "Yeah, I wouldn't miss Susannah's favorite holiday."
When they return to the beach house, Taylor and Steven are sitting at the kitchen counter staring at a fruit basket full of oranges.
"Oh, thank god!" Taylor says as soon as Belly walks in. "I was beginning to think you got lost."
Belly rolls her eyes, sliding a box towards her. "Nope. Just had to make an extra stop."
Steven raises his eyebrows as Conrad walks in behind her. He looks at Belly then at Conrad with a huge grin. "A muffin run, huh?"
Conrad and Belly both look at each other then laugh shyly. Conrad was in such a good mood today and Belly was soaking it all in. Their rekindled friendship was still so new and fresh but thrilling nonetheless. Belly braces for Steven's reaction but he was too busy smiling at Conrad. Belly smiles too, grabbing a muffin for her growling stomach.
"Whatever. I'm just glad someone knows how to do breakfast around here." Taylor says, taking a bite of a muffin.
Steven laughs, "You know, it wouldn't kill you to eat a fruit every once in a while."
Everyone takes a muffin and laughs. Suddenly the front door swings open.
"The party has arrived." Jeremiah announces, dropping his bag off of his shoulder.
Everyone gathers in the hall to greet him. I'm the last one to walk out and stop short when I see a girl walking in behind Jeremiah. He brought someone?
I blink in disbelief as I look at her. The short hair. Silky tank top. It was all too familiar.
It couldn't be Belly thinks to herself. Jere wouldn't do that to her.
It was as if someone had pulled the rug out from under her when the girl took Jere's hand and said, "Hi, I'm Lacie."
There is a knock on the door and Belly ignores it.
"Belly, open the door." Taylor says, trying to unlock her bedroom door.
"Leave me alone." Belly says, her voice barely audible.
Taylor continues to fidget with the doorknob and eventually unlocks the door to see Belly with a pillow over her face. Belly removes the pillow from her tear-stained face but sees Steven standing next to her in the doorway. The look on his face makes her want to die.
Steven knows. He knows who the girl downstairs is.
"I'll leave you two to it." He gives Taylor a small peck on the cheek then walks away.
"I don't want to talk right now." I say, squishing my face with a pillow.
Taylor shuts the door and sits on the bed. They share a few moments of silence until Taylor sighs and removes the pillow from Belly's face.
"Belly, if you're worried about running into him… Jere's gone. They left."
They.
Belly wants to scream into a pillow at the word. She wasn't hurt Jeremiah moved on. She was hurt that out of all the girls in the world, he chose to move on with the girl he betrayed her with. Although it had been years, it brought up old fears and insecurities within her. Jeremiah had begged Belly to stay, telling her the night in Cabo had meant nothing. Now she began to wonder if that had been a lie too.
"Belly, please talk to me." Taylor begs.
"Who does that? Who shows up to their ex-fiances graduation weekend with someone they…" I shake my head, unable to say the words out loud. Was this really what her life had come to?
"With someone they cheated on you with." Taylor finishes the sentence for her and Belly looks at her then looks away. The truth hurts.
"Belly, I'm sorry." Taylor says.
"It's not your fault." Belly says, cuddling Junior Mint. She would never be too old for Junior Mint.
"No, I'm sorry for being a shitty friend." Taylor starts. "It took me a long time to see it. I always thought Jere was perfect for you. I mean, he was your best friend. Everyone loves Jere." She trails off then looks down. "But deep down, I knew you weren't as happy…"
"Taylor." I say, turning to face her. "You planned a bridal shower and wedding when I had no one – not even Laurel. You're a great friend."
She smiles. "I know. But it was hard to see you like that, babe. I never want to see you hurt like that again. Jere isn't worth it. I couldn't see it before but now I can."
"I'm not hurt that he's moved on. It's been years." Belly exhales. "I just wasn't expecting it to be with… her. It just brings up a lot, you know?"
Taylor nods then holds Belly's hand.
"Thank you for being here for me." Belly squeezes her hand. "You're my best friend."
"Yeah, I am that bitch." Taylor smiles and they both laugh. They hold hands for a while.
"We are best friends…" Taylor sighs, looking down at their hands. "Which is why I have to tell you something…"
There was something else?
Belly sits up. "What is it?"
"Promise you won't freak out." Taylor looks at her. "He isn't worth any more of your tears, Belly."
Belly nods, impatiently.
"Jere and Conrad got into a fight. Steven had to break it up then Jere took off..."
Belly processes the news. "Is everyone… okay?"
"There is something else." Taylor whispers. "We promised we wouldn't keep any secrets from each other this summer, right?"
"Taylor, you're freaking me out."
"Steven thought it would be better if I told you." Taylor starts talking fast. "I'm just sorry you have to hear it from me. Everyone's in shock."
"Taylor." Belly stands up, unable to take the anticipation. "What is going on?"
Taylor looks at Belly trying to say the words out loud.
"Jeremiah proposed, Belly."
Belly can't feel her legs. She can't feel her heart. She can't feel anything at all. Maybe it was another dream.
A really really bad dream.
"He proposed to Lacie with Susannah's ring."
Belly's entire world goes black.
Conrad:
An hour earlier
Belly leaves the kitchen in a hurry without saying a word to anyone including Jeremiah. Something was up. Taylor runs after Belly then before she reaches the stairs she glares Jeremiah down in the hallway.
"You two deserve each other, Jeremy." Taylor shakes her head and says then runs up the stairs after Belly.
Everyone hears a door slam and Lacie pats Jeremiah's arm turning to leave, "I'm going to… wait in the car."
Conrad had never seen Taylor talk back to Jeremiah like that. Steven and Conrad exchange a look of mutual confusion before looking back to Jeremiah.
"What is going on?" Steven says, taking the words right out of Conrad's mouth.
"I'll explain everything outside." Jeremiah replies, tight-lipped. He tries to walk past Steven but Steven puts a hand on his chest to stop him.
"Oh my god…" Stevens face grows angry as he realizes something. "That's her, isn't it?"
Jeremiah stares back at Steven with a blank expression which only pisses Steven off more.
Steven shoves Jeremiah, "Are you fucking kidding me? What is wrong with you?"
Jeremiah sighs, "Steven, I wouldn't have brought her if there wasn't a... good reason."
"Do you even hear yourself, man?" Steven shakes his head. "Did you really think you could bring the girl you cheated on Belly with and expect everyone to be okay with it?"
Conrad feels sick as if he just took a shot to the gut and chest. Of course. It all made sense now.
Everyone's reactions made sense now. Her name did sound familiar but it had been years since he heard it. But now it was confirmed.
It was the girl Jeremiah spent the night with in Cabo.
Smug piece of shit.
"Jere's right." Conrad says, seeing red. "Let's take this outside."
Something in Conrad's voice scares Jeremiah.
Good. You should be. Conrad thinks as he glares back at his brother.
Steven, Conrad, and Jeremiah end up on the beach. Conrad knew what was about to happen. They were going to do what brothers did best: fight.
"Go ahead." Steven yells when they are far enough away that Belly and Taylor can't overhear them. "Give Conrad and I one good reason why we shouldn't kick your ass."
"Because she's not my girlfriend." Jeremiah says. "She's my fiancé. We're getting married."
Conrad's eyes flash to his brothers. Was he out of his mind?
"What the fuck, Jere?" Conrad says at the same time Steven says, "You're going to marry her!"
"We reconnected in the city..." Jeremiah starts. Steven and Conrad knew that was code for hooking up. "I know it doesn't make any sense to anyone but we have so much in common. We're happy together. I think I really love her… and I think you would too if you just give her a chance."
"You think? You think you love her?" Conrad shakes his head. "Is that what you thought when you proposed to Belly too?"
Jeremiah glares at Conrad. "You're one to talk. You can't even admit you love Belly even now. You'll spend the rest of your life moping over over her like a coward."
"I'd rather be a coward than a cheater." Conrad responds coldly.
"You know what? At least Lacie loves me back." Jeremiah gets in Conrad's face. "What do you know about love? Every girl you've ever been with leaves you… Aubrey. Nicole. Belly."
Steven yells, "Shut up, Jere!"
"No." Jeremiah shakes his head at Conrad. "This is who he is. This is what he does. Conrad always thinks knows best but he really has no fucking clue."
Conrad clenches his fists. He couldn't believe how much his brother resembled Adam right now.
"I know a lot more about love than you." Conrad hisses.
"Really? I don't think you do." Jeremiah pauses then says, "You couldn't even tell our own mother who was dying of cancer that you loved her. You couldn't even tell Belly at that shitty motel-"
Steven looks at Jeremiah in shock, "Jere, that's enough!"
"I'm warning you." Conrad says with a short fuse. "Don't talk about her."
"Who?" Jeremiah taunts him. "Mom or Belly?"
Conrad's jaw clenches. He was about to blow his top.
Jeremiah laughs in his face, "That's what I thought. You're a fucking coward, Connie."
"Jere?"
A voice calls out and the boys turn to see Lacie. She had a horrified look on her face with a hand over her mouth watching them but Conrad was focused on something else.
That's when Conrad saw it. Susannah's ring on Lacie's ring finger. Jeremiah had proposed to Lacie with his mother's ring behind Conrad's back?
Something snaps inside of Conrad.
Conrad's fist meets Jeremiah's face with force. It all happens so fast. Jeremiah takes a step back and spits out blood then throws a punch at Conrad. Steven and Lacie yell but it was no use. The Fisher brothers both land in the sand, beating each other to a bloody pulp.
Steven and Lacie both yell "Jeremiah!" as Jeremiah gets on top, pinning Conrad into the sand.
"Stay out of it! This has nothing to do with you!" Jeremiah yells at them back.
Adrenaline courses through Steven and he picks up Jeremiah by his shirt then tosses him into the sand.
"It has nothing to do with me?" Steven yells at Jeremiah. "My sister is crying upstairs right now because of you and it has nothing to do with me?"
Jeremiah spits blood into the sand. Lacie runs up to him to help but Jeremiah waves her off.
"I'm not going to fight you, Steven." Jeremiah says, trying to catch his breath. "This is between me and Conrad." He glares at Conrad behind Steven.
"And I'm not going to fight you but I can't stand for this either, Jere." Steven shakes his head.
"You know I was going to ask you to be my best man right?" Jeremiah stares at him and Steven doesn't say a word.
Why would Steven support the wedding of a couple that broke his sister's heart? Jeremiah was out of line.
Steven's voice is tight when he finally speaks, "You need to leave, Jere."
"You can't just ask me to leave. It's my house too." Jeremiah stands up, not giving up.
"Go, Jere." Conrad stands up. "You've done enough."
"Fine." Jeremiah says, looking at the two of them hurt. "I don't need a best man. Consider yourselves uninvited to the wedding."
Jeremiah's words cut Conrad and Steven deep. The three of them stare at each other in silence.
Conrad defends Steven with a line that shocks Jeremiah. Conrad takes a good look at his brother then says, "Consider yourself uninvited to Cousin's."
Steven looks back at Conrad, feeling the gravity of his words then looks back at Jeremiah.
Jeremiah and Conrad exchange one last look. Jeremiah's face drops as if he is about to say something and Conrad recognizes his baby brother again but then it's gone. Jeremiah's pride wasn't ready to let go of this. He was similar to Adam in that way. Jere turns to Lacie and whispers "let's go". They start walking and don't look back.
Conrad and Steven stand in silence until they disappear into the distance processing what just happened.
Steven finally looks back at Conrad. "...You okay, man?"
Conrad shakes his head. This was by far the worst fight they'd ever had as brothers. And Conrad wasn't sure if there was any coming back from this one.
"No." Conrad finally speaks. "But I will be. Are you okay?"
Steven nods then looks back to the house, "I'm going to check on my sister. Are you good?"
Conrad nods then walks away from him.
"Yeah, I'm going on a drive. Don't wait up."
Belly tosses and turns the entire night. When she can't take it anymore, she puts on a swimsuit that is tight on her grown body and goes for a late night swim. It takes her mind off of things for a while. She feels as if she is a prisoner to her mind, or perhaps her heart.
After a few laps, she comes up for air and floats on her back to admire the night sky. She feels a sense of peace.
"Figured you'd be out here."
She looks over to see Conrad sitting at the edge of the pool with his legs in the water. How long had he been sitting there? She swallows when she sees the bruises and cuts on his face illuminated by the moonlight. They were there because of her. She feels sick to her stomach.
Belly turns away without saying a word. She tires her mind and body out by swimming more laps in the pool. When she comes up for air again, she expects him to be gone but he remains in the same spot. He was looking at the night sky this time.
"Venus is still an evening star." Conrad whispers.
She closes her eyes. She couldn't do this right now.
Not tonight. Not now.
"You should get some sleep, Conrad."
"I can't." His eyes flash to hers. "I can't sleep until I know you're okay."
"I'm fine." She says, swimming to the opposite side to hide but he knew her too well.
"You don't sound fine."
"Leave me alone."
She whispers but of course she doesn't mean it. It's more of the fact she doesn't want him to see her like this.
Weak. Vulnerable. Hurt.
"You know I can't." Conrad replies, watching her from across the pool. "Please talk to me, Belly..."
Belly turns around and looks at him.
She couldn't avoid him forever.
She swims a lap towards him keeping her head above water. When she is a foot away she whispers, "Taylor told me what happened... Are you okay?"
"Your ex-fiancé proposed to a girl he cheated on you with and you're asking if I'm okay?" Conrad shakes his head, amazed at her empathy. "Same old Belly."
"Can we just…" Belly closes her eyes. "Can we just not talk?"
She means to say not talk about them, but she is too late. The words land and Conrad stands up to leave.
"If that's what you want." He says, obeying her words.
"Wait." Belly whispers.
Conrad freezes then turns around to look at her.
Belly looks into his eyes and begs. "Stay."
"Please." Her voice breaks on the last whisper.
Conrad sits down and Belly decides to join him. She feels his eyes on her as she gets out of the pool and wraps her towel around her body. She dips her legs in the water and sits down next to him. They were sitting so close their knees were touching.
When they make eye contact again, she reaches out to trace the cuts and bruises on his cheek. Conrad winces then leans into her touch, closing his eyes.
"These look like they hurt." Belly whispers with sadness.
Conrad opens his eyes and places his hand over the hand that was cupping his face,
"I care more about if you're hurt, Belly." He says as he looks deep into her eyes and she nods slowly.
"I think you already know the answer." She says, dropping her hand from his face.
They both look out at the water processing the events of the day together yet apart in silence.
Conrad:
He wished more than anything he could take away her pain and carry it for her. But even Conrad knew it doesn't work like that. This wasn't something that could be solved with sour patch kids and a slurpee. This was an open wound only time could heal. Conrad knew this from personal experience from trying to live without Belly for years.
Conrad lifts Belly's chin with his finger, unable to keep his eyes and hands off of her.
"This isn't your fault, Belly." He whispers, searching her eyes. "I hope you know that."
Belly tries to smile but the smile doesn't meet her eyes. Her eyes were sad, distant, lost. It killed him. How could he get through to her?
"You deserve someone who would never dream of cheating on you." He says, looking deep into her soul. "Someone who would buy you a proper diamond ring – not a ring from a broken marriage. You deserve better, Belly." His heart whispers to hers out loud.
"I know." Belly whispers back.
Conrad knew Belly deserved better than what that ring could give and if it were up to him, he would give her the moon, the stars, and infinity. Not a hand-me down ring from a broken marriage. Not a lie.
Belly looks out at the water and breaks the silence first, "Steven said Jere uninvited you both to the wedding."
Conrad looks out at the water, "I would've declined anyway so it doesn't really matter. I don't support his decision."
"Of course it matters. Jere is still your brother, Conrad-"
"And you're my girl." Conrad says out loud for the first time.
Their eyes speak words their mouths and hearts weren't ready to say. Belly's eyes fill with tears she looks at him. It had been a very long day and it was all starting to catch up with her. So many emotions washed over her in that moment.
But one emotion would forever remain in her heart for him. She was kidding herself to think otherwise.
"Come here." Conrad whispers.
Without hesitation, she scoots closer to him and rests her head on his shoulder. They fit together perfectly. Conrad wraps his arms around her. He feels the small sobs escape her body and it kills him inside but he lets her cry. He knows she needs to let it all out. And he was going to be the kind of man that could be that safe place for her.
A safe harbor.
"I'm so sorry, Conrad." Belly cries into his chest. "Everything is falling apart again."
"Shhh." Conrad whispers, rubbing her back. He searches for the right words to say to her.
"Everything is going to be okay, Belly." He plants a kiss in her hair and closes his eyes. He wouldn't let anything happen to her and that was a promise he would keep.
"I promise." He whispers.
And they stay like that until she has no more tears left to cry.
Author's Note:
As always, THANK YOU for reading.
Also I know this chapter was intense but it won't be this way forever. We're just building the story and making room for character development lolll so stay with me.
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