I took another sip.
I thought I could. But sitting here with Nigel and Tanner staring at me after those questions? I felt like a liar. All that was left of Brooklyn in this world was the promises I’d made to her. The promises I’d kept. If I broke them…what would be left? I didn’t want her to disappear completely.
I tried to shake the thought away, but it clung to my chest, wrapping around what little heart I had left.
I just wanted to be happy. But could I ever truly be happy knowing I broke those promises to Brooklyn?
“You still love Brooklyn,” Tanner said, as if he could read my mind. “And you always will.”
“So I’m doomed to a life of sorrow?”
“No,” Nigel said. “You can hang out with me.”
“Nigel!” Tanner said. “Can’t you see this isn’t the time or place? Matt needs to be alone to think about the fact that his heart still belongs to Brooklyn.”
Honestly…I’d rather hang out with Nigel than think on that. But the questions kept spinning around in my head.
“Matt, I just want you to sit in this room for the rest of the week and ponder those questions,” Tanner said. “Nigel will bring you food and anything else you require.” He turned to go.
“I’m not staying in this room for the rest of the week. I have work, man.”
“Can’t you do it remotely?”
Yes. But I didn’t want to. “No, I can’t.”
“I can bring a fax machine by that you can use. Since you love them,” Nigel said.
“Faxes won’t help.”
Nigel looked horrified.
“I mean…I have a few meetings. And practice every afternoon. All of that has to be done in person.”
“In person meetings are better,” agreed Nigel. “Face to face.”
Tanner glared at Nigel. “Fine. You may leave to go to your meetings. But I am making some plans for us, so try to keep your schedule as clear as possible.”
“That was very vague,” I said.
“I also may be out of town for a day. Two tops.” He shook his head. “No, a day will do. Actually, what are your plans for this weekend?”
“It’s the homecoming game.”
He clapped his hands together. “Homecoming! Genius! Nigel, come with me. We have work to do!”
My phone buzzed and the two of them froze.
Kennedy had finally texted me back: “Dinner tomorrow?” I’d been waiting all day for this text. And now Tanner’s stupid questions were rolling around in my head. I showed the text to Tanner.
He looked absolutely horrified. “Say no,” he said.
“I’m not doing that.”
“Say you have bath plans,” Nigel offered.
He wishes.“I’m having dinner with her.”
“You really shouldn’t,” Tanner said. “Just tell her you’re busy.”
