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I felt my tears roll down my face, and Asher stood up straight as he looked at me dead in the eye.
“I was in the Navy SEALs and was honorably discharged after my tour in Afghanistan.” That was the first time Asher ever told me the branch he served in. “Believe me when I say that it’s not your fault that your brother took his life. He just didn’t know any other way to fight it.”
He left my room, and I cried.
Asher was fighting, too.
Chapter 19
Brooke
Life was rosy. Everything suddenly made sense in my life, and I felt so much peace. It had been a week since I moved in with Asher because he broke down my door again, and he said he wanted to fix some other stuff in my apartment.
I had no idea what he was doing in there because he wanted to keep it a surprise for me, so I only ever saw my apartment when I passed the door.
Asher and Anne weren’t home; the first night was a bit uncomfortable for me because I was all alone in Asher’s bedroom, and unfortunately, he had to go to work because he had an evening shift. But when he came back the next morning, he gently kissed my face, telling me to wake up so that I could eat.
I had always spent my brother’s birthday week alone for the past five years, but Asher quickly tore through the barrier of self-pity that I had created for myself and actually cared for me. Each and every waking moment I spent at his place, I never felt truly alone because I was always surrounded by warmth; Asher, Anne and Brady had welcomed me into their space openly, and I loved every moment with them.
I made it to the restaurant I was supposed to meet Marie and Matthew at, and I knew I was in for some scolding. As soon as I arrived, Marie lunged at me and wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me close to her as if I was her child.
“I was so worried about you,” she spoke softly as she stroked my hair before she let me go and took in my form, checking whether or not I was still a whole person.
“I missed you, Marie,” I smiled as I kissed her cheek. “So, what did I miss?”
“Don’t you dare try to pretend as if what you did was okay. We’re going to talk about it because I have enabled you to disappear without a word, but not anymore!”
“Okay, Mom,” I groaned as I followed her to our table. Matthew smiled as he got up to hug me, and I greeted him back. “So, I guess you’re my dad for the day?”
“Whatever your mom asks, make sure you answer her honestly,” he tried in a stern voice, and we laughed as we both sat down.
“First, let’s order some drinks,” Marie said as she flagged down the waiter, and he came almost immediately. “A beer for the gentleman, and two Long Islands for the girls.”
“Oh, can I get a passion fruit instead of a Long Island?” I asked the waiter, and he nodded as he confirmed our drinks with us.
“Why aren’t you drinking?” Marie asked me suspiciously, and I rolled my eyes as I leaned into my chair.
“I don’t always feel like drinking, Mom.”
“Since when? You’re not pregnant, are you?” she whispered as she leaned in close, and Matthew looked at us, confused. Oh, yeah, he didn’t know that I was sleeping with Asher because I had practically begged Marie to keep this between us for now.
It was just a casual fling, and I didn’t think that everyone deserved to know or should know.
“No, I’m not pregnant,” I told her, and she breathed out, relieved.
“Whew, thank God!”
“Amen to that, sister,” I laughed, and Matthew looked at his girlfriend, wanting either one of us to elaborate. “When will you bless me with a nephew?”
Matthew blushed hard, and Marie shook her head, laughing.
“Not anytime soon, because you would be mean to my child.”
“Never! Have you seen the way I take care of Anne?” I asked her, and she rolled her eyes as she moved forward.
“That’s because you’re—hmm, never mind. Now tell us why you went radio silent last week.”
“Yeah, are you alright now?” Matthew asked me, concern laced his tone, and I nodded.
