Page 55 of A Fall to Remember

They walked in silence until they made it to the bridge. Pete propped one arm against the wooden slats and waited for her. The sun hid behind the canopy of beach-worn trees. He got the sense she had something she wanted—no, needed—to say.

After a long moment, Shelby reached for a stick and made a star in the sand, not meeting his eyes. “Did you see me lose it last night?”

“Lose it?” Pete thought she wanted to talk about the campaign and Lacy. He wasn’t expecting this.

She doodled in the sand and kept her eyes glued to her feet. “A full-blown breakdown.”

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked gently. He got the sense that it took a lot for her to open up.

She laughed, but there was little warmth to it. “Maybe. I’ve done such a bang-up job of not talking about it that I ended up a blubbering mess, sobbing on Jim’s sleeve last night.”

“Is it work?”

“No, not exactly.” She exhaled like she was blowing out a balloon. “It’s my dad.”

He waited.

“It’s been a rough couple of years.” She tossed the stick at her feet as if she had decided she was ready to tell him everything. “My mom learned that my dad has had a serious gambling problem. He lost their entire life savings, retirement, and even the house.”

“Shelby, I’m so sorry.” Pete’s own problem seemed minor in comparison. “That must feel like a betrayal.”

“Exactly.” She nodded, shrinking into herself as she wrapped her arms tight around her waist protectively. “My mom is a mess. She’s not functional. It’s all fallen on me. My younger sister is currently in college. I’m trying to protect her, well, both of them. We’re about to lose the house. I have no idea how we’re going to pay for the last couple of years of my sister’s tuition. I’ve been talking to the university about loans and grants, but even with that, there are living expenses, food, the dorms, books, and health insurance.” Shelby trailed off. “I’ve been trying to take on extra work. If I can get this promotion and a bonus, it might be enough to at least buy us some time.” Her eyes misted with tears.

“I’m glad you told me,” Pete said, wishing he had a tissue to offer her or that he was brave enough to reach out and hug her. She looked so fragile and alone, and yet somehow her inner strength still shone through. He could tell she would be okay, but he wanted to be there for her, to take some of it away.

“No, I feel so pathetic, dumping this on you, but I’m just so pleased that you and Lacy hit it off last night. It’s the best news I’ve had in a while.” Her voice brightened. “My boss doesn’t ever give me the green light to move on a project this quickly. You’re saving me, Pete. This could completely change my family’s life. I can’t thank you enough, and if you need anything in return, I’m your girl.”

Pete’s heart dropped.

Great.

How could he tell her no now?

43

SHELBY

Everything spilled out as she and Pete walked along the beach. Shelby lost track of time and barely registered her surroundings. It was as if now that she had allowed herself to go there, she couldn’t stop. Pete was the kindest, sweetest guy she’d ever met. He listened without judgment. After she blubbered on for what felt like hours, she finally pulled herself together.

They came to a stop at the bridge. She loved the smell of the eucalyptus and the way the cypress trees seemed to create a tunnel of shade. “God, I’m so sorry. I’ve completely monopolized this conversation. Scratch that. I can’t even call it a conversation.” Shelby felt lighter unloading on Pete, but ultimately, he was her client. Not a friend. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a really good listener?”

Pete smiled. “No need to apologize. I learned from the best. My mom always says that you can’t keep it in. If you do, it just festers underneath your skin. I feel honored that you trust me.”

He must think I’m a wreck.

“This is probably hard to believe, but I’m not usually an over-sharer.” Her cheeks grew hot as she blinked hard, wishing that she hadn’t just let all of that come tumbling out. There was something about him that made her feel uniquely comfortable.

Pete chuckled. “I definitely don’t get an over-sharer vibe from you.”

Shelby wiped a tear from her eye. She was about to ask Pete about Lacy and shift the topic away from her messy personal life, but he leaned against the side of the bridge and cleared his throat like he was trying to find the right words.

“Uh, this is hard for me, but—” He paused, glancing toward downtown for a second. “I guess, I feel compelled to share something with you.”

Shelby had no idea where he was going with this.

Was he upset?

Was it something with his mom?