Page 71 of Fun and Games

It was my sister.

Did you get that package from Darlene?the text said.She told me the tracking said it was delivered a few days ago. Do you want to talk about it?

If it had just been the sweater, that would be one thing. A travel guidebook, the movie tickets, fine. I'd have handled it.

But the rings. The vow.

I couldn't—

I didn't—

I clutched my phone to my chest and tried not to break down into tears. Again.

I know you're reading these texts,came the next message.I can see the read receipt.

I'm fine,I typed out with shaky fingers and hit send.

Come home, Bree.I could hear the plea behind the words, the worry.It's been long enough.

How long was long enough?

* * *

Long enough for me to get through a single day without tears?

Long enough for me to stop seeing his face everywhere I went?

Long enough for me to forget about him?

I'd forgotten about David.

I'd gotten so wrapped up in my new life. The job, and new friends, and Mason—

Nausea and guilt made their way out of my stomach and into my throat.

Mason.

I'd hurt him.

I'd gotten so wrapped up in our relationship.

I'd kicked him out.

I'd started to think that maybe there could be something between us.

I'd yelled at him.

I'd begun to think that I might lov—

My phone beeped with another message.

It was a single sentence. Only three words.

Are you okay?

It was Mason.

I gripped my phone so tight I thought the screen might crack.