Page 31 of My Sweetest Agony

Because I’m not sure when, or even if, I would ever have had the courage to go through these boxes by myself, or even with Nancy.

I couldn’t even set foot in here, let alone consider looking at all his prized possessions, stuffed into boxes the way he is on my mantle.

A tear rolls down my cheek.

“So, maybe the brother isn’t such a bad guy?”

I stare at the spot where Cam sat next to me yesterday. “I’m still not sure how to feel about it. I told you he clammed up and basically ran out of here when I tried to press him about their fight, and he still hasn’t told Nancy he’s here, so he’s put me in a shitty position, but, yeah, maybe he’s not such a bad guy.”

“Did he say anything about when he’s going to be back?”

I shake my head. “No. At least, I haven’t found any notes about it. Honestly, I think I scared him off with my questions yesterday. I’m a little surprised he came today.”

“He wants something out of those boxes, maybe the same thing you do. A connection to Drew, reminders of the good times. Of a life they shared that’s now gone.”

More tears fall.

But they aren’t all sad ones.

Cam has already helped in a way no one else has been able to. He got me to open this door. He forced me to come in and face the memories in these boxes. And he gave me new ones to clutch tightly in my heart that I never had before about the man I thought I’d be making new ones with.

“You should tell him thank you…”

“I would, but I don’t have his number, and it’s not like I can call Nancy and ask for it without raising a lot of suspicion.”

“Have you spoken to her recently?”

I toy with the hem of my shirt, twisting my fingers around it. “Not since the night he showed up on my doorstep.”

“What are you gonna tell her when you do?”

“I don’t know. I don’t wanna lie to her, but there might be a very good reason Cam doesn’t want her to know he’s here. So, I don’t feel right outing him, either.”

Marlo sighs, making a little tsking sound. “He did put you in a shitty position.”

Nodding, I snag the stack of photos he left again, flipping through them. “He did, but I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt until he gives me a reason not to.”

It’s the least I can do for the man who brought the first hints of laughter and joy back to my life.

9

IVY

FRIDAY NIGHT

Marlo comes in carrying the rest of the vases for the centerpieces and sets them on the corner table, examining the arrangements I’m putting together. “I still can’t believe she went back to roses.”

I release an annoyed sigh. “I know. They’re beautiful but…”

She tilts her head. “I really wish people would realize there are far more interesting and unique flowers to use for your wedding.”

Like peonies…

A sad smile pulls at my lips as I jab another red rose into the center of the white bundles, exactly as the bride requested. Pretty. Elegant. But pretty much the same as ninety-nine percent of wedding arrangements I do these days. “I agree, but it’s her day. If this is what’ll make her happy, then we have to do it.”

Marlo sighs and comes over to start helping me. “I know.” She plasters on a saccharine-sweet smile. “This is me. Doing my job happily.”

I chuckle and jab another red rose in, adjusting the surrounding blooms to ensure it’s perfectly balanced.