Chapter 35

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Brynlee stood in front of the mirror in Ainsley and Dare’s guest suite, hands shaking slightly as she applyied the finishing touches to her makeup. She studied her reflection, trying to recognize the woman staring back at her.

She’d spent last night cocooned in the safety of Ainsley and Dare’s guest suite, the weight of recent events pressing down on her. The past few weeks had been a blur of stress and sorrow—the flooding at the salon, the car accident, and the loss of her cat had left her feeling adrift. The flooding at the salon had been bad enough, but then the accident and losing her cat on top of it all… it was as if the universe was trying to break her spirit.

Staying here at Ainsley’s house had been a comfort, but tonight, she needed something more. She needed to feel like herself again, if only for a few hours. She’d talked with Melanie today at the salon, and they’d made plans to meet up at the local bar.

Brynlee grabbed her purse and glanced at her phone to check the time. The Uber should be here in five minutes. She stowed it in her back pocket and took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the night ahead. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to go out, but the idea of being around people, even Melanie, felt like a lot. Still, she’d promised her friend she’d be there, and she couldn’t let her down.

Leaving the suite, Brynlee walked down the hallway to find her sister. Ainsley was in the living room, curled up on the couch with a book, but she looked up as soon as she heard Brynlee approach.

“Hey,” Ainsley greeted with a warm smile. “You look great. Heading out?”

“Yeah,” Brynlee nodded. “Meeting Melanie at the pub. I figured it was time to get out and do something normal.”

Ainsley’s smile softened with understanding. “I think that’s a good idea. Do you want some company? I could tag along, keep you girls entertained.”

Brynlee chuckled, shaking her head. “Thanks, but I think I need some time with just Melanie. It’ll be good to catch up.”

“All right, but you better call me if you need anything at all, okay?” Ainsley said, her tone serious. “I mean it, Bryn.”

“I will, I promise.”

Just then, the front door opened, and Dare walked in, the familiar jingle of his keys announcing his arrival. He set them down on the entryway table and made a beeline for Ainsley, pressing a kiss to her temple before turning his attention to Brynlee.

“Hey there, Bryn,” Dare greeted, eyeing her outfit. “You’re looking nice. Got plans?”

“Just meeting Melanie for a drink,” Brynlee replied with a small smile.

Dare raised an eyebrow. “I could drive you if you want. It’s no trouble.”

Brynlee appreciated the offer, but the idea of being chauffeured around like a fragile package didn’t sit right with her. She needed to do this on her own, prove to herself that she could still handle a simple night out.

“Thanks, Dare, but I’ve already got an Uber on the way,” she said, holding up her phone.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed with a notification: **Your Uber has arrived.**

“See?” Brynlee smiled. “Already here.”

Dare nodded, clearly still concerned but respecting her choice. “All right, but be careful, okay? And if you need anything, just call.”

“I will,” Brynlee assured him, slipping her phone into her purse. “I’ll be back later.”

Ainsley stood up to give her a quick hug. “Have fun tonight. You deserve it.”

Brynlee hugged her sister back, feeling the comfort and love in the embrace. “Thanks, Ains. I’ll see you later.”

With that, Brynlee headed out the door. The Uber was waiting at the curb, and she walked over to it, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. Tonight wasn’t about forgetting everything that had happened, but maybe it could be about finding a way to move forward.

As she settled into the back seat and the car pulled away, Brynlee took one last look at Ainsley and Dare’s house, feeling a sense of gratitude for the haven it had been for her. But now, it was time to step out of that haven, if only for a little while, and remind herself that she was still capable of living her life.

The ride to the pub was quiet, with Brynlee staring out the window at the town she’d grown up in. Brookhaven was so familiar, yet everything felt different now. She leaned her head against the cool glass, her thoughts drifting to her cat. She still couldn’t believe he was gone. The tears threatened to spill over, but she took a deep breath, blinking them away. Not tonight. She was determined to have a good time.

The Uber stopped in front of the pub, and Brynlee flashed the driver a smile. “Thanks.”

As she climbed from the back seat the cool night air hit her face, and she breathed in deeply, savoring the moment. Tonight was exactly what she needed. The parking lot was crowded, and the sounds of laughter and music drifted outside as people came and went through the large front doors. Inside, Brynlee spotted Melanie seated at bar, and she waved as she weaved through the people gathered on the floor.

“Hey, you,” Melanie said as Brynlee slid into the booth. “I ordered us some drinks. I hope you’re ready to let loose tonight.”

Brynlee managed a small smile. “I’m ready. I really need this.”

Melanie gave her a knowing look. “I know you do. And I’m here to make sure you have fun, okay? No sad talk, no stress. Just us, a few drinks, and maybe some bad karaoke if we’re feeling brave.”

“Sounds perfect,” Brynlee said, genuinely meaning it.

As the night went on, Brynlee found herself relaxing more and more. Melanie had always been good at making her laugh, and tonight was no exception.

At some point in the evening, Melanie convinced Brynlee to get up and sing with her. It was a disaster—neither of them could carry a tune—but it felt good to be silly, to let go of everything weighing her down. For the first time in a long time, Brynlee felt something close to happiness.

As they sat back down, breathless from laughter, Melanie leaned over and squeezed Brynlee’s hand. “You’re going to be okay, you know that, right?”

Brynlee looked at her, feeling a lump form in her throat. “I don’t know if I believe that yet.”

“Well, I do,” Melanie said firmly. “And until you believe it too, I’ll keep reminding you.”

Brynlee nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. She wasn’t there yet, but she was starting to see a glimmer of hope, a tiny light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe Melanie was right. Maybe, just maybe, she would be okay.

Melanie downed the last of her cocktail and stood up, giving Brynlee a playful nudge. “I’m gonna hit the bathroom. Don’t get into any trouble while I’m gone, okay?”

Brynlee smirked. “No promises.”

As Melanie walked away, Brynlee turned back to her drink, lost in thought. She was trying to let the atmosphere of the pub distract her, but it was hard to fully escape the ache in her chest. Just as she was about to take another sip, she felt a light bump from behind. Startled, she turned around to see a dark-haired woman settling onto the stool next to her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry!” The woman grimaced apologetically. “I’m so clumsy sometimes.”

“No problem.” Brynlee offered a little smile. “It happens to the best of us.”

“Some more often than others.”

The woman rolled her eyes and Brynlee forced a laugh despite the sharp pain that ricocheted through her chest. She understood completely. She’d had enough bad luck of her own recently.

Brynlee’s gaze flitted over the woman’s face, taking in her high cheekbones and bright blue eyes. There was something oddly familiar about her, but Brynlee couldn’t quite place it.

“You look familiar… Do I know you from somewhere?”

The woman stared at Brynlee for a moment before shaking her head. “I don’t think so. I’m just visiting a friend. Maybe I’ve got one of those faces.”

“That must be it,” Brynlee said. “Enjoy your stay.”

The woman shot her a warm smile. “I will, thanks.”

Brynlee glanced around, checking to see if Melanie was back yet, when a voice from her left drew her attention.

“Hey there,” the man said as he slid onto the stool two seats down. “You here alone, or can I keep you company?”

Brynlee turned to face him and offered a small smile. “Actually, I’m with a friend. She just stepped away.”

“Well, I guess that gives me a few minutes to make an impression,” he said, flashing a grin that was almost too perfect.

Brynlee couldn’t help but laugh, the man’s flirtatious energy pulling her out of her contemplative mood. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely,” he replied, leaning in just a bit closer. “So, what’s a pretty woman like you doing in a place like this?”

Brynlee rolled her eyes at the cliché but played along. “Just needed a night out. What about you?”

“Same,” he said with a shrug. “Needed a break from the usual. And now I’m glad I came out. I didn’t expect to meet someone like you.”

Brynlee felt a small thrill at his words, a welcome distraction from the heaviness she’d been carrying. The man smiled and held out a hand. “I’m Jamison.”

Brynlee slipped her hand into his and shook. Her gaze traveled from his hands up to the man’s torso. He was average height, a few inches shy of six feet, with a narrow build. His dark-blond hair was tied into a ponytail at the nape of his neck and his brown eyes looked almost black in the dim light of the bar.

She didn’t feel a thing. No zing, no sparks, not even the tiniest little match-sized flame. Pulling her hand away, she pasted a polite smile on her face. “Brynlee Layne. Nice to meet you.”

Her phone dinged, and she glanced at the message from Sawyer.

How’s girl’s night?

She set the phone down without responding and turned back to Jamison, determined to make more of an effort. He really was a good-looking guy, and he’d been a gentleman. She owed it to him to at least be pleasant.

She picked up her wine, sipping the sweet liquid and making idle chat with the man next to her, her mind all the while on the detective. Pushy, arrogant man. He seemed determined to upend her life and, so far, he was doing a good job of it. She couldn’t even sit next to another man without thinking of Sawyer.

They continued to banter, his charm keeping her engaged and making her laugh. Just as the man was leaning in to say something else, Melanie returned, sliding back onto her stool with an exaggerated sigh. “Sorry, Bryn, but the line for the bathroom was insane.”

Brynlee turned to Melanie with a grin. “No worries. I’ve just been making new friends.”

Melanie raised an eyebrow as she took in the man on the other side of her. “I can see that.”

The man gave Melanie a charming nod before turning back to Brynlee. “Well, I should probably let you two catch up. But if you find yourself wanting another drink later, you know where to find me.”

Brynlee smiled, feeling a warmth she hadn’t expected. “Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As the man walked away, Melanie gave Brynlee a teasing look. “Well, well. Looks like someone’s still got it.”

Brynlee laughed, shaking her head. “He was just being friendly.”

“Friendly, my ass,” Melanie said with a grin. “But I’m glad to see you enjoying yourself. You deserve it.”

Several minutes later, another text message came through and she leaned forward to glance at the screen. Sawyer again.

Hey. Everything okay?

She rolled her eyes. Seriously, the guy just wouldn’t take a hint. She was a modern girl, after all, and she could take care of herself. Despite her declaration last night, she was perversely pleased that he actually cared enough to check on her.

Melanie noticed the movement and raised a brow. “Who’s that?”

Brynlee rolled her eyes, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “My neighbor from hell.”

Melanie’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I thought you hated each other. Why is he texting you?”

Heat crept up Brynlee’s neck, and she hoped the dim lighting would hide the blush coloring her cheeks. “He just… wants to check on me, that’s all.”

Melanie’s eyes flew wide, her voice a mix of shock and excitement. “You’re sleeping together!”

“Shh!” Brynlee hissed, glancing around to see if anyone had overheard. She shook her head, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest at Melanie's assumption. “No, we’re not. And it’s not going to happen again.”

Melanie’s expression shifted to one of amused disbelief. “So it did happen. And here I thought you two were just too different. You’re always fighting.”

Brynlee huffed, a small laugh escaping her. “We are. We do.” She took another sip of her wine, trying to focus on the fruity flavor rather than the memory of Sawyer’s lips on hers. “We’re just… we’re just too different, Mel. We argue about everything.”

Melanie smirked, leaning in closer. “Sometimes that’s the best kind of relationship, Bryn.”

Brynlee laughed, lightly backhanding her friend on the arm. “Behave. It’s not like that. He doesn’t really care about me. He’s just doing his job, looking out for me because he’s a cop. It’s his job to take care of people.”

Even as she said the words, a pang of regret twisted in her chest. She tried to shake it off, but the feeling lingered, heavy and unsettling. She wanted to believe it—that Sawyer’s concern was nothing more than professional courtesy—but deep down, she knew there was more to it. More than she was ready to admit.

Melanie watched her closely, her playful smile fading into something more thoughtful. “Maybe. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care, Bryn.”

Brynlee shrugged, not trusting herself to say more. She picked up her glass, taking a long sip, wishing the wine could drown out the doubts in her mind. But the warmth in her chest wasn’t just from the alcohol—it was from the memory of Sawyer’s touch, the way he made her feel safe even when everything else was falling apart.

And that was exactly why she needed to keep her distance.