My breath hitches, robbing me of the necessary air to process what I’ve read.
Saying I’m sorry will never be enough, and even if you never forgive me, know that I made the decision-not any of the guys. Just know that we’re coming for you as soon as we possibly can, and
I promise to make it up to you because you’re my forever girl.
Until then, I’ll write the words I’ve struggled to say.
Rowan
Song: Back to December- Taylor Swift
My pulse doubles, and my skin prickles with awareness as my mounting panic forces my eyes to close. I can’t even focus on Rowan’s usual highhandedness.
They were forced, and Karl was missing. But they never said a word. No one made any attempts to reach me once Karl came home. Snapping the journal, I center my thoughts before they spiral out of control. As eager as I am to discover their truths and the cause for their continuous betrayal, I can’t read anymore for now.
Huffing, I grab my cell phone off my pillow and send the text.
Me: I’ll meet with August tomorrow afternoon.
Not ready for their reply, I put my phone back on Do Not Disturb. I need more time to process before any of them can visit. A big part of my heart hangs on to the hope this won’t break us.
AUGUST
The last place I want to be is at some dumbass election campaign rally in some town I never knew existed in the United States. Yet, here we stand in Applebrook, Maine, hidden in plain sight.
I thought Calloway was exclusive. Some of these towns have unofficial requirements to be able to move in. Otherwise, land is passed down through generations.
Cheers erupt around the packed campaign rally for the Presidential hopeful, better known as a dead Senator walking, Matthew Baker. I watch as another pompous prick walks up to the podium. “Did you know MC stands for master of ceremonies?”
“And why did we need to know that useless fact right now, Wy?” Sebastian asks.
Shrugging my shoulders, I adjust the collar of my army-green bomber jacket, blocking Maine’s brisk fall air. “Aren’t rallies for learning?” I quip, earning me an elbow in my side from Karl.
“Oh, this crowd is about to get a crash course in family relations,” Karl replies, barely keeping a straight face.
Smirking, Sebastian adds, “You think he’ll get a campaign boost from this rally?”
“Is everything in place, Liam?” Rowan asks, getting us back on track.
“Baker is about to be announced,” Liam states, then busies himself with some portable device. “I’m in their network, and the video is loaded. I only need to hit play once he’s on stage.”
The MC sings the Senator’s praises-how he stands for good family values before spouting more lies the Senator promises to accomplish.
Holding out his arm in Baker’s direction, the MC exclaims, “Without further ado, coming all the way from the great state of New York, Senator Matthew Baker.”
I roll my eyes at all the ‘Baker Will Make This Country Greater’ signs.
Karl pulls one of his blades from its holster. I think it’s Mary, but I can’t be sure. “I could end this now if you just say the word.”
Rowan starts to speak but is cut off by the Senator. “Thank you, Applebrook. It’s a pleasure to be with you all today. Before I get started, I wanted to make a special announcement.”
Looking at Liam, I mutter, “What the fuck is he talking about? I thought today was just another campaign rally?”
“I’m not sure, but we’re about to find out,” Liam states.
“Applebrook, please give a warm welcome to my wife.”
My eyes nearly pop out of my skull. “Are you seeing who I’m seeing?” I mumble, blinking to ensure my vision is clear.
“What. The. Absolute. Fuck?” Rowan whispers.
Senator Baker grabs his wife’s hand, pulling her in for a kiss before he continues. “Samantha Baker.”
“This is better than a telenovela,” Karl cackles.
“Please tell me we’re going to hit play now?” I exclaim.
Liam is lowering his thumb toward the tablet. “I don’t see why not. I couldn’t have scripted-” Sebastian’s hand shoots out, halting Liam’s movements.
“Wait,” he commands, making us all turn to him.
“Why the fuck would we do that? We can end his political aspirations right now,” Rowan states.
Sebastian leans in before responding. “This is perfect. There’s a debate coming up in a few weeks. The way I see it, Samantha is leashed for now. So, we can spend this time with Emma.”
“I vote we do it now. Our plan isn’t hinged on outing their relationship,” Rowan suggests.
“Or,” Sebastian starts. “We can wait until he’s on primetime television with millions tuning in.”
We peer at each other, seeing if there are any objections. “Perfect. It’s settled. Samantha’s given us plenty of material to work with. Let’s return the favor and make her life a living hell.”
Smiling, I hum, “Operation end the bitch is a go.”
Wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans, I step forward and ring the doorbell. Sneaking in to see Riri-zero nerves. Walking through the front door like a proper fool does-more nerves than I know what to do with.
The front door opens, and Aaron stands in the doorway. “So good of you to finally use the correct entryway,” he teases.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.