When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 111

Sheila didn’t catch what Carrie said. “What was that?”

Carrie just shook her head. Maybe she was overthinking everything. Ms. Olson had always been so kind, checking up on her even while dealing with her own injury. There was no way her concern wasn’t genuine.

Brody and Nelly stepped into a quiet gazebo tucked away from the crowd.

“Are you free on Monday?” Nelly jumped right in before Brody could get a word out.

“I’ll definitely be there Monday morning. I won’t be late.”

“If that’s not good, Tuesday works too.” Brody glanced over. Nelly was messing with her phone, eyes glued to the screen as if he wasn’t even there. She’d been avoiding his gaze ever since they met up today. Was he really that intimidating? Or did she just not want to look at him?

“Monday works,” Brody interrupted.

Nelly’s finger paused on her calendar. She nodded. “Eight? Or eight thirty? You start work early, but the place doesn’t even open until eight.”

“Nine,” Brody replied.

“Okay.” Nelly quickly set a reminder, this time making sure it would go off well in advance.

“You don’t have to be so nervous. I’ll wait for you, no matter what.” Brody’s voice was calm, but there was a tiredness to it that hadn’t been there before.

Nelly looked up, surprised. Her lips pressed together, the color vibrant against her gentle features. She nodded, slipped her phone away, and turned to leave.

“About last time… are you feeling any better?” Brody called after her.

“Last time?” The memory of that night at the hotel flickered in her mind. The details were fuzzy, but she remembered being a mess, and Brody had stayed with her all night. Her cheeks warmed. “Oh, that. I’m good.”

“Gina said she finished her investigation. She mentioned you want to handle it yourself.” Brody couldn’t help adding more. He’d had Alan look into it too, but since it happened on Gina’s turf, he hadn’t found out much. Besides, Gina made it clear Nelly didn’t want outsiders involved. Which, apparently, included him.

“Right. It was just a minor thing. I can handle it. You don’t need to worry.” Nelly’s smile was polite, but her tone was cold and distant.

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