When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 36

Even though Jonah told her to slow down, Nelly still ate like she hadn’t seen food in days. He’d even made a few extra dishes just for her, all her favorites. Clearly, her new brother had done his research.

Her mind wandered to Brody for a second. They’d basically grown up together, but he’d never really bothered to understand her at all.

“How are you doing today?” Jonah asked, noticing that faraway look on her face.

“Huh?” Nelly blinked at him, pulling herself back to reality. She realized what he meant and gave a little smile. “Carrie’s fine. Brody… not so much.” She shook her head, trying to sound light about it.

“He still won’t agree to the divorce,” Jonah said. He’d been the one to clean up the ripped-up divorce papers Brody left on the floor. It was obvious they hadn’t been able to work things out.

Jonah got up, walked to the door, and came back with a big bag, setting it down in front of her. “He had someone drop this off. I found it outside your door. It’s full of supplements, food, medicine... all sorts of things.”

Nelly stared at the bag for a moment. Brody could leave her behind without a second thought after one call from Sheila, and now he was sending all this stuff? She let out a short laugh, picked up the bag, and tossed it straight into the trash.

She looked at Jonah, saw the unreadable look in his eyes, and gave him a half-smile. “See? That’s the guy I loved for years. Cold, fake, acting like he’s doing me some big favor. His heart is full of someone else, but he still has to show up for me, just so he can look good.”

“You think he’s just doing it for show?” Jonah asked softly.

“What else? You don’t seriously think he cares, do you?”

“I don’t get him.” Jonah admitted it easily. He didn’t understand Brody’s motives, but he could see right through Nelly’s brave face.

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