When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 362

“Mom, where’s Dad?” Carrie’s voice was barely above a whisper as they walked home, her hand small in Nelly’s. She’d had such a good time today. If only every night could be like this, just out for a walk with Mom and Dad.

Nelly kept her smile in place. “He probably had something to take care of. Let’s get you home and into bed, sweetheart.”

Carrie nodded and clung a little tighter to her mom’s arm.

The next morning, Nelly woke up early. It was barely light out, the clock blinking six. Carrie was still sound asleep, so Nelly slipped away to wash up.

Suddenly, Brody’s words from the night before echoed in her mind. I’m good to Sheila because I owe her. Her father’s death was because of me…

Last night, she hadn’t really listened to him. Now, thinking about it, it seemed strange. Sheila’s father’s death? What did that have to do with Brody? If he was making things up, couldn’t he find a better excuse? Or maybe… maybe he was really hiding something?

The thought barely crossed her mind before she stopped herself. Don’t be ridiculous. Sheila calls and Brody drops everything to go running. If that’s not love, what is? Why was she still so easily swayed?

She tried calling Brody that morning, but he didn’t pick up. Carrie didn’t want to go home so early either, so Nelly decided they’d take an extra day off. She’d already told her assistant and the managers at work to call if anything urgent came up.

It was a weekday, so the fanciest mall downtown was pretty quiet. Nelly couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone on a real shopping spree with her daughter. Pretty soon her arms were full, and she had to ask the mall to deliver their bags. They shopped until the afternoon, and when Carrie started to look tired, Nelly found a cute dessert place nearby for a break.

Carrie was completely content with her sweets. Nelly took the chance to check her messages for anything work-related.

“Nelly?” Someone called her name, hesitant but familiar.

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