Read Online Carter (The Harlow Brothers Book 1) by Brie Paisley - Free Book Online
Authors: Brie Paisley
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his words could affect me. I didn’t know how difficult leaving, and putting that life behind me was going to be so hard. I thought …” I shake my head, trying not to let the memories take over. “I thought leaving and coming home would be the best option for me. And so far, it’s been wonderful. But his words …” I wipe a tear as it slides down my cheek, and Annie moves her chair closer to mine. She takes my hand, placing it in her lap as I continue to talk. “The thing is when I first met Easton, he was perfect. I don’t know what happened or where things went so horribly wrong, but I never knew someone could be so hateful for no reason. I didn’t know how much his demeaning words would affect so much of who I am.” Annie doesn’t utter a single word as I talk about the past thirteen years. I don’t tell her everything, but I know she understands why. I can only get a few words out before I finally break down. When it gets to the worst parts, Annie just holds me as I cry. It feels good to let it out and to talk about some of it. As my tears finally dry up, I feel lighter and more hopeful than I have in a long time. I know telling Annie won’t magically cure me, but it’s a start.
We stay out on the porch for hours it seems, talking about everything. Annie doesn’t bring up anything I’ve told her. Instead, she fills me in on what’s been going on lately since I’ve become a hermit. She tells me more about the nice family that moved into my childhood home, and about their children. I can’t help but laugh when Annie says she’s taken over the bingo night at the community center. I remember how she always made time to go every week, and it makes sense for her to run it now. I do notice how she doesn’t speak much of the Harlow’s. I want to think it’s because of how Carter and I left things all those years ago, and I hope she knows how much I appreciate it. I hold no ill feelings towards Carter, those feelings have long passed, but I can’t know if he’s moved on yet. I don’t want to know if he’s doing well for himself, or if he’s found someone to make him happy. He’s my first love, and I know eventually I’m going to see him. It’s unavoidable in our small town. I tell myself it won’t bother me if I see him, but I honestly don’t know if that’ll hold true.
Much later, William finally comes outside, asking if we’re hungry. Annie and I share a knowing glance, and we laugh as we make our way inside. I place the coffee mugs in the sink, and lean against the counter as I watch Annie and William banter playfully back and forth. I smile, enjoying listening to them bicker about nothing. I turn away when William sweetly kisses Annie, and walk to the fridge to start making sandwiches for us. I place everything I know we like on the counter when Annie lightly touches my back. “I’ve got this under control.”
“I can help, it’s no problem.” She shakes her head and ushers me to sit down. I sigh and unwillingly take a seat at the table. Annie has always been this way, and I remember how she used to shoo me out of the kitchen when I stayed here when my mother left for a year. As I got older, she let me help some, and she taught me how to cook. I watch her as she moves swiftly around the kitchen, humming to herself. William’s reading the paper, and I realize how peaceful and easy it is here with them. I don’t have to pretend, or try to be perfect. I don’t have to watch what I do or say. It’s an amazing feeling, one that I’m glad I’m able to experience again.
My stomach drops and I snap my head towards the front door when I hear the doorbell chiming. I don’t know why my hands start to sweat, or why suddenly I want to run and hide in my room. I sit like a statue as William folds his paper in half, then slowly walks to answer the door. I know for a fact Easton has no idea where I am. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. I slowly take a deep breath, trying to calm
We stay out on the porch for hours it seems, talking about everything. Annie doesn’t bring up anything I’ve told her. Instead, she fills me in on what’s been going on lately since I’ve become a hermit. She tells me more about the nice family that moved into my childhood home, and about their children. I can’t help but laugh when Annie says she’s taken over the bingo night at the community center. I remember how she always made time to go every week, and it makes sense for her to run it now. I do notice how she doesn’t speak much of the Harlow’s. I want to think it’s because of how Carter and I left things all those years ago, and I hope she knows how much I appreciate it. I hold no ill feelings towards Carter, those feelings have long passed, but I can’t know if he’s moved on yet. I don’t want to know if he’s doing well for himself, or if he’s found someone to make him happy. He’s my first love, and I know eventually I’m going to see him. It’s unavoidable in our small town. I tell myself it won’t bother me if I see him, but I honestly don’t know if that’ll hold true.
Much later, William finally comes outside, asking if we’re hungry. Annie and I share a knowing glance, and we laugh as we make our way inside. I place the coffee mugs in the sink, and lean against the counter as I watch Annie and William banter playfully back and forth. I smile, enjoying listening to them bicker about nothing. I turn away when William sweetly kisses Annie, and walk to the fridge to start making sandwiches for us. I place everything I know we like on the counter when Annie lightly touches my back. “I’ve got this under control.”
“I can help, it’s no problem.” She shakes her head and ushers me to sit down. I sigh and unwillingly take a seat at the table. Annie has always been this way, and I remember how she used to shoo me out of the kitchen when I stayed here when my mother left for a year. As I got older, she let me help some, and she taught me how to cook. I watch her as she moves swiftly around the kitchen, humming to herself. William’s reading the paper, and I realize how peaceful and easy it is here with them. I don’t have to pretend, or try to be perfect. I don’t have to watch what I do or say. It’s an amazing feeling, one that I’m glad I’m able to experience again.
My stomach drops and I snap my head towards the front door when I hear the doorbell chiming. I don’t know why my hands start to sweat, or why suddenly I want to run and hide in my room. I sit like a statue as William folds his paper in half, then slowly walks to answer the door. I know for a fact Easton has no idea where I am. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself. I slowly take a deep breath, trying to calm
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