Chapter Seventy-Six

Chapter Seventy-Six
Everett

I wake up with a pounding headache, groaning as sunlight slips through the curtains. Last night is a blur—I only remember ordering a drink at the bar. Somehow, I ended up back in my London apartment. Thank God—at least I didn’t do something stupid like cheat on Aubrey. I hope that’s not who I am, no matter how drunk I get. I can’t recall coming home. How did I get here? I search for my cell but can’t find it. Hopefully, I didn’t lose it in my drunken state. I shouldn’t have drunk so much, but it’s how I cope.

I get out of bed to search for my cell. Each step makes my head throb, nausea rising. The taste of scotch lingers, churning my stomach. I need my cell—Aubrey has probably tried to reach me, and she'll worry if she can’t. I stroll into the living room and stop in my tracks when I see Hugo sitting on the sofa.

“Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be on your way home by now?”

Hugo sighs and looks up at me. “I changed it to later today.”

"Why? I thought you’d be desperate to get away from me since, in your eyes, I’m such an awful person." I snap, bitterness seeping through every word.

I can still feel the anger simmering from last night. Hugo’s words sting, echoing in my head.

“I am sorry, Everett. I shouldn’t have said those things.”

"But you did. Too late for sorry," I say, heading to the kitchen.

Hugo should have gone home. He made his feelings clear. But annoyance builds as I make coffee, hearing him come in behind me, showing he’s not ready to leave—or let go of last night just yet.

"Everett, please. Let’s talk. I shouldn’t have said that. Anger’s no excuse."

I ignore him, hoping he'll take the hint and decide to leave, because I have no intention of discussing last night and would rather focus on finding my phone to reach Aubrey.

“Have you seen my cell?”

"Yes, it’s in the living room. Please, talk to me?" he pleads.

At least my cell isn’t lost. I turn to him. "There’s nothing to say, Hugo. In your eyes, I’m a terrible person, brother, and boyfriend. Or want to add something?"

He runs his hand through his hair. "I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean it. I was mad you lied to me. I protect Aubrey because no one else does. I won’t apologize for that, but I will for being a bad brother. You always took care of me, and I appreciate it—even if it doesn’t seem that way."

“As I said, she has me now.”
"I know, and you’ll protect her as you protected me. I just don’t want her hurt again. She’s been through enough."

I’m not mad at Hugo for protecting Aubrey—but for his low opinion of me.

I close my eyes, massaging my temples. “I don’t plan on hurting Aubrey. I love her. Believe it or not, it’s the truth.”

I take my coffee to the living room to find my cell. It takes a moment, but when I do, I see missed calls and texts from Aubrey.

"You love her?" Hugo asks from behind.

"Yes, I do. Believe it or not, that’s your choice."

Hugo comes over. I hesitate, finally meeting his gaze. He just stares. "You really do. I had no idea."

"You would’ve known if you let me explain instead of fighting, Hugo."

“I am sorry. I should have listened rather than talked. You should probably call her. I spoke with her earlier and told her you were still asleep. I told her I would get you to call her when you were up. She was worried about you. If it makes you feel any better, Aubrey and Erica are both mad at me, too, for what I said to you. I will suffer both their wrath when I return home.”

"Actually, that does help," I say, disappearing to call Aubrey.

Hugo must’ve spoken to them last night if they’re mad at him, too. I expected Aubrey would be, but I wasn’t sure about Erica, his wife. Relief flickers, knowing at least she sees me differently. Maybe now Hugo gets that Aubrey is everything to me—not a fling, not temporary. Even if it changes nothing, I’m not giving her up. If Hugo can’t accept it, that’s his hurt to carry—not ours.

I stop in at the bathroom to brush my teeth before the taste in my mouth makes me sick. I look like hell. I splash some cold water on my face, brush my teeth, and climb back into bed to call Aubrey. Most of my day will be spent here. I have no energy to do anything or go anywhere. I need to eat, but nothing else is planned. I’m not taking Hugo to the airport; he can book a car. God, how I wish I were going with him.

I find Aubrey’s name and call. She answers on the second ring. "Everett, are you okay?"

I relax instantly at the sound of her voice. It’s enough to make me realize everything is going to be okay.

“Hey, sweetheart. I am much better now, hearing your voice. I am sorry I took so long to call back. I was asleep. I drank way too much last night.”

"It’s okay. As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters. Did you talk to Hugo?"

"Kind of, but I don’t want to talk about him. Just talk to me. Hearing you is all I need."

“Okay, whatever you want, handsome.”

I lie down and listen as she chats away to me. I close my eyes and smile. I can’t wait to return home to her. Once I am, everything else won’t matter. At least we don’t need to hide anything from anyone now. I can’t wait to be open with our relationship. No more secrets. No more hiding. No more lies. It sounds perfect. We can be a proper couple without any worries in the world. It gives us a better chance of advancing in our relationship. I don’t want to tell her I love her over the phone. I will wait until I am face-to-face with her. It will mean more. If she is ready to say it back, I guess I will need to wait and see.