Welcome to Westbrook

Chapter 12

Twelve

"Hello, we're here!" I heard Gregory's familiar voice.

"It's so good to see you all!" I exclaimed, rushing toward my brother and his lovely family. I hugged him and my sister-in-law, Amy.

"Kids, you remember Aunt Evie, don't you?" Amy asked her kids, using another nickname they created for the kids to call me.

"Hi, Aunt Evie!" Bradley exclaimed.

"Hey, guys! This is your cousin, Ben. Honey, do you remember your cousins? Charlie, Bradley, and Amanda," I told him.

Ben nodded. "I remember."

"Wanna see my new game?" Charlie asked my son. Ben nodded again, prompting them to skip toward the living room. Bradley tagged along behind, while Greg held his daughter. She was still too young to want to follow the gang of boy relatives.

"Come sit in the living room," my mother instructed, leading the way. Everyone took a seat and started conversations immediately. My mother kept herself busy playing with Amanda, giving Amy and Greg a break. Phoebe was talking with our father, giving me the chance to spend time with my brother and his wife.

"So how was your time in Vermont? Greg told me you kept getting snowed in."

"Yeah, the weather was horrible for a short while. But it was okay there."

"Okay? Just okay? You looked happy when we video chatted the other day. You looked way better than okay," Greg commented.

"Well, that was before," I said curtly.

Amy just gave me a sad look and patted my hand. I smiled at her and tried to change the subject by asking about their kids. They immediately started telling me stories about their three children, making me laugh at each one.

Between my brother's hilarious stories, the kids all playing together, and my family simply spending time together, it was almost easy to forget about the time I spent in Westbrook and a certain person from that small town. Almost easy.

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"Merry Christmas Eve!"

"Hey, Ruby," I laughed, missing her jovial personality.

"I thought I'd call today to wish you and Ben a great holiday. I miss you both!"

"We miss you too, Ruby. I'm sorry we didn't get to say a proper goodbye. We kind of left in a hurry," I said, shoving my hand in my jacket pocket. I was on the deck outside to get some privacy in my parents' home.

"Yeah, I heard," Ruby replied softly. It'd be stupid of me to think she didn't know what happened by now.

"Did he tell you what happened?" I asked, wondering if she knew the full story.

"Not exactly. I overheard Jack talking to Liam. I heard he mentioned you were some famous writer—which is awesome by the way—and how you got upset because he knew that for a while. But let me tell you, he sounded really upset about it, Evelyn."

When I didn't say anything in reply, Ruby sighed. "Look, I don't know the full story and honestly, it's not my business to know. Your love life is your own, but I do want to tell you that Jack is a much nicer and honest guy than you give him credit for. I'm sure he messed up, but who the heck hasn't? All I ask is that you think things over and make sure you're doing what's best for you and Ben."

"I always do what's best for Ben," I replied defensively.

"I know. But I said try to do what's best for you and Ben. Sometimes what's best for someone else is also what's best for you."