The Sweet Encounter (Completed)

Chapter Fourteen - The Confession

           

As Brie made her way into work, she was a walking zombie. Her body felt numb. She barely slept last night as her thoughts continued with Jerry on her mind. She received a good morning text from Trey, and she responded to him briefly. She didn't want him to think he was being ignored, but she needed this time to be by Jerry's side.

Lacy saw Brie and knew something was wrong. She grabbed Brie by the shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes, "What's wrong? Please don't tell me Ocean Eyes hurt you?"

Brie let a small smile slip. Lacy and her ways to lighten things up were greatly appreciated.

"It's not Trey. We're fine."

"Then what?"

Brie took in a heavy sigh and fought back her tears, "It's Jerry's father. He passed away."

"Oh my goodness, baby. I am so sorry!" Lacy wrapped her entire body around Brie, and she wasn't able to breathe. "Brie, why are you here? You know you need to be with Jerry. He has no one."

"I was with him all last night, and I need to come into work."

"Work can wait. You've got to trust us here. We did fine yesterday without you, we can manage another day."

Lacy turned Brie around and started pushing her out the door, but before she got to the door, she turned Brie around.

"Brie. You listen to me, honey. I know you and Jerry are no longer together, but he's a good guy and cares for you immensely. There is nothing wrong being there for a friend. You know if it were him, he'd be here in a heartbeat for you."

Lacy was right. Jerry was unselfish and kind. He wouldn't hesitate at supporting Brie even when he knew he would receive nothing in return. Brie decided to skip the day and head to Jerry's house.

She pulled up to the front of his house and saw some cars parked in the driveway. She knocked on the door and saw the biggest smile while the door opened.

"Abigail." Brie went in for a hug and loved the warmth of Abigail's persona. Abigail was Jerry's older sister. They were close when Jerry and Brie were together. She even went with Brie shopping for her wedding dress.  Abigail took it pretty hard when the engagement was called off, but she understood Brie completely. It wasn't long then that Abigail left to Seattle for a job offer, and Brie hadn't seen her since. They kept in contact but it slowly diminished once both their schedules became too hectic.

"Brie. Oh my goodness. You're still as cute as ever. Oh God, I've missed you. Why did we ever lose touch?" Abigail's tears were flowing down her cheeks. She tried wiping them off with the back of her hand, and placed her hand on her chest. "Oh my God! My mom is going to be so happy to see you. Mom!"

She turned her head towards the kitchen, screaming for Mrs. Lockhart. "Mom! You'll never guess who's here!"

Abigail faced Brie and her smile still didn't cease. "Oh my goodness, I'm so rude. Come on in, Brie."

Brie stepped into the house and it wasn't long before Mrs. Lockhart walked into the foyer and saw Brie. Her arms were wide open; the wrinkles around her eyes made her look warm and welcoming. Brie saw the tears escaping Mrs. Lockhart's eyes, and she didn't know if they for Brie or Mr. Lockhart.

"Darling, I've missed you so. I didn't think I was going to see you."

"Mrs. Lockhart. You all mean the world to me. I wanted to be here for everyone."

Mrs. Lockhart smelled of fresh cinnamon. She had to have been cooking in the kitchen. Brie learned so much from her baking, and always thought she was the one who inspired Brie to pursue baking. After all the hugging and wiping of tears, Brie saw Jerry made his way into the living room. He had his hand in his pocket and the other running his fingers through his hair. He had a kitchen towel over his left shoulder which meant he was helping Mrs. Lockhart in the kitchen. He stared at Brie and couldn't hold back his smile.