The Sweet Encounter (Completed)

Chapter Twenty-Four: Be Patient

           

Over the next few weeks, Trey was able to work his muscles and regained his strength and ability to walk again. He also spent a lot of time working on his business through conference calls and meetings remotely. Trey and Brie stayed at the Outer Banks during those times, and all the while, there was no intimacy between them. Trey's work kept him busy, and he seemed to be holding back on this newfound life with Brie.

She tried not to let his absence get to her, but she knew he still needed space and time to regain her trust. Now that he was physically independent, they were going to return back to Charlotte. She had suggested that she would return to live in her apartment so to not smother him. When he didn't argue with the idea, she felt a solemn disappointment.

He tried not to let it bother him that she looked discouraged, so he took a few steps closer to her. "Brie, I really am sorry. In all honesty, I don't have a clue what to do. Maybe, we'll go on a date and rekindle what it was that we had."

He couldn't promise her much, but at least give her some hope. He wasn't being all honest, but somehow he didn't feel as strong about her. He was attracted to her beauty, but he felt guilty for pushing her away these past few weeks. He was afraid of how he had let himself fall so steadfast in such a short amount of time in their relationship, so he wanted to be cautious this time around.

Brie accepted what she could get from Trey. It wasn't going to be easy, but persistence and time was all she needed.  Her normal routine at work seemed impossible. Her mind wasn't in the right place. Lacy tried to convince her to focus only on Trey, but Brie needed normalcy in order for her life to continue. Besides, that was how she originally met Trey, by being herself in her comfort zone at the shop. Throughout the day, Brie never received a text or call from Trey, so she decided to text him.

Brie: Good afternoon, Trey. Would you be available this evening for our attempt at a first date?

Trey: I have a meeting this afternoon. If I finish on time, then I will try to be there.

Brie sulked at his response. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. Breathing exercises had been her go to stress reliever as of late. Trying not to shift her focus on Trey at the moment, Brie kept her mind focused on the shop for the remainder of the afternoon.

She was trying to finish up her ledgers in her accounting books after the shop closed, but Lacy came into her office to interrupt.

"Brie, Jerry is here. I can send him away and tell him we're closed."

Brie was surprised that Jerry would still want to see her. "No, please don't send him away. I'll be right there, and I'll lock up after he leaves. Have a good night, Lacy."

Brie stepped out of her office and saw Jerry standing in the sitting area of the diner. He smiled at her, but his look of distress was what she noticed. He didn't care what she thought as he wrapped his arms tightly around her tiny waist.

"Brie. There is so much I need to say and apologize for."

"Jerry. Please don't. You don't realize how much it means for me to see you."

"I heard about the accident. I'm relieved you're fine."

"Oh yes, the accident. A few bruises here and there, but nothing I can't handle."

Brie's eyes started to get watery, but she wanted to hold them back. He made her sit at the table, and she started to open up about everything from the wedding up until the accident and also in regards to Trey's condition.

"You honestly can't live two separate lives forever, Brie." He was naturally upset at Trey, but Brie needed Jerry to understand it would take time.