Chapter 3

Saturday morning arrived quietly. The sun barely peeked over the horizon. Brian stirred awake. Next to him, Laura breathed softly.

The room carried a mix of warmth and the faint scent of the ocean. He slipped out of bed. The cool floorboards sent a shiver through him. It was a stark contrast to Laura’s warmth.

He looked back at her. That sight brought a smile to his face.

Brian stretched, then moved to the window. The light spilled in, illuminating the room. He felt a sense of calm wash over him. Outside, the waves crashed gently against the shore.

He went to the kitchen, just in his boxers, ready to make coffee. His mind was racing with thoughts of Laura and the last night. The rich aroma of brewing coffee filled the air.

As he poured himself a cup, something outside caught his eye. Through the bay window, he noticed two men in black suits. They leaned against a sleek, unmarked sedan parked across the street.

Something felt off. Their stares were too sharp. They were looking at his house.

He felt a chill. Why were they watching? What did they want?

He took a sip of his coffee, trying to shake off the unease. But the men remained there, silent and still. Whatever they were waiting for, it couldn’t be good.

Brian set his coffee down, trying to shake off the feeling creeping in. He walked to the patio doors. The cool sea breeze brushed against his skin. Stepping outside, the wooden slats felt cold beneath his feet.

The two men looked up. His sunglasses reflected the morning light, hiding his gaze. The other man held a phone to his ear, speaking softly. They didn’t fit in with the quiet beachside neighborhood.

Brian’s stomach tightened. Who were they? Why were they watching him? He took a sip of his coffee, but his eyes stayed locked on the men.

Then, the shorter man ended his call. Both turned toward the beach house. They didn’t approach him, but their intent was clear. They knew he had seen them.

Brian’s heart thudded. The coffee in his hand turned cold, forgotten. Soon, they climbed into a sedan and drove off, leaving only the sound of gravel crunching beneath their tires.

Laura woke up and headed to the bathroom.

Brian stepped back inside. He started making breakfast. The smell of bacon sizzled in the kitchen. It mixed with the warm scent of toasting bread. He scrambled eggs, adding cheddar cheese and chopped scallions.

He held the breakfast tray as he walked to the bedroom. The sun peeked through the blinds, casting stripes of light across her form. Laura looked lovely, her hair spread out, her cheeks still rosy from the night before.

He set the tray down gently and leaned in to kiss her. Laura stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She blinked and smiled sleepily at him.

“Good morning,” she murmured.

“Morning, Laura,” he replied, his tone soft.

“What is this?” She asked, still groggy, and her eyes widened with surprise as she saw the tray of food.

“Breakfast in bed,” he said, grinning. “It’s the least I could do after last night.”

“You really don’t have to do this,” she said, brushing her hair back. But she accepted the plate he offered.

The eggs were fluffy. The bacon was perfectly crispy. Laura took a bite, closing her eyes. The flavors danced on her tongue. The cheese melted smoothly, while the scallions added just the right amount of sharpness. It was delightful.

As they ate, Brian’s thoughts raced. The men outside haunted him. Who were they? What did they want?

“Laura,” he said quietly, “do you know if my dad had any enemies? Anyone who might want to harm him?”

Her eyes widened. She chewed slowly on a piece of toast. “What makes you ask?” Her voice was soft, filling the quiet room.

Brian took a deep breath. “It’s nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “Just overthinking. I’m still adjusting to everything.”

Laura looked at him. Her gaze was steady. She took a sip of coffee, letting the steam warm her face.

“Okay,” she replied. “But if you ever need to talk, I’m here.”

Brian leaned in and kissed her cheek, feeling her warmth. “Thank you, Laura. I’ll remember that.”

The morning passed quickly. Easy talks and quiet moments filled the space.

Laura stepped into the shower. Her figure moved behind the foggy glass. The sound of water flowing created a calming rhythm.

When Laura finally came out, she was wrapped in a towel. Her skin glowed. Brian couldn’t take his eyes off her. She noticed his stare and raised an eyebrow.

“What are we doing today?” she asked. Her tone was light, almost playful.

He swallowed hard. The memory of the black suits lingered. “I don’t know. I haven’t planned anything,” he admitted.

She thought about Emma. “How about we pick her up from Eve’s?”

His eyes lit up. “Mind if I join you?”

“Sure,” she replied. “But you shouldn’t worry about us.”

He nodded. “I’d feel better if we weren’t alone.”

Laura felt warmth in her chest. He cared for her. She tightened the towel around herself. “Okay. I’ll get ready, and we’ll head out together.”

As they drove to Eve’s house, Laura’s hand rested on his thigh. It felt good. The beach road was mostly empty. Waves crashed rhythmically to their left. The salty air filled the car, blending with the soft scent of her perfume.

When they arrived at the small house, Emma stood outside, her bag ready. Eve was beside her.

“Thank you for taking care of Emma, Eve,” Laura said with a warm smile.

Eve blushed and waved, “It’s nothing, Laura; we both needed each other.”

Laura turned to Emma. “You okay, sweetie?”

Emma forced a smile. “Yeah, just tired.”

The tension between the friends was thick. Laura sensed it. Something wasn’t right. But she didn’t want to pry. Not yet.

Brian stepped out of the car, stretching his limbs. He immediately noticed Emma. Something in her eyes took him by surprise. His stomach twisted. She seemed ... different.

“Hey, Brian,” she said, her voice casual. “This is Eve, my best friend.”

Brian nodded. He saw a hint of color rise in Emma’s cheeks. She stepped aside, revealing Eve. The girl was petite, with freckles on her nose and a shy smile.

“Hi, Mr. Miller,” Eve said, her gaze downcast.

Brian felt a jolt. Her voice was familiar, but he couldn’t place it. He forced a smile and extended his hand.

“Brian, please. No need to be formal.”

Eve’s hand felt soft, yet her grip was firm. She met his gaze for a moment before looking away. He knew there was something different about her, but he didn’t know what.

Emma cleared her throat. The tension hung in the air. “Ready to go?”

Brian nodded. Laura reached for his hand. Together, they walked toward the car.

“Thank you for picking me, Mother,” Emma said, her voice tight.

“No problem, sweetheart,” Laura replied, glancing at Brian. “You should thank Brian for the lift.”

Brian smiled, a bit shy. He liked being helpful.

They pulled into the driveway of Laura’s and Emma’s house. The house stood still, quiet.

“Before you go, Brian,” Laura continued, “how about you join us for dinner on Sunday?”

Laura’s eyes met his, pleading.

“Sounds good,” he replied, keeping his tone steady. “I’d like that.”

Laura’s smile brightened. “Great! We’ll have a proper family dinner. Just the three of us.”

Emma’s cheeks flushed. She sensed her mother’s intentions. Her feelings for Brian were confusing. Maybe spending time together as a family would help.

“Emma,” her mother said softly. “Why don’t you take a nap? You look tired.”

Emma nodded, eyes downcast. She didn’t argue. Deep down, she understood her mother wanted to give them space.

As Emma stepped into the house, Laura turned to Brian. “I need to talk to you,” she said, her voice low. “Privately.”

Brian followed Laura inside. The door clicked shut behind them. In the living room, Laura sat on the couch, her legs tucked under her. She patted the seat beside her. Brian sat down, his body tense.

“What’s going on, Laura?” he asked, his voice a whisper.

Laura took a deep breath. “I’m confused, Brian. I shouldn’t have done that.” She paused, her eyes searching his. “But I can’t help how I feel.”

Brian’s chest tightened. He understood what she meant. Their attraction was indisputable.

Brian nodded. “I know,” he said, his voice strained. “I don’t know what to do. But I have feelings for you, don’t you too?”

Laura took his hand, her eyes fierce. “I do. But for now, we need to keep this between us.”

Brian nodded again. Their secret bore a heavy weight. He knew what they’d done was wrong, but it felt so right.

“Okay,” he murmured. “But we can’t keep it a secret from Emma forever.”

Laura tightened her grip on his hand. “I know. We’ll find a way.”

Laura leaned in, her breath warm against his neck. She kissed him—soft and lingering. It spoke of everything she couldn’t say.

Brian felt himself melt. His body responded despite his mind’s protests. He knew it was wrong. But in that moment, all he could think about was her—her warmth, her touch.

They broke apart, breathless. Laura’s eyes searched his. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For understanding.”

Brian nodded. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, his voice gruff. He kissed her quickly, then stepped out the door. He climbed into his car and drove away, his heart racing.

That evening, Emma lay in bed. Her body buzzed from her time with Eve. The darkness wrapped around her, comforting and warm. But her mind raced. There was so much to think about.

Eve’s words played on repeat in her head. She was okay with her mother having a relationship with Brian. Yet, a nagging feeling lingered. It felt like she was losing something.

The door creaked open. Laura peeked in. “Emma?” she called softly.

Emma sat up, wiping her eyes. “Yeah?” Her voice was thick with emotion.

Laura entered, shutting the door behind her. She sat at the edge of the bed and brushed Emma’s hair away from her face. “You okay?” Her voice oozed concern.

Emma inhaled deeply. “Yeah,” she lied. “Just tired.”

Laura studied her daughter. She knew Emma well enough to see the struggle in her eyes.

“Emma, we need to talk,” she said softly.

Emma nodded. Her heart raced. Laura sat beside her, taking her hand.

“I know about what happened with Brian,” Emma said, her voice firm yet gentle. The words lingered, heavy with their shared secret.

Laura’s eyes widened. Her breath caught. “What?” she whispered.

“I overheard you that night,” Emma admitted. She paused, her thoughts racing. “I know it’s wrong, but I just ... I don’t know what to say.”

Laura’s expression shifted. Her face fell. “Oh, Emma,” she murmured, squeezing her hand tighter. “I’m so sorry you had to find out like this.”

A lump formed in Emma’s throat. “I’m happy for you,” she said, her voice shaky. “You deserve to be happy.”

Laura’s eyes searched Emma’s. “But?” she prompted, her voice steady but tense.

Emma drew a deep breath. “But I have feelings for him too,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emma’s confession lingered, like a silent scream waiting for a response. Laura’s heart raced, her mind spinning. She struggled to find the right words.

“I know it’s strange,” Emma continued, her gaze fixed on the floor. “And I know it’s wrong. But I can’t help it. I simply wanted to let you know.”

Shock, anger, and sadness washed over Laura. Yet, amidst the storm of emotions, a strange sense of relief emerged.

“Emma,” Laura started, her voice shaky. “You’re my daughter. I want you to feel like you can talk to me about anything.”

Emma nodded, understanding but still burdened. “I know,” she replied softly. “But I didn’t know how to tell you.”

They sat quietly for a moment. Laura felt her thoughts racing. How could she deal with this?

“I need some time,” Laura finally said. “To think. To process.”

Emma nodded softly. “Okay,” she whispered. “But don’t hate me.”

Laura leaned in and kissed Emma’s forehead. “I could never hate you,” she replied. “Never.”

They held each other closely. The warmth of their embrace eased the tension. But Laura’s mind was still a storm of thoughts. She knew she couldn’t ignore this.

That night, Laura lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts about Brian and Emma.

She remembered the love she shared with Brian. It was a fiery passion that brought them together. Now, she felt trapped. The thought of Emma’s pain tightened Laura’s chest. She understood longing. She knew what it felt like to want someone you shouldn’t have. It hurt deeply.

Laura rolled over, trying to find a comfortable position. But there was no escape from her thoughts.

She felt torn. On one hand, memories of Brian flooded her mind. On the other, she worried about Emma’s feelings.

In the quiet darkness, Laura faced a hard choice. She couldn’t block her daughter’s happiness. If Emma felt something for Brian, she had to let them find out.

It felt wrong. However, keeping them apart seemed even more problematic. That seemed worse. Forcing Emma to hide her feelings would only lead to pain.

She took a deep breath. She wanted the best for her daughter. So, she made her decision.

The next morning, Laura woke up feeling different. There was a new purpose in her heart. She found Emma in the kitchen, her eyes puffy and red from crying.

Laura’s heart ached for her. She knew they needed to talk. “Emma,” she said. “We need to talk.”

Emma looked up, hope and fear mixing in her eyes.

Laura took a deep breath. “I’ve thought about this,” she began. “I understand your feelings for Brian. If you truly care for him, I won’t stand in your way.”

Emma’s eyes widened in surprise. “Really?” she whispered.

Laura nodded. “But we have to be careful. We can’t let this ruin us. We’re family, and that matters most.”

Emma wrapped her arms around Laura. She buried her face in her mother’s neck.

“Thank you,” she sobbed. “Thank you so much.”

They held each other for a long moment. The weight of their shared secret felt a bit lighter.

Laura understood that this was just the beginning. It wouldn’t be easy, but she had made her choice.

When they finally pulled away, Laura looked at Emma with a gentle smile.

“Remember,” she said, “we have to be careful. This can’t tear us apart.”

Emma nodded. Her eyes sparkled with relief.

“I understand, Mom.”

Laura kept busy the rest of the morning. She cleaned the house. Emma sat in the living room, pretending to watch TV.

The sun hung low in the sky as Laura started dinner. The aroma of garlic and rosemary filled the kitchen. She had chosen roast chicken, a meal that brought back memories of simpler times with her ex-husband.

Then, the doorbell rang. Laura felt a flutter in her heart. She wiped her hands on her apron and headed to the door. Taking a deep breath, she opened it.

Brian stood there, holding a bouquet of roses. “I know it’s a cliché, but I thought it might be nice,” Brian said, extending the flowers toward her.

Laura accepted them, her cheeks warming with a blush. She hadn’t seen this coming.

Brian stood there, dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and dark jeans. He looked handsome, yet a bit anxious.