The Broken Road to Forever

by Rhonda Dennis

  “Did you say yes?”

  “What? Out of all that I just told you, that’s your question?”

  “I think that was the most important part of the conversation.”

  Pinching the bridge of my nose, I sigh into the receiver. “What the hell am I going to do? He was, and still is, on a lot of pain meds. What if that’s the reason he said all that? Once he’s healed and comes to his senses, what if he takes it all back?”

  “Look, Mal, I know I don’t know Brent, like at all, but I’ve noticed the way he looks at you. He loves you; there’s not a doubt in my mind about that.”

  “But what…”

  “No, no what-ifs. You have this screwed-up notion that you don’t deserve Brent or a happy-life-type shit going on with you. I’m telling you that you are mega-deserving, so get your ass back in that room! Take this opportunity and grab on to it with both hands.”

  “You don’t really think we can make this work, do you?”

  “Yes, I do. Once Brent’s in surgery, come home. We can talk about everything over tequila.”

  “Are you serious? I can’t leave him.”

  “But drinking alcohol can…”

  “Iris, I don’t need random facts or tequila at…,” I glance to my wrist watch, “eight-fifteen in the morning.”

  “I was just offering. Plus, it wouldn’t be THAT early,” Iris mumbles. “It would probably be closer to nine or ten if you think about it.”

  Her heart’s in the right place, but her mind? I can’t figure out that one sometimes, so I do my best to smooth things over. “I’m sorry. I’m worried about Brent, and I haven’t had time to ingest the whole situation...” My voice sounds exactly how I feel, confused and uncertain.

  “What’s to ingest? Brent’s told his dad, so you’re golden. I’m so happy for you, Mals. It’s about time.”

  “I’m sure Brent’s dad will forgive him if he changes his mind. Wait until reality hits him. Brent’s going to miss all the perks, money, and glory that his father brings him.”

  Now it’s Iris’ turn to sigh. A series of beeps sound in my ear signaling that I’m about to run out of minutes. There is so much left to say, but looking at my scant change, I realize the conversation is over.

  “We’re about to be cut off, and I should get back to Brent. I’ll be home later.”

  “I hope that you…” The dial tone rings in my ears, so I hang up the receiver. I don’t feel any better after my talk with Iris; in fact, I’m even more confused.

  Feeling out of sorts, I mumble to myself while getting my coffee, continue mumbling as I walk down the hall, and even still while I push open the door to Brent’s room.

  “I think we…” I stop mid-step when I see Nate sitting in the chair next to Brent’s bed. “Umm… I just came to wish Brent good luck…”

  Nate wears a sly grin as Brent insists, “Get in here, Mallory. He knows everything.”

  “I do, and it’s about damn time.” Nate’s comment is unexpected. Hell, I’m still stunned by all of this, so how is he acting so cool? This should be the shock of the century since our relationship has been hidden up to this point, except from Iris. Plus, let’s face it, I’m not the typical girl Brent is normally seen with. I remain rooted to my spot.

  Nate walks over to rest his hand on my shoulder. “He’s my best friend. Do you really think I didn’t know? Go be with your man. I need to go do some shit.” He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek before resting his hand on the door’s latch. I’m left dumbfounded. Nate freaking knew! “Good luck with the surgery. I’ll stop by later,” Nate shouts over his shoulder before walking out the door.

  Flabbergasted, I stare after him. Every aspect of my life has completely changed in the last twenty-four hours, and my muddled brain can’t seem to keep up. “Mal!” Snapping out of my thoughts, I turn to face Brent.

  “He knew? But... I… We… I didn’t know you…”

  With the same coy smirk that is rapidly becoming one of my favorite expressions of his, he waves me over to him. With his hand firmly grasped in mine, I take the seat beside his bed and gently rub circles over his hand. So masculine, strong, comforting.

  “It’s my fault we’ve had to wait so long, and now that we are free to be together, you seem a little hesitant. Are you having second thoughts?”

  “What? No.”

  “Everything before last night wasn’t fair to you. I would understand if you need more time to sort things out.”

  “No, that’s not it. I want to be with you.”

  “Then stop worrying. Whatever it is, no matter how big or how small, we’ll figure it out together.”

  I nibble at my fingernail. “How long do you think you’ll be in here?”

  “They said I should be okay to go home by the end of the week.”

  “Home? You think your dad’s going to continue paying your rent?”

  “Hell no. I wouldn’t accept it if he offered. I’m going to live with you.”

  “Uh, I live in a dorm room. Although, Iris would probably be thrilled.” I chuckle at the thought of her celebrating with tequila.

  “Nate’s going to ask our landlord if something is open at our complex.”

  “Brent, those apartments are really pricey. I can’t contribute much.”

  “Mallory, I told you not to worry. I’ve got savings.”

  “Savings are great, but how long are they going to last if we rent there?” Brent looks like I’ve just kicked him while he’s down, and I feel bad. “Sorry, my mom taught me to be super frugal. Hey, I remember seeing a notice pinned to one of the boards on campus for a cheap place. It’s been up for a while so it might be rented, but I’ll give it a try anyway.”

  “Yeah?” He looks hopeful as I nod. “Good, because I don’t want to spend one more moment away from you.” He lifts my fingers to his lips to kiss them. “This is finally fucking happening. You are mine, and we don’t have to hide anymore.” His smile is beautiful, and he’s happier and more content than I’ve ever seen him. I lift myself from the chair to kiss him. Brent’s hand grips into my hair as he deepens the kiss, and for a short, sweet moment, we get lost in each other. We’re not hiding. We’re free, and this feels way too right to be wrong.

  A clearing of the nurse’s throat makes me pull away. Though she looks like she wants to comment, she remains quiet except to say, “It’s time.” This is the second time today I could cry in frustration. Brent’s headed to surgery, and we still haven’t really talked. I reassure him I’ll be in the waiting room and give him another quick kiss before he’s wheeled out.

  I follow them down the hall until the nurse points out the empty room I’m to sit in, and once they move into the elevator, the nerves make my stomach clench. Taking a calming breath, I try gathering my thoughts. I hear my name being called and shift in my seat to see Nate holding out a soda to me.

  “Hey, I’ve been looking for you. I thought the surgery was supposed to start an hour ago.”

  “The doctor got tied up in emergency surgery. Thanks,” I say, taking the drink from his outstretched hand. “I thought you were gone.”

  He grins. “Obviously, I’m not.” I roll my eyes but laugh as he plops in the seat next to me. “I just had to handle a few things. No way could I let my buddy go through this without support. No offense to you, of course.”

  “None taken. I’m glad you’re here, too. Why didn’t y’all tell me you knew?” My question is forward and to the point.

  He smiles broadly. “Why didn’t YOU tell me about him? We’re all friends, right?”

  “But that’s different.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yes. No. I don’t know.”

  “Look, I’m just glad all of this is over. He loves you, a lot. I had to hear him talk about you non-stop. It was pretty selfless of you to sacrifice so much for the sake of your long-term relationship.”

  “I don’t think I’d use the term selfless.”

  He shrugs. “I would. I also want you to know that what
ever you two need, I’m here, okay?”

  “Thank you, Nate. Aside from Brent, you are the most amazing man to walk the earth.”

  He laughs heartily. “Aside from Brent, of course.” After shaking his head, he continues, “Nah. I’m not amazing. I just try to be considerate and good to people.”

  “And you’re handsome, funny, generous, talented, smart…”

  “Whoa now. You’re gonna make my head swell.”

  “You’re one of the only people to think I was a somebody, even way back when.”

  “You ARE somebody, Mallory. You always have been.” He snakes his arm around my neck and pulls me so he can place a chaste kiss to the top of my head. “You’re my best friend’s girl.”

  I blush at his statement. “It’s going to take me a long time to get used to that.”

  “What?”

  “People acknowledging that I’m Brent’s girl.” Nate smiles broadly and is about to say something when a male nurse and two doctors peek into the waiting room.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but we thought it was you. So nice to meet you,” the tallest guy from the group says while extending his hand for a shake. “Dr. Leon Hollinger. This is my colleague, and fellow fan, Dr. Matt Watson, and this here is Nurse Paul Templeton.”

  Nate rises from his seat and eagerly shakes each of the men’s hands. The topic quickly shifts to football statistics, Nate’s future in the NFL, and the conversation ends with autograph requests, which Nate patiently and happily fulfills. He gives a quick wave goodbye to the beaming men before taking the seat next to me once again.

  “Does that ever get old?” I ask.

  “No way. I love it!”

  “I’m not used to being around someone so famous.” Nate looks uncomfortable in his seat.

  “I’m not famous.”

  “What? The hell you aren’t! There’s nothing wrong with admitting it, either. If two doctors and a nurse make you so happy, just wait until it’s lines of kids who are chanting your name while wearing your jersey.”

  His discomfort turns into a bashful look. “That’s already sort of happened, and it was great. I’m sad about Brent. The kids love him, too, and we were supposed to finish out this season with a bang. He was trying to decide between law school and going pro like me. Guess the decision has been made for him.”

  “I didn’t know he was considering going pro.”

  “Ah, it was just talk, I suppose. You know, we’ve been best friends since elementary school, and it’s kind of scary to think about us parting ways soon. I think we were just hoping to find a way to still see each other.” He shakes his head. “Do I sound love sick?” he asks with a chuckle.

  “Maybe just a tad.” I return his playful smile.

  “Be good to each other. Be happy with each other. Be me when I can’t be there, okay? I relinquish the title of Brent’s best friend to you, Triple P.” My eyes widen. “Before you get upset, I know what it really stands for.” He gives me a wink, then jumps from his seat to greet a new round of excited visitors eager for a photo and autograph. My heart is full knowing that Brent shared such intimate details with his friend. He loves me. He really does, and his best friend approves. Life is good.

  ***

  Brent’s surgery goes well, and though sore and still hospitalized, he’s getting stronger every day. Nate, true to his offer to help with anything, gathers some teammates to help me move into our new home, and I finish up with the last of it just this morning. I’ve done my best to make it ours, but there’s only so much a person can do on an extremely limited budget. Five days have passed since Brent’s surgery, and I’ve been so busy that it’s all been a blur. It’s all worth it because today is discharge day!

  Stepping into Brent’s room, I find him dressed and waiting in a chair. “Hey, you ready to go home?” Iris loans me her car for the occasion since Brent’s dad repossessed his truck. Brent acts like he is unaffected when he finds out about it, and he insists that he doesn’t care. He plans to buy a second-hand car once he’s better, but I can read him well enough to know it hurts him. He’s too proud to admit it, so I don’t push.

  “More than ready.” He stands, without the use of the cane he was given, and I see pain flicker across his face. Rushing to his side, I hand it to him. “I don’t need it.” he snaps, pushing it away. I silently clutch it to my chest, and his face softens. “I’m sorry. I’m just really ready to get the hell out of here.” Brent strokes my cheek, and I smile.

  “Me too.” The nurse meets us with a wheelchair, which Brent protests about until he finds out he won’t be allowed to leave the hospital unless he is rolled down to the car. I smile when I see how tightly clenched his jaw is, and I give the side of his face a soft stroke as we ride down the elevator. Taking my hand, he gives it a soft kiss, and I swear I hear the nurse sigh.

  It is quite the escapade, but we finally make it to the front door of our tiny studio apartment. “Shouldn’t I carry you over the threshold or something?”

  I chuckle. “First, that’s a tradition for after we’re married. Second, you’re in a cast Brent! Third, I doubt you could even lift me and carry me over, anyway.”

  Playfully he pulls me close. “What? Are you doubting me? Maybe I should just prove you wrong. I’m very strong you know?” He grabs at me, and I laugh while pulling away.

  “Stop.” Rolling my eyes, I turn the key in the lock and hold open the door for him. “Remember, it’s not much.” Shaking his head, he mumbles something as he disappears inside. Embarrassment and shame suddenly wash over me. This man has led a privileged life, and now he has nothing, all because of me. His old bedroom was bigger than this whole apartment, and his overwhelming silence makes me feel humiliated that this is all I have to offer him. Taking a steadying breath, I go inside and find him staring at the open floor plan. “The bathroom is through there, everything else is, well… You see it.” I point to a door on the left. Brent, saying nothing, only nods. My stomach churns harder with each passing moment of silence. He’s filled with regret. Who in his situation wouldn’t be? Finally, I can’t take it anymore. “I’m really sorry.”

  Brent looks down at me. “What the hell for?”

  “Because picking me has given you this.”

  “Hey.” He takes my hand, and with his other, he lifts my chin so I look deeply into his eyes. “Being with you means more to me than my father’s money ever could. I’ll never regret choosing a life with you. No matter what our future holds or where we live, trust me, Mal, I’ll always love you. You’re all I’ll ever need.”

  Hearing his words fills me with a confidence I haven’t felt, well, ever. Smiling, I help him get comfortable in the bed, and then bask in the warmth of having his strong arms draped around me as we talk about anything and everything. I love this man more and more with each passing second.

  THIRTEEN

  Six weeks later, I’m standing in Trevor’s office at the movie theater when I notice the uncertain look on Mom’s face. “I still can’t believe this is where you want to be married.” I smile remembering the backroom tryst that began this journey with Brent. That girl is long gone, replaced by someone more knowledgeable, much happier, and so much more confident.

  “It’s special to us, Mom, plus it’s cheap. Brent’s Uncle Trevor is happy to help out any way he can.” My old boss is a softy at heart, and though I can’t say that we’ve stayed particularly friendly, the fact remains that Brent’s dad was married to Trevor’s sister. Being that Brent’s father mistreated her much the same way he mistreats Brent, Trevor holds a tremendous grudge against the cantankerous and vile man and is more than happy to stand in for Brent’s mother today.

  A mirror hanging on the office wall offers a full-length view that leaves me smiling. My ivory dress is covered in lace and cut in a way that flatters my waist. It’s simple, yet elegant, and somewhat expensive, another surprise gift compliments of my mom working extra shifts. Looking beyond the dress, the content feeling that comes from finally being with the m
an I love shines brightly on my face. It’s truly been a fairy tale; day and night, we spend nearly every second together. We dream about how wonderful our marriage will be while appreciating the newness of our fully blossomed relationship. Being in love and being in a loving relationship are two completely different things, and I can’t think of anything that could ever supersede the fullness I feel in my heart.

  Mom’s face appears behind me in the mirror, and she places her hands on my shoulders. “Mallory, are you absolutely sure about this?”

  “Mom…” I begin to groan.

  “Mallory just hear me out. This seems so…rushed.”

  Turning around, I gather her hands in mine. “I’ve loved Brent since high school and have dreamed about this day ever since. I’m not rushing anything. The opportunity has come for us to do this sooner than planned, so we’re jumping on it. So much time has been wasted already.” Remaining silent, Mom stares into my eyes. “Why? Don’t you like him?”

  “What? Mallory, of course I do. I see how much you love each other. It’s just come as a huge surprise. I wasn’t even aware that you had a boyfriend. I thought you two didn’t get along so well. Then a few weeks ago, you not only announce that you love him, but that you’re getting married. It’s a lot to take in.”

  “A lot has changed since those days. I know it seems rushed, but trust me, it’s not.”

  She smiles, cupping the side of my face in her hand; her eyes show acceptance. “That’s all a mother wants for her daughter. I’m so proud of the woman I raised. You look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  Iris pops her head around the door. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” Mom and I say in unison, so we share a smile.

  Since my father is an absent deadbeat, my mom is poised to walk me down the aisle. After giving me a tight hug, Iris, wearing a lilac-colored dress, enters through the double doors of Cinema One first. Mom links her arm in mine, and we wait a few moments before following her through the first set of double doors. We enter a darkened hallway, and proceed through another set of double doors where it takes all that I have to choke back the tears.