When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 45

“Brody, we need to get going or we’ll miss the start.” Sheila could tell something was off with him and nudged him gently.

Her velvet-gloved hand rested on his arm for just a moment. Brody shifted away, almost like he didn’t notice. “I’ve got a few things to handle today. After I drop you off, I might need to leave early…”

“Brody, did you forget? The last piece up for auction tonight is part of my dad’s favorite series. It was his wish.” Sheila’s voice was soft, almost pleading.

“I’ve never been to anything like this before. If you don’t stay with me, I don’t know if I can do it.” Her eyes shimmered, and for a second it looked like she might cry.

There were two things Brody could never say no to. One was Sheila. The other was the debt he owed her father.

He let out a quiet breath. “Okay. I’ll go home and change.”

Back at home, Carrie was sitting alone at the dining table, picking at her food. Sheila had been busy today, so after dropping Carrie off, she’d tried to make it up to her with a pile of treats.

Marian had cooked a whole meal, but Carrie was only interested in her cake.

“You can’t just eat cake for dinner.” Brody slid the plate away and glanced at Marian. “She’s had way too much lately. Make sure she eats real food.”

“Yes, sir,” Marian answered quickly.

But Marian knew it wouldn’t be easy. Nelly had always been the one to handle Carrie. Carrie barely listened to anyone else.

And sure enough, as soon as Brody left the room, Carrie stopped eating. She went straight to her room, turned on the TV, and started playing games.

When Brody came downstairs after changing, Carrie came running to block his way.

“Daddy, are you going out with Ms. Olson? I want to come too!”

Today, Even Sheila wasn’t around.

Brody’s voice softened. “Why not call Mommy and ask her to come home?”

Carrie dropped her gaze and set her jaw, looking stubborn.

Brody figured she was still upset. “You know it’s not that Mommy doesn’t care about you. She gets tired too, just like me. She has her own feelings.”

Even as he said it, Brody felt a little surprised at himself. Since when did he talk like that?

Carrie twisted her fingers together and stayed quiet.

The truth was, she’d already called Nelly. Just once, but Nelly didn’t answer. Even though she knew she’d messed up, every time she thought about how distant Nelly had seemed lately, she just couldn’t bring herself to try again.