Everyone Knew She'd Leave Me but Me novel · Chapter 19 of 24

Chapter 19: The Steps

"I don't owe you anything," I said.

Brooke finally looked up.

She had smeared her mascara into gray streaks, and for once she didn't look polished or pretty or anybody's idea of a bride.

"I'm carrying his baby," she said. "Alone."

"You're carrying it with a mother who'll help, and a man whose family I'm guessing wants to see you." I leaned on the doorframe. "I'm not the father, and I won't pretend to be. That's the only thing you asked me for, and the answer is the same as in the parking structure."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

"Walk outside with me."

She stared at me.

"There are steps in front of the hotel," I said. "I'd like to do this where your mother can see."

She got up, gathering the train in both fists, and followed me down the hall.

The Marlowe's front steps were wide marble, with a brass rail and a long view of the circular drive.

The guests were leaving in clumps, still talking.

Marlene stood at the foot of the steps with her bag crushed against her chest, and she turned when she saw her daughter.

Maggie leaned on the rail above them, arms folded, with her legal pad open.

She had not stopped holding it since the bank.

Erin stood by a pillar a few feet away, and she did not come closer.

"Brooke," Marlene said. "Get in the car."

"Not yet, Mom."

Brooke stopped on the third step down from the top.

She looked at the ring on her hand for a long moment.

It was the one I had chosen in a store on Melrose, three years ago, with the salesclerk smiling at us.

She worked it off her finger, which took a while, and she held it out.

I took it.

It was lighter than I remembered.

Then she dug into the gown's hidden pocket and brought out the Audi's fob.

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