Page 75 of Changing Lanes

“I’ll be right there, promise.” I lean in to kiss her, but she steps away. “I’m sorry, Torrie.”

“How did she know?” She glares at me as I take a step back. “How did she know about my father?” Fuck.

“When I came home, I told her. Everything.” Dropping my head, I know I’ve fucked up.

“There are things you haven’t even told me, but my life is open for everyone.” Her eyes say everything she can’t right now.

“Please, wait on me. I need to explain.”

Before Torrie can answer, Ava yells, “Don’t wait up, we’ll be awhile.” One pushes her into the car.

“Go.” Torrie rolls her eyes, moving away from me.

“We’ll follow him and bring him home. Don’t let her get to you, she needs to get her shit straight.” Lea tries to comfort Torrie, hugging her before we leave.

“It’s fine, thank you.” Torrie gets in the car, driving away.

Climbing behind the wheel, Ava shifts in her seat. I buckle my seatbelt, checking hers after. She rubs against my arm with her breasts, but I immediately pull away. “Damn it, don’t do that shit, Ava. Can you ever just think of Andi when you do stupid shit?” I scold her as I drive toward her home.

“You don’t care about my daughter, it’s your fucking whore you care about,” she spits at me, her words slurring.

“Ava, you’re gonna regret all of this one day. I love Andi, our daughter. I love Torrie. If you do anything like this again, I’ll not be here to fix it.” Pulling up at her house, I help her out, making sure she’s inside, safe.

I quietly ride back to the farm with Lea and One, no one says a word. I’m sure they know where my head is right now, with Andi and Torrie. Ava’s behavior today was cruel, even she knows it was unacceptable. I’m not sure Torrie will understand.

I can’t do it anymore, I refuse to take her shit another minute. Andi is my life, the best damn thing that’s happened to me. I can’t help but think I should’ve stayed in New York and fought like hell to keep Torrie.

When One comes to a stop in front of my house, I see Torrie’s still here. “Thanks, y’all. I appreciate it. I’m sorry for all the trouble.”

“Brannon, there comes a time when you can only be responsible for your actions. Stop cleaning up for Ava, she’s a big girl,” Lea offers, I nod in agreement.

Walking up the steps, I take two at a time, ready to get to my girls. Torrie meets me at the door with her bag in hand. “What are you doing?” I ask.

“Don’t. I think we both know she will never give you any peace.” She steps around me.

“I’m sorry. I wish I could take it back.” I catch her hand in mine as she brushes past. I don’t blame her; I’m always apologizing for stupid shit.

“What are apologizing for, Brannon? For Ava’s actions? Or the fact you shared private information about me to her? Care to explain how you’re just friends again because I don’t share shit like that with mine!” She jerks free from my hand.

“I was a mess when I came back home. Weeks passed, sealing my fate without you. I was angry. I was broken.” Telling her this won’t matter, she’s hurt.

“Tell me about it, I was alone. You? You were here building your family. I’ve always been alone.” She hurries down the steps with me right behind her.

“Then why didn’t you call? If you needed me so much?” I shout at her.

“I did, you didn’t answer. Besides, I didn’t leave, but I am now.” Throwing her bag in the back seat, she slams her door. “How am I ever supposed to be by your side when the spot is already filled?” She opens the driver door, but I slam it shut.

“You want to talk about letting someone in, at what point are you going to make room for me? Your father is in your every thought.” I point at her.

“At least I think about mine. Do you realize, you’ve spoken about your dad twice? Why? What exactly happened? Or can you not tell me because Ava’s heard it.” Jerking her door open, she jumps in the seat. As she tries to close the door, I stop it.

“What the fuck, Torrie? Yes, Ava knows, she was here. She was always here, that’s how he died. She was here, I was with her. I should’ve been with him, it’s my fault my dad died. I wish like hell every day that I had done things differently, but I didn’t. So, every fucking day since, I’ve tried to do what’s right. What I should’ve done that day.” I slam her door, storming away. Fuck this.

“Don’t you dare walk away from me, again,” Torrie yells at me, bringing me up short. She jumps from her SUV, charging at me. “I’m sick to death of you walking away.”

“Turning to her, her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “Ava came over although I told her I had to help my dad. I hurried through my chores so we could play video games, I was fourteen. Who the fuck has to learn lessons like this at fourteen?” Dropping my head, I wipe my eyes.

“He came to the barn to get the tractor for plowing. I had oiled and serviced it, but in my rush, I left it in gear. He turned it on and realized the wheel stop was in the way. When he got down to move it, the tractor jumped forward.