Chapter 17
Brielle’s POV
The morning sun floods my room through the open windows. I forgot to draw the curtains last night, so its brilliance spills across every corner. Groaning, I peel myself out of bed, slide into a swimsuit, visit the bathroom, and head upstairs to swim a few laps. The water is cool, crisp, but disappoints me by lacking Tim’s familiar presence. He must be busy today; I recall him mentioning he’d be on call and declining wine with dinner last night. Not that I drink often, but I’d made the offer simply as polite
courtesy.
Post-swim, I shower quickly and snack on a light breakfast-a bowl of cereal due to my reluctance to cook-then straighten up my things before heading out. The destination? A beauty salon for some much-needed pampering. My plan involves a massage, some nail maintenance, a pedicure, and finally, tackling my hair, which has been begging for attention. The massage begins smoothly, easing tension from my muscles as I recline in bliss. Cutting and shaping my nails is simple; as a surgeon, I need to avoid polish, knowing it’s prohibited in the operating room.
“Good morning, Brielle. What are we doing with your hair today?” The stylist greets me cheerfully.
I sigh internally. My long hair feels heavy, outdated. Time for something drastic.
“Just cut and style it, please,” I offer vaguely, flipping through the glossy pages of a magazine she hands me, hoping for inspiration.
“We’ll need a bit more direction-how short are you thinking? Any color? Highlights, maybe?” she asks, running her fingers through my soft strands, assessing their condition. Although long, my hair is remarkably healthy.
“Off the shoulder, maybe some highlights with curls? But honestly, I’m still deciding.” My indecisiveness keeps stalling this decision, as it has for months. A complete change feels overdue, but I’m unsure. The reflection of the person I’ve been for so long doesn’t resonate anymore.
“None of these styles catching your eye?” She gestures toward the magazine.
“No, I want something entirely new. I trust your instincts. Do what you think suits me best-something easy to manage, truly wash-and-go.” At that moment, I’m beyond caring. I just need liberation from the hassle of maintaining this length.
Three hours later, I barely recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror. My stylist has worked magic, crafting a look that enhances my features with subtle highlights that shimmer in the salon light. A fresh, lightness lifts my spirits-a transformation so complete, I feel like an entirely new
person.
Eager to celebrate, I stroll into a nearby café, order coffee and a sandwich, and muse over life’s possibilities. What other changes might I embrace? What else could I refine? Yet, for now, I’m happy with the shift.
The buzz of my phone interrupts my thoughts just as I return home. “Dad” flashes on the screen. I
answer with a cheerful lilt.
“Good afternoon, Brielle speaking.”
“Hi, Brielle,” comes his familiar voice.
11:08
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“How are you, Dad?” I ask brightly. The newness of today makes me feel untouchable.
“Did you see the photo I sent?”
“I did. Wait-are you saying she’s pregnant?”
“Unclear, but they’re acting like it. And your mother’s making peace with her cozy arrangement with your ex-it’s maddening.”
“How are *you* handling it, though?” My concern grows. Dad has already endured so much.
“That’s why I’m calling. Brielle, I left your mother. I couldn’t live this way any longer. I followed your lead-changed houses, jobs, even states. Got a lawyer involved, and as we had a prenup, she’ll walk away with almost nothing. The house is listed for sale, and the auction service has cleared it out. She’s moved in with your sister and Balen, causing drama as expected. But I just wanted to warn you- I won’t be going back to her, Brielle. Don’t try talking me into changing my decision.”
“Dad…” I pause, letting the tenderness of the moment linger. “You know I’m not the person she’d call. With your decision, she’s aligning herself fully with my sister. She’s never viewed me as anything but a burden. I’m proud you left. You haven’t been happy for years. Those two? They only care about themselves. Don’t give in. Stick to your decision.”
“They opened my eyes with their behavior, Brielle. That recording you showed us? It confirmed everything. And your mother defending it? It was like watching her betray me. So, I hired a private investigator-turns out, she has a boyfriend. A married boyfriend. How long has this been going on? I
don’t know.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Dad. You couldn’t have known. Honestly, I could’ve spent months ignoring signs until Balen’s betrayal became glaring.”
“Anyway, I’m here in your state. Been here for a few days since transferring jobs. The department welcomed me-they needed someone with my experience. I decided to return to detective work. It’s something I loved before life shifted under your mother’s influence. I’m rediscovering me now, Brielle. Thank you for helping me see there’s another way.”
“Let’s meet up for dinner tonight,” I offer.
“Where?”
“There’s a nice spot called Sammy’s in the area. Seven work for you?”
“Perfect. See you then.”
Later that evening, I dress in a smart pantsuit and take a cab to Sammy’s. Avoiding the hassle of parking feels wise in this unfamiliar area. The restaurant buzzes with activity when I arrive, but Dad has secured a table at the back, away from the chaos.
“Brielle, you look stunning. What a change-I love what you’ve done to your hair,” Dad exclaims, his face lighting up. He seems lighter, rejuvenated. Even healthier.
Hugging him warmly, I take my seat. Once the orders are placed, Dad begins to detail the events since my departure-the fallout of my sister and Balen’s exposed affair, their public arrival, and my mother’s enthusiastic approval of their new situation. The day she came home to find her key useless and a “For Sale” sign on the front lawn, her rage couldn’t rival her disbelief. It mirrored the scene I orchestrated with Balen, down to the lawyer Dad borrowed from me.
“I’m so proud of you, Dad. You’ve reclaimed who you are,” I say with earnest admiration.
“Don’t worry about me, Brielle. Maybe one day I’ll meet someone new. What about you?”
“There’s someone I like-my neighbor. But I’m taking my time. Friendship first. That said, I wouldn’t mind a casual fling; my experience with Balen left me curious about exploring what else is out there.”
“Smart choice. You’ve always been the sharp one, Brielle. Let’s rebuild our bond-I’ve missed this connection we have. How about bowling?”
“I’d love that.”
