Shattered by Love by Dani René

life.
    “What?”
    “Are you even listening? I asked you why you haven’t called me back?” Lacey’s wedding is in a few days and I know I can’t not go. It wouldn’t be right. I don’t know why she needs me there almost a week before, but I suppose that’s my sister because she doesn’t do things by half measure.
    “I am leaving today so I didn’t need to call you back, I told you I wouldn’t miss it.”
    Her heavy sigh makes me feel guilty. She stood by me through Jayce leaving, and me walking out of my father’s house and she helped me keep the secret from my family that is weighing on me. Only she knows how difficult it was for me to leave and understands that I couldn’t tell them. Now, my parents will find out.
    “Fine. See you later. You have the hotel details?”
    “Yes, darling. I am a grown up now and I can handle things myself.”
    “I know, baby sister. Sometimes you just need a little push in the right direction.” Her comment prickles my skin. If it weren’t for her, I would never have found out what my father did to get rid of Jayce. She pushed me to get the truth and even then, I was angry with him for not being honest with me. He could have told me and we could have left together, or found a way.
    “See you later.” I hang up before she can say another word. Grabbing my bags, I pull on my coat heading to the garage.
    Once all my luggage is in the car, I pull out my phone hitting dial on Bryce’s number.
    “Baby girl, I am about a minute away.” It’s early, and I haven’t eaten, because I am too nervous. We should arrive in New Orleans early morning, just in time for breakfast.
    “Awesome.” I respond and hang up. Walking toward the door, I lock it and head to my car once I’ve made sure the alarm is on. Before I slide into the car, I hear the voice that makes my heart soar.
    “We’re here!” Spinning on my heel, I grab the boy running up the driveway. Bryce hot on his heels, trying to keep up, but when his little body jumps into my arms, I can’t help smiling.
    My gaze falls on my best friend and his expression tells me all I need to know. This weekend will be painful for me and for my family.
    “Let’s go, we need to catch our flight.” We all climb into my Beetle, and as I turn on the radio, Bryce catches my hand and gives it a small squeeze.
    “It will be okay.” His encouragement means the world to me. I nod and pull out into the road. Somehow I don’t think anything will be okay again, but it’s time to stop hiding. The truth has to come out sometime.
    The drive to the airport is relaxed, and I calm somewhat. This week will take its toll on me, seeing my parents is something I have avoided for too long and my father hasn’t spoken to me in years, five to be exact.
    When they see the woman I have grown up to be I hope they will be proud, because I worked my fucking ass off to be where I am today.

“ K en , wake up, princess.” Last night she walked into my room in tears and all I could do was be there for her. My back is killing me from sleeping on the sofa, but I let her have the bed. Even though we’ve been intimate, I still consider her a friend, I’ve become so detached from my feelings I can’t even say I love her as a friend. My heart hurts for her, and for me. This will be rough on us and I can’t imagine how she must feel knowing that the man she loves is about to walk down the aisle with someone else.
    “What’s the time?” Her voice is rough with sleep. Those dark brown eyes are red and puffy after she spent the night crying. Her hair is a tangle of chocolate waves.
    “It’s almost eight, I am going for a run, but you said you wanted to get an early start on the fittings.” Her groan is evidence that she’s tired and not looking forward to this. I pull on my trainers and give her one last glance. “See you later okay?”
    “Yeah.” The grumble comes from below the comforter and I shake my head with a chuckle. She’s not a morning