The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Maplewood Country Club."

The second Aaron finished talking, Evelyn hung up and headed straight for the door.

She'd barely taken a step when a strong hand grabbed her wrist, halting her in place.

Evelyn's mind was on Brooks. She glared at Charles, her expression icy, and fought to pull free. "Charles, let go!"

Charles could see the worry and urgency written all over Evelyn's face. It was like a knife to his chest.

He paused, then forced out, "I'll drive you."

Evelyn wanted to refuse, but the look in Charles's eyes left no room for debate.

She swallowed her protest.

Right now, nothing mattered more than Brooks.

Half an hour later, Charles's car rolled to a stop in front of Maplewood Country Club.

Before the car had even settled, Evelyn unbuckled her seatbelt and got out, not sparing Charles a glance.

Aaron was waiting by the entrance. The relief on his face was obvious, like he'd just seen his guardian angel. "Ms. Evelyn."

On the phone, he'd made Brooks's condition sound a little worse than it was-but honestly, only a little. Most of it was true.

Brooks had always been a man in control.

Especially when it came to drinking-he'd never let himself get carried away. Just

a sip or two, never more.

But tonight, no one could stop him.

Aaron was genuinely worried something bad would happen.

Aaron led Evelyn to the same private lounge as before.

When she opened the door, the first thing she saw was Brooks, slumped on the couch, hair a mess, looking completely lost.

Empty liquor bottles littered the table in front of him.

He was pouring himself another glass from a new bottle. His hands shook from

the alcohol-whiskey sloshed onto his shirt, but he didn't care.

He just threw his head back and drank.

The heartbreak and defeat on Brooks's handsome face made Evelyn's eyes sting.

She'd really hurt him by breaking up with him.

Just as Brooks was about to pour yet another drink, Evelyn rushed over and caught his wrist, her voice low and aching. "Brooks, stop. Please, don't drink anymore."

Brooks went rigid at the sound of her voice.

Slowly, as if afraid to believe, he turned toward her until his eyes met hers. "Evelyn?"

His voice was hoarse, uncertain.

For a moment, he thought he was imagining her. Carefully, he reached out, fingertips brushing her cheek.

The warmth of her skin told him she was really there.

The alcohol in his system had stripped away all his defenses, leaving just his raw feelings for Evelyn.

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight.

Charles stood in the doorway, his fists clenching at his sides.noveldrama

But he didn't move.

Brooks buried his face in the curve of Evelyn's neck, breathing her in, repeating

her name over and over, "Evelyn..."

Every word was full of longing and heartache.

Seeing Brooks like this made Evelyn's chest ache.

She gently patted his back. "Brooks, let's go upstairs and get you some rest, okay?"

Brooks had a room at the club.

"Mhm."

Aaron, still at the door, was speechless.

Before Evelyn showed

Aaron said could get through to Brooks. He'd talked until his mouth was dry, but Brooks acted like

he

didn't even exist.

Evelyn shows up, says one word, and Brooks turns into the world's biggest puppy.

Whatever Evelyn said, Brooks would do.

Brooks was far too drunk for Evelyn to manage on her own. She tried to help him up, but he was just too heavy.

Charles got there before Aaron, stepping forward and hauling Brooks up.

He was a bit rough, and Brooks's knee hit the coffee table. Evelyn's face darkened. "Charles!"

"I didn't mean to!" Charles shot back, sounding aggrieved.

But Evelyn's whole focus was on Brooks. She didn't care about Charles's mood, just shot him a warning look, then steadied Brooks from the other side. She glanced up at Aaron.

Aaron caught on immediately.

He led the way upstairs.

Charles wanted nothing more than to drop Brooks flat on the mattress and walk out, but with Evelyn helping, he was afraid of hurting her. So he swallowed his frustration and helped lay Brooks gently on the bed.

"Eve, he's here now. It's late. You should get some rest too."

Charles reached for Evelyn's hand.

He was at the end of his rope.

Ever since he'd seen Evelyn and Brooks hugging in the lounge, he'd wanted to

storm in, pull her back into his arms, and take her away.

"If you want to go, no one's stopping you."

Evelyn pulled her hand free.

She wasn't about to leave Brooks when he needed her most.