Charmed: Let Gorgons Be Gorgons by Paul Ruditis Read Free Book Online Page B

repeat the stupid games we’d been through before with others. It wasn’t until our families started hitting us with questions that I had second thoughts. I was questioning my decision, which is not like me. Once my mind is made up, it’s usually set.”
    “That’s when you wrote in to Phoebe?” Coop asked.
    Bri’s wistful smile turned into a resigned laugh. “That wasn’t like me either. It was my sister’s doing. She knew I read your column and convinced me to write in.”
    If Phoebe had a dollar for every time one of her readers said something like that, she could have retired early. Everyone freely admitted to enjoying her column, but they were always surprised that they’d ever need her advice personally.
    “I figured, why not?” Bri continued. “It was just a quick little email. I never imagined I’d see my problem in the newspaper. But there it was, like a week after I sent it. Your wife actually used you as an example of why I shouldn’t second guess myself.”
    Phoebe squeezed Coop’s hand again. This time the message she was hoping to pass along was one that didn’t require any action on his part. She remembered Bri’s letter now. It was one of the first ones Phoebe had answered after her own wedding. “I told her there was such a thing as love at first sight. That I experienced it with you. I just didn’t realize it at the time.”
    “She wrote about protecting myself by being cautious and not rushing into things,” Bri added. “But she also said that when you know, you know. And we knew it was right back then. Just like we know it’s over now.”
    “If I remember correctly,” Phoebe said, “I also suggested you should have a long engagement to make sure that it was a genuine connection. So why not a trial separation? Take the time to be certain that this is what you both want?”
    “Phoebe, I appreciate your advice.” Bri got up from her folding chair. “And I’m thrilled that you came in person to talk to me. I really love that you respect your readers like that. But it’s over. There’s nothing more to say.”
    Phoebe rose as well and Coop followed suit. “Are you sure I can’t—”
    “I’m certain,” Bri said as the movers came back into the house. “We’ve really got a lot to do here before lunch. I’m afraid Keon might swing by to keep an eye on things. Maybe have some second thoughts about letting me take what I want. If you’ll excuse me?”
    “Certainly,” Coop said, shaking her hand. “Do you mind if we speak with Keon too?”
    Bri shrugged. “You’d be wasting your time, but do what you want. He can talk to whoever he wants. That’s not my problem anymore.”
    “Thank you anyway,” Phoebe said, slipping a business card into Bri’s hand. “If you change your mind and want to talk some more, call me. My personal cell phone number is there. I’ll be happy to lend whatever support I can.”
    “Sure,” Bri said in a way that implied Phoebe should not expect that call to come anytime soon.
    “Just one more thing,” Coop said. “Have you met anyone in the past week that stood out for any particular reason? Had anything unusual happen? I mean, before the toothpaste incident.”
    “This isn’t about another person,” Bri said. “No one cheated on anyone.”
    “That’s not what I mean,” Coop said. “I just… sometimes changes in life bring about other changes. Seemingly unrelated events can affect you in completely unexpected ways.”
    “Yeah, well, nothing new going on here,” Bri said as she walked them to the front door. “Thanks for stopping by.” Phoebe and Coop took their cue and slipped out before the movers blocked their path with the couch.
    “That went well,” Phoebe said as she and Coop descended the tall staircase. “Sometimes changes in life bring other changes?”
    “Better than asking if she ran into any broken-hearted demons in the past week,” Coop replied. “At least it wasn’t a total waste. I’m leaning toward some