Free We Ended Up Together by Veronica Makers Page B

club.
    Chloe began spending more and more time with James, going to functions their parents attended and making friends within the club. All came at a cost as she had less time for Vanessa. Eventually they just drifted apart and soon enough they lost touch.
    It was as if their years of friendship were forgotten when Chloe started dating James. She didn't know how Vanessa would react to seeing her again.
    Chloe decided to stop thinking about that by changing the topic of their conversation.
    "So, it must be hard to take care of Jake all by yourself," Chloe spoke, breaking the silence that filled the apartment.
    "Actually, the toughest part is not getting to see him every day. It's hard having to drop him off and pick him up," Brad explained.
    "I can't even imagine how it feels. I guess I'm lucky my divorce doesn't involve kids," Chloe pointed out.
    "I just love having him around though. The time I get to spend with him is always so much fun," Brad said, smiling to himself. Chloe couldn't get a burning question off her mind, so she decided to just come out and say it.
    "Brad, can I ask you something personal?" Chloe started, watching as he snapped out of his thoughts and became serious.
    "Sure, Chloe," Brad approved.
    "I told you why I'm divorcing my husband. Why did you divorce your wife?" Chloe asked, hesitantly. Brad hated explaining this story. But he decided that Chloe had shared her personal life, so he should repay the favor. He cleared his throat before he began.
    "I got divorced because my wife turned out to be a cheater. She cheated on me with a co-worker of hers and eventually we decided things would have to end between us," Brad explained uncomfortably.
    "Wow. I'm so sorry. That has to be tough," Chloe responded, trying to keep the shock in her voice to a minimum.
    "It is. It's hard to accept the fact that you married someone thinking it would last forever, only to find out that you pushed them into liking someone else," Brad said, depressed.
    "Brad, I'm sure it's not your fault," Chloe reasoned.
    "Thanks," Brad simply replied.
    A memory was brought to Chloe's attention when she heard Brad’s story. She remembered that her friend whom she had been emailing over the past few months had also gotten divorced because his wife had cheated on him with a co-worker. Chloe didn't realize that that was a common problem in marriages.
    "Are you sure you want Jake to stay here with us? I mean, he cries at odd hours of the night," Brad said out of the blue. He and Chloe had been sitting there silently for quite a while.
    "Brad, really, I don't mind. I mean you're letting me stay with you. I can put up with being woken up by your son," Chloe responded, before yawning. "Speaking of sleep, maybe we should go to bed."
    "You're right. I'll take the couch again," Brad responded.
    "Brad, I feel bad. I can't let you keep taking the couch," Chloe declared.
    "I know this is going to sound really sudden but, I was thinking, what if you moved in with me? I have a spare bedroom that Jake sleeps in on the weekends. He could sleep in my room and I can furnish that one for you if you'd like to stay here," Brad explained. Chloe's face shone with joy.
    "Brad, I would really like that," Chloe stated as her eyes twinkled in the dim light.
    "All right then. In the mean time I'll sleep out here and you can stay in my bed," Brad declared. Chloe began to object, but Brad stopped her when he said, "You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow, you need a good night's sleep. Please, I insist."
    Chloe gave in, knowing he was right.
    "Fine. Goodnight," Chloe said.
    "Goodnight," Brad replied. Chloe got up and departed to the bedroom. Even with all of her clothing she had brought to Brad’s she chose to wear his t-shirt to sleep in.
    Chloe had merely settled under the blankets when Brad opened the bedroom door a crack and peaked inside. Chloe sat up and looked at him.
    "Sorry, I needed a pillow," Brad explained remorsefully.
    "Come in," Chloe responded. Brad