Him From My Past

By Kacy Brazil

"You can't hide from them, Emery. You'll get what's coming." Emery Wilds faces her past in the most emotional of ways. Emery and her best friends, Stevie and Brooks, have moved to Portland to run and hide from Emery's past. As Emery starts to trust people again, her past comes back to find her. Emery finds herself in a love triangle, which pushes the situation over the edge.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9781639855407

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It is funny how you picture your life to go a certain way. I never expected to have to move away from my home and hide who I am. I always thought I would meet the right guy, get married, and start a family. I always pictured my life to be normal and typical. My life is far from it. I have secrets that make me question everything I do. My secrets stop me from living my life as Emery Wilds, a twenty-two-year-old girl from a small town in Louisiana, trying to get day by day and praying for something or someone to save me.

I am in the middle of editing photos when my best friend since grade school walks into our shared apartment. Stevie is petite with dirty blond hair and blue eyes. Editing photos again. What session was it?

Family session with the Browns. How was work?

Oh, you know, same as always. Explaining art to a bunch of random people who have little interest and appreciation.

Stevie got a job out of college as an assistant at an art gallery. She has started giving tours to impress her boss as her goal is to become a gallery coordinator. She has only been working there for six months and loves her job. The only thing I have been doing since we graduated is taking pictures for people. We both graduated early last December from the University of Portland.

I can use a break from pictures, do you want to order dinner or go out?

Oh yeah, Brooks invited us to his open mic night. I forgot to tell you, are you okay with that?

Of course, it has been a hot minute since Brooks has done stand-up.

I finally convinced him to do another show. I loved his last one, he was hilarious. Brooks is Stevie’s boyfriend. We all went to school together back home and transferred together to Portland. They met freshman year in university studies and have been inseparable.

I need a shower and a quick touch-up, then I’ll be ready.

Stevie heads down the hall to the bathroom. I go to my room to change and touch up my makeup. My closet is mostly casual clothing with a few business outfits and some business casual items. I decide on skinny jeans and a plain black V-neck pocket shirt that is slightly see-through and my favorite sandals. I curl the ends of my hair, and I am ready to go.

I am putting up my computer when Stevie comes out of her room into the living room wearing a black miniskirt, a green shirt that is tucked in with cheetah print wedges. Stevie looks at me and does a 360 spin while I roll my eyes and laugh.

We arrive at a bar and grill called the Spot. This place has open mic night every Thursday. We approach the hostess, and she immediately brings us to an open table near the stage. We order a couple of cocktails and an appetizer to get us through the show. We listen to the first two comedians, and they have the entire bar rolling. Stevie leans toward me.

Brooks should be next. He loves when the crowd is already laughing.

I give her a smile as Brooks approaches the stage. Brooks is a tall slender man with dark-brown hair. He always has his hair in a faux hawk that is messy, but it works for him.

Brooks ends his bit with an X-rated joke and has the crowd laughing so hard one lady spit her drink out. When he gets off stage, he immediately approaches our table. Brooks gives me a hug and kisses Stevie.

Brooks, that was amazing. I am so glad you decided to do another show.

Brooks smiles at me and speaks.

Thanks, Em, I think I am going to do these once a month. It’ll give me a break from my day job.

Brooks is an investment banker at his uncle’s firm. He went to college to learn more about finance so he could become partner at his dad’s firm, but since we’ve transferred, those plans have shifted to be at his uncle’s firm. One reason we chose Portland in the first place.

Brooks orders a jack and Coke. Stevie orders us another round of cocktails. I look down at my phone, and it is almost eleven. I am beyond buzzed.

I am going to the bathroom, then I am ordering us an Uber.

Stevie and Brooks smile at me, as Stevie says, Don’t get lost or I’ll send a search party.

I stick my tongue out at her as I stumble off my stool.

This bar is super crowded, and I am barely squeezing by to get to the bathroom. I am thinking about Brooks’s performance and how well he did when I run smack into someone’s chest.

Oh, I’m sorry.

I hear my voice echo with a man’s voice. I look to see who I’ve bumped into when I am left frozen at the sight of this gorgeous man. Of course I am drunk when I bump into a gorgeous stranger. All the alcohol suppresses my judgement. I am usually on high alert because you never know who I may run into. This man in front of me has soft brown hair, a perfectly chiseled jawline, with the right amount of stubble. He is dressed in a suit with no tie and the top button undone. He does not look much older than me. I snap out of my trance when I drop my phone. We both reach down to grab it when we bump heads. Both of us holding our heads as we cannot help but laugh. He grabs my phone and hands it to me with the most perfect smile I have ever seen.

Here you go. Are you here with someone?

That statement makes me tense up a bit.

Yes, I am here with some friends. I slightly slur.

Okay, there are a lot of people here, and a pretty girl like you may get into trouble. Not everyone is as nice as I am.

He smiles at me as he walks off, leaving me mesmerized but also overanalyzing his comment. I am too drunk to decipher that right now. I hurry to the bathroom and check myself in the mirror when I am relieved that all my makeup is still intact. The eyeliner I have tends to run.

I use the restroom and make my way back to our table when I catch myself searching the bar for him.

Earth to Em. Are you okay? You looked flushed.

I look at her and Brooks with big eyes.

Yes, of course. Are y’all ready to go?

They nod, and we get up from the table then head toward the exit.

"Y’all. I see you still haven’t fully lost your accent."

Brooks teases me. I just laugh at him and nudge him with my shoulder as I am too buzzed to think of a comeback.

Luckily, there are Ubers waiting outside the bar to drive people home. Stevie kisses Brooks bye as he nudges us inside the car. Once he closes the door, he heads over to the Uber in front of us. We live on the opposite side of town as him. Stevie and Brooks have decided to wait to live together until they feel more financially secure. Plus, I think Stevie doesn’t want to leave me on my own even though I have stressed to her I don’t mind him living with us.

You want to tell me what is on your mind?

Sometimes I love that Stevie can read me so well, then other times I hate it. Right now, I am not so sure.

I think it’s the alcohol, but I bumped into the most gorgeous man I have ever seen before going to the bathroom. I am afraid the alcohol has suppressed my judgement, and I let my guard down.

Stevie looks at me quizzically.

What do you mean you let your guard down?

I just stared at him and told him I was there with friends. He said, ‘A pretty girl like you may get in trouble,’ not everyone is as nice as him.

What did he look like? Did you get a name?

Like your stereotypical Abercrombie model but in a suit. He did not look much older than us, and no, I did not get a name. He has the most perfect smile I have ever seen.

I swoon over the thought of him, and Stevie snaps me back to reality.

Maybe it is time to start venturing out. Live a little. I know we have to be careful of who we let in, that is why we are here, but just check all the boxes and be slow.

I sigh loudly, and my butterflies turn into nausea. If we do not get home soon, I may throw up in the back of this Uber.

I don’t know, Stevie. I am too intoxicated to think right now.

We ride in silence the rest of the way. When we get home, we go to our separate rooms and pass smooth out.

CHAPTER 2

The next morning, my head is pounding, but I do not have the urge to throw my guts up. That is somewhat of a win, right? I reach for my phone and see that it is noon. Thankfully, I do not have any sessions today. I roll out of bed and make my way to the kitchen for coffee. Stevie has left a fresh pot for me, two Tylenol, and a note.

I am going to work. Take these and drink coffee. I will be home at four. 😊

Stevie has always been like a mother hen. Especially since what happened to me. I drink my coffee and take my Tylenol. Within fifteen minutes, I feel a little better. I decide to grab my camera and head to my favorite place to think and practice, Forest Park.

Often, I like to come here and take pictures of random things for practice as well as therapy. Running into him last night has brought up so many things I have tried too hard to forget. About an hour of taking pictures of people walking, wild animals, and close-ups of plants. I decide to take a break and sit on a bench and go through my pictures. I get through a few when I am interrupted by a man’s voice.

I see you made it through last night okay.

I look up and see it is him. It is the gorgeous man from last night. He is wearing running clothes that show off his muscular body.

It seems I did. You’re the guy I bumped into last night.

Yes, I am Callum, but you can call me Cal.

Emery, but you can call me Em.

We shake hands softly, and I smile awkwardly.

So do you always run here?

Sometimes. I try to get out and run at least three times a week. What are you doing here? You take pictures? he asks, nodding to the camera in my hands.

Oh, yes, I am a freelance photographer. I like to come here to keep my skills sharp when I don’t have sessions.

Can I see some?

I hand him my camera, and he goes through a few photos with a blank face.

These are good. Are you working anywhere else or just this full time? he asks as he hands me back my camera.

Just this for now.

I know a guy that works in marketing that has been looking for someone for media. I can give you his info?

Seriously? That would be great, thank you!

I hand him a pen and paper out of my bag. He gives me some contact information.

Email him as soon as you can.

He gives me a soft smile.

Nice to see and officially meet you, Emery.

He takes off down the path, and again, I am left mesmerized until a flashback hits me like a ton of bricks. It is a flashback from before I graduated high school, when it all started. It doesn’t take me long to snap back to reality. All I can think is no, this can’t be happening again. I shove the paper and pen back into my bag along with my camera and jog back home. Once I get home, I immediately call Stevie.

Em, are you okay?

I don’t know, when are you coming home?

I am getting off now. I’ll be home as fast as I can.

We hang up the phone, and I try to calm my breathing. I have been doing so well. I haven’t had any flashbacks or nightmares in almost six months. I head to the kitchen and pour a glass of wine. I sit on the couch and stare at the wall, sipping my wine as I wait for Stevie to get home. A couple of long minutes later, the door opens, causing me to jump. Stevie looks at me with concern.

Oh no, are they back?

I love how she knows me so well in instances like this. All I can do is nod, biting the inside of my cheek to hold back the tears. She comes over to me on the couch and puts her hand on my shoulder.

What happened? You were doing so well.

I don’t know. I went to Forest Park to take pictures, and I ran into Callum. He is the guy I bumped into last night at the bar. He looked at my photos and gave me a marketing director’s contact info. Once he left, a flashback hits me like a truck.

So no nightmares?

Not yet.

Okay, that’s a good sign. A flashback could just be a random thing. Maybe tonight you should take your meds?

Maybe that is best. I hope you are right about the random thing.

She gives me a hug then says, "I am going to order us some takeout. We are going to stay in and have a Vampire Diaries marathon."

Didn’t you have plans with Brooks?

Yes, but don’t worry about that. You need me, and you know he will understand.

I don’t want you to blow him off for me.

Em, seriously? He will be fine. Remember, he was there too.

I give her a relieved smile as she gets up to get the takeout menus. We decide on Chinese and resume our binging of Vampire Diaries from season three.

Damon is so perfect. Elena belongs with him.

I look at Stevie with my eyebrows raised.

You’re kidding, right? Damon is an ass. Stefan is perfect for her.

We both laugh because we know we will never convince the other. I start to crave candy, so I reach inside the side table drawer for my Twizzlers.

I don’t know how you eat those things.

Same way you eat jelly beans, gross.

Too bad I—

I toss a bag of jellybeans I hid for her as it cuts her off midsentence. She somehow catches the bag and smiles ear to ear.

You’re the best.

I smile at her and devour my Twizzlers.

CHAPTER 3

Ilook around, and I am in a dark room. It feels familiar. I try to move my legs, but I can’t. I try to move my arms, but I can’t. My body feels like it is paralyzed as I figure out I am lying on a couch. I start to panic, but my mind is hazy. Out of nowhere, five men surround me. They go to grab me .

Then I wake up. I catch myself screaming and kicking. Stevie rushes in and turns on the light. She grabs me to calm me down.

Em, Em! You’re having a nightmare, it’s okay.

I calm down and realize I am in my room and in my bed. I can move my arms and legs, and men are not surrounding me. I reach and hug Stevie tight, and I start sobbing.

What is happening? I was doing so good.

Do you think it could be anxiety from bumping into Callum?

Maybe. Does this mean I will never be able to move on and be with someone else?

Em, it has been two years. It hasn’t been that long, and we are ‘in hiding.’ I will call Dr. Fletcher in a little while.

Thank you, Stevie. I don’t know what I would do without you.

I don’t know either.

We both chuckle and crawl in my bed. Stevie sleeps in my bed with me in case I have another nightmare. We doze off quickly.

That morning, we wake up around eight. Stevie has the day off, and she calls Dr. Fletcher after we pour our coffee. We must call her emergency line since it is considered after-hours on a Saturday.

This is Dr. Fletcher.

Hi, Dr. Fletcher. It’s Stevie—

Stevie stops midsentence as I assume she was cut off.

Is Emery okay?

They have come back. Is there any way we can come in and see you today?

Of course, can you meet me at my office in an hour?

That’s perfect. Thank you so much.

We arrive at Dr. Fletcher’s office at eight forty-five. We arrive early so we can prepare ourselves in the parking lot.

This is not how I wanted to spend my Saturday.

Stevie looks at me with a stern face.

Do you want this to continue?

I shake my head.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Dr. Fletcher. She has really helped me, us cope. I just hate this whole thing.

Stevie looks at me as if she is going to cry. We have both suffered through this together. Having to leave our families back home and start a new life here in Portland. I reach for my phone to check it. I decide to send my mom and dad a text to say I am seeing Dr. Fletcher today. I promise to call them later.

I never emailed that marketing director yesterday. Do you think it is appropriate to email him on a Saturday?

I don’t see why not. He probably won’t see it until Monday anyways.

I get the card out of my purse and open my email on my phone. I write up a professional email explaining my credentials and my goals. I press send, and I hope it is good enough. We check the time, and it is eight fifty-eight. We get out of the car and go into Dr. Fletcher’s office. Her office has a keypad lock for emergency visits that change every Monday. I look at my texts and press in the code Dr. Fletcher sent me: 4334. The light turns green, and I pull the door open. We head to the back to the consultation room. Stevie has been attending my sessions with me for a while. It helps me and her both get through this situation we are in. We have tried to get Brooks to come, but he refuses. He says he copes by going to the gym and training in MMA.

CHAPTER 4

Dr. Fletcher’s office is a multitherapist clinic. Dr. Fletcher specializes in trauma and is the only one to see patients on the