Chapter 4: Promises and Power Plays

My company’s a big name in town—a major taxpayer, the kind that gets you invited to Chamber of Commerce breakfasts.

Last year, my picture went up on the high school’s Wall of Fame. I catch students glancing at it when I visit—maybe wondering how a kid from our neighborhood made it big.

After politely dodging the assistant principal’s offer to tour us around, Aubrey and I wandered campus alone. She squeezed my hand, her laughter echoing off old brick walls.

Everything was smaller than I remembered—the football field, the faded paths, the distant sound of a marching band warming up. The air smelled like fresh-cut grass and cafeteria pizza.

Memories flooded back—awkward teenage moments, hope for the future, all the ways we’d grown and changed.

I felt proud of how far I’d come. The struggle had been worth it—this was the American Dream, right?

At dusk, music drifted from the loudspeakers as I took Aubrey to the sandwich shop by the school gate. The neon sign still flickered, and the place smelled like toasted bread and nostalgia.

We ordered the same sandwiches we’d shared as kids. The taste took me back instantly.

"Remember when I promised you the best life here?" I asked, my voice soft, afraid she’d forgotten.

Aubrey grinned, her eyes sparkling. "You said you’d always go along with me."

I was relieved she remembered. For a moment, it felt like fate.

She leaned in, voice quiet. "Does that promise still count?"

I squeezed her hand, trying to erase all the mistakes I’d made. "Of course."

Aubrey bit her lip, suddenly shy. "Then can you fire Natalie from your company? I just... I don’t want her around anymore, Derek. I need to know you’re really done with her."

Her words hung in the air. I wanted to promise it was impossible, but I saw the worry in her eyes and hesitated.

So I nodded. "Okay."

I forced a smile, determined to do whatever it took to hold on to this new beginning.