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“Yeah, me too,” I whisper.
“He loves you, Charlie. He’s a fucking idiot, but he does love you,” Blake’s voice softens and I can feel his concern.
I have no doubt if we were standing next to each other, he’d already have me in his arms and holding onto me for dear life. Out of all my uncles, I’ve always been closest to Blake. We shared a special bond soon after my birth mom died and it never broke. He always knew how to make my day a little better and how to bring a smile to my face. He’s not my real uncle, none of them are, but it doesn’t matter to me. They’re my family.
“You don’t break up with someone you love,” I say softly.
Blake opens his mouth to respond, but before he can say anything Lincoln steals the phone. We chat for a few minutes before someone else takes the phone from him. This is how it always is when I call and there’s a family dinner in the pavilion. This is what life on Mulberry Lane is like. It’s whiplash and chaos, but you’ll never feel more loved anywhere in the world.
“Is there anyone else I need to talk to?” I giggle when one of the kids trips and launches a cup full of juice right in Blake’s face.
“Yeah, there’s one more person.” Kennedy’s distracted as she laughs at Blake and tries to help Holt up with one hand.
“Is this your first time walking?” Blake grumbles under his breath as he snatches a napkin off the table and tries to dry himself off.
The phone transfers to someone else, but I can't tell who it is. Their hand is over the camera and all I can hear is the craziness surrounding them.
I wait patiently as I try to think of who I haven’t spoken to yet. There are so many people, it’s possible I missed a few, but I can't think of who.
The door to the pavilion opens and closes, then the hand is removed from the camera as silence settles over the line. I still can't see anyone, but they’re walking towards the swing sets.
“Hey,” Wyatt’s deep voice fills the air as his face comes into focus.
“Hi,” I whisper and suck in a sharp breath. My heart is pounding in my chest. I haven’t spoken to him a lot since we broke up, but we’ve stayed friendly for the sake of our families. Having your family live next door to your ex’s is hard enough, but when they’re part of the community you grew up with it’s like breaking up in a small town. Everyone knows your business and there are prying eyes everywhere you turn.
“How are you doing?” Wyatt runs a hand through his hair. I can tell this is hard for him, but he isn't backing down. He wants to talk to me.
“I'm doing well. Just trying to find a job like a real adult.” I shrug.
“Are you staying in California?”
“I don’t know,” I lie. I know this job is mine and coming in for an interview is just a formality. I didn’t even apply for this job, but it’s kinda hard to walk away from an offer like this. It’s once in a lifetime.
“You should look for a job around here. Everyone would love to have you home again.”
“Everyone?” I ask slowly.
Now that Wyatt’s back in our hometown, I wasn’t sure how to feel about moving home. Sure, I miss my family and everyone that lives around us, but that doesn’t mean life will be normal again.
My parents and six of their friends’ families live in a circle on Mulberry Lane. The center of the circle holds a huge pavilion where they have dinners weekly, a basketball court, pool, baseball diamond, and a ton of other things for us all to do.
Growing up, I absolutely loved it. Every day was like being on vacation with all of your friends. There was always someone to talk to or hang out with. It was impossible to be lonely or bored. It was the best place in the world to live and I miss it dearly.
“Everyone. Every single person wants you to come home.” He takes a deep breath and drops his chin. He’s quiet for a few seconds, then he peeks at the phone through his lashes. “I want you to come home, Char. I miss you.”
And just like that every wall I’ve kept built high around my heart crumbles to the ground. I should hate him. I should neverwant to see him again, but that’s impossible. As far as my heart is concerned, Wyatt Everson is the only man for me.
Chapter 2
Wyatt
“Dude! Who is that gorgeous woman watching us with that captivating smile?” Smithy elbows me in the ribs and motions to a woman in the corner of the bar.
People are moving around us, blocking my view of her every time I try to catch a peek. It’s not unusual for women to watch us, it’s actually pretty normal. Everyone always keeps their eyes on us. We’re some of the most famous men in the city. We come to Kennedy’s Pub when we want a night out because Mom and Dad don’t tolerate shit in their bar and everyone knows it.
“Smithy, she’s off limits.” Leo chuckles, shaking his head.
“Why? I don’t see anyone with her. And honestly, what guy could compete with me? Girls love the baseball pants, and the big paychecks that come with professional baseball players.” He flashes us a cocky grin.
