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I balk. “What did you say?”
“Relax, no one is going to say anything. We don’t even really talk about it other than to remind one another not to… uh…talkabout you in the locker room.”
Growing up around sports, I know he means the guys leave me out when speaking about women they find attractive. Likely women who all work for the Lonestars.
My eyes narrow. “Did Corey tell you about us?”
He scoffs. “Johnson? Share his feelings? No way. But he didn’t have to. It’s written all over his face every time you walk into the room.”
My chest warms at the words, but then I remember Corey asking for space. The lonely chill that’s been plaguing me for days wraps tightly around my shoulders. “I think you’re reading him wrong.”
“I’m not.” Joshua levels a pointed look on me. “And unless he’s done something else, I don’t think him punching a guy in the face should be a deal breaker.”
It’s not.
That’s the sad thing.
Since when am I a girl who looks past such a violent display? If Victor had pulled anything like that when we were together, I wouldn’t have hesitated to break up with him.
Because you weren’t in love with Victor.
I exhale a heavy sigh. “Things are… complicated.”
“I’m sure they are. And I’m not saying you have to pretend your relationship is all sunshine and rainbows, but give the guy a chance to clear that thundercloud hanging over your head.”
I almost choke on my weak laugh. “I had no idea you were so poetic.”
“I’m full of surprises,” Joshua tells me seriously. “Hey! Should I put that on my dating profile?” He takes out his phone and begins tapping on the screen. I glance and see the icon for a popular dating app.
“That you’re full of surprises?” I ask.
“That I’m poetic.”
“Maybe you should just say something poetic in your bio.”
“Ah. Show rather than tell.” He nods. “Good idea as always. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome,” I say, amused. I move to walk over to where Chris and the rest of the non-athletic staff are gathered. “I’ll see you later. Good luck today.”
“Thanks, Carlee.” Joshua looks up and gives me a quick wave. “And don’t forget what I said. Give the poor guy a chance. He’s miserable without you.”
I’m miserable, too.
That’s the problem.
I care about Corey, and I want to be with him. But until he gets to the root of why he always wants to push me away, we won’t ever be able to be together. Not for the long run.
I’ve already spent ten years of my life being miserable over Corey, and I can’t allow myself to feel that way again.
I just…can’t.
30
COREY
This isthe last thing I ever expected myself to do. Stepping foot in Rose Hill for the first time since my return had been hard enough, but spending time with the Jones family had been worth the strife.
Now, my knuckles turn white as I grip the steering wheel and drive down the dirt road that leads to the plot of land where my father’s doublewide sits.
