Page 138 of The Lumberjack and the City Slicker

Like a puppy.

My heart sinks somewhere near my stomach.

Because maybe I’ve misread everything.

Maybe I’m the only one building castles out of moments.

We reach Willow and Kelly.

They greet us warmly.

Evan glances over from the field and waves.

I wave back automatically.

But inside?

I feel small.

Like the outsider.

Like the temporary guest who forgot she doesn’t actually live here.

Greyson sits beside me on the bleachers. His knee brushes mine.

I don’t pull away.

But I don’t lean in either.

And as the first pitch is thrown and the crack of the bat echoes across the field, I wonder—am I brave enough to ask for clarity? To demand he put a name to this thing?

Or did I already make the same mistake I always do?

Did I fall first when I wasn’t paying attention?

Did I fall alone?

And how good at pretending I didn’t am I?

I swallow.

Evan hits the ball.

And I stand and cheer with everyone else.

Chapter 28

Greyson

Something is wrong.

I know it.

I just can’t put my finger on it.

She’s still beautiful.

Still smells faintly like wildflowers and clean soap.