My plan to push Tolliver away hadn't worked.
In fact, it had the opposite effect.
It was time to pivot. I'd had the whole weekend to think. Tolliver was on a short trip with his family, so I hadn't seen him again. He should be here soon for our morning reading session.I was looking forward to it despite myself. And it wasn't just because we were in a really good place in the book we were reading.
The new plan was simple.
Since trying to repulse him hadn't worked, I would pull him closer.
Let him in, let him see the real me.
Flaws and all.
No doubt, it would send Tolliver running.
That was the whole point. I didn't want to fall. I didn't want to hurt Tolliver, and I was determined to prove that he didn't really want me anyway. Being disappointed wasn't anything new—especially this summer—but I was ready to change that starting today.
I was smiling to myself as I stepped into the kitchen when...
"Honestly, I'm disappointed," Mom said.
I jumped, hand flying to my chest in surprise. "Jeez, Mom. What are you doing here so early?"
"I was waiting for you."
"Why are you sitting in the dark?"
She flicked on the light. "Thought I'd surprise you."
"Well, mission accomplished," I mumbled. "Thanks for the near heart attack."
"You've been avoiding my calls and texts."
It wasn't a question.
"I had no choice but to show up when you'd least expect it."
I shook my head, not to disagree because I had been ducking her messages, but that was just because they were always about the wedding. Grabbing a water from the fridge, I said, "I'm glad it was me and not Dad. He's so old he might've actually keeled over."
My father's laughter preceded him into the room. "Ouch, kid," he said, appearing fully dressed and looking wide awake like my mother. "Don't put me in the grave yet."
"Did you know she was coming?" I asked.
"Of course, I did."
"Who do you think let me in?" My mother tilted her head toward the coffee machine. "I put on a pot if you want any."
"Don't mind if I do," Dad said and filled a mug for himself. "Freya?"
I shook my head. "You know I only like the smell."
After he took a seat opposite my mom, I sat between them and waited.
"So, what's up?" I asked.
"Freya," Mom said, "you know what's up."
I did.
