Page 14 of Three Months Yesterday

If driving into Stonebridge Hollow yesterday was love at first sight—something I never believed in and can’t believe I’m thinking about in regards to a place—I don’t know what to call driving up to the little cottage I’ll be staying in for the next three months. The place felt like home the moment I saw it, and when I walked through the door everything weighing down on me washed away.

The cottage is objectively small, but it’s also perfect. The definition of a home away from home. I needed no time at all to feel comfortable and settled in almost instantly.

The only downside is how quickly Madison rushed away once I headed for the porch stairs after she made sure I didn’t need any help. Not that I expected her to hang around. We’re strangers and I’m a paying guest at her family’s inn, there’s no reason for her to stay.

And if I’m being honest with myself, she looked exhausted. It was selfish of me to be disappointed when she offered me a small smile and turned away to head home. A house that’s just yards from my own front door.

Three months living next door to a woman I can’t stop thinking about—what could possibly go wrong?

“Oh, who are you kidding? You wouldn’t survive without me.” Ryan laughs, lifting a cup of coffee to his lips.

“As long as you admit the same about me.” I wink, reaching for my guitar.

I haven’t touched an instrument in months, but last night after getting unpacked, there was nothing I wanted more than to strum at the strings. I wasn’t making music, but I’d take simply being excited to hold the instrument in my hands again.

“That seems like a big deal.” There are certain topics Ryan will always avoid mentioning—the things he knows I’ll only talk about on my terms—but in every other aspect of life, Ryan is never one to beat around the bush.

“I don’t want to boost your ego any more than it already is, but I’m not going to lie to you either. There’s something about this town that feels right. I swear I felt the weight leave my shoulders when I walked through the doors of this place.”

“I can’t take credit for that,” Ryan says seriously. “I was hoping you’d find a little peace, and maybe get your mojo back, but I thought it’d take at least a month.”

“Hmm,” I hum, plucking mindlessly at the strings. “So, were you just calling to check in, or is there something else going on? It’s pretty early for you to be up. Wait, are you even home?” I ask, finally looking at the space around him.

“No.” He sighs. “I’m in Harborview. I don’t really know what’s going on, but Melissa called and I just…” His words trail off, and now that he lets it show, I hear the worry etched in his voice.

“Is everyone okay?” I ask gently.

Ryan and I grew up similar, in a household with loving parents who only wanted the best for us and did whatever they could to help us achieve our goals. The only difference is that he had a sibling where I didn’t. But of course, nothing stays the same.

Something changed when Ryan and his sister, Melissa, graduated college and moved out of our small town. He’s never told me, and I honestly have no idea if he’s ever figured it out, but the relationship with their parents isn’t as strong as it used to be. See the fact that I spent Thanksgiving with Ryan and Melissa in New York as a prime example.

None of that negates the fact that they both love their parents and are always trying to find a way back to the way things were when they were growing up.

“Physically, everyone’s fine.” The smile that crosses his lips is fake, but I know he’s doing it so I don’t worry and think I need to fly out to the place I avoid more than anything to support him.

“You know I’m here for whatever you need, even if it’s just a sounding board.”

“I know, man.” He lifts a hand, continuing before I can say anything. “I see the look on your face, but I’m good. I’m just spent. I’ve been traveling nonstop for what feels like months now.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be done traveling? Baseball season’s over.”

The laugh that falls from his mouth is more mocking than anything else. I imagine there would have been a classic spit take had he gotten the sip of coffee he was aiming for.

“Now, Beckett, you know it’s rare for anyone in the limelight to get any kind of break. The only way you’ve been able to manage it is by disappearing and telling no one where you went.”

I should push back and make Ryan talk about what’s going on with him, but I know he’ll talk when he’s ready. Just like he’s not one to beat around the bush with people in his life, he’s not one to hold it all in if he needs help—at least not with me. That’s never been who we are.

Rolling with the subject change, I give him the out he’s looking for. “Well, Ian wouldn’t let me tell anyone where I was going and I’ve already gotten a call from Aaron, so I’m not really free of all of it.”

“What did Aaron want?” Ryan’s grumbles.

Ryan’s never been Aaron’s biggest fan, and I can understand why—he definitely comes off as conceited and doesn’t always look at the bigger picture—but I see the other side of it. Aaron’s been my manager since the beginning, when I didn’t have any experience and no one was willing to take a chance on me. I wouldn’t be where I am if it weren’t for him.

That way of thinking probably makes me blind to his flaws, something I know he has, but it’s hard to change it.

“He just wanted to know where I am. You know Aaron, he’s a micromanager to the highest, and can’t stand not knowing exactly where I am every minute of the day.”

“A more truthful statement has never been made.” I’m not sure if Ryan meant for me to hear those words, but I don’t comment on them. This is one of those areas where we have to agree to disagree. “Did you crack and tell him where you are?”