Page 21 of An Unexpected Chance

I just wasn’t sure how to accomplish that, given what had transpired between Amy and me.

* * *

My mood fractured during breakfast, my mind and heart at war with each other. I was quiet, thinking, going deep into my head. Amy seemed to sense that, as she was silent as well. We ate our breakfast, and I insisted on cleaning the kitchen. She disappeared and I heard her walk back down the stairs, but she never came into the kitchen. I wiped my hands and found her seated in the living room, staring out the window. Her usual smile was absent, but she was polite and casual as she stood.

“Can you run me home?” she asked.

“Of course,” I said with a frown. “I don’t expect you to walk.”

She smiled and moved past me. My hands itched to touch her. To tell her the doubts and fears crowding my head. The worries. But I remained silent and followed her to the car.

The short trip was uncomfortable for both of us. I didn’t know what to say, and she didn’t try to fill the air with small talk. When I pulled up to her place, I began to take off my seat belt, but she stopped me.

“It’s fine, Simon. I’m a big girl and can walk myself into my place.”

“Amy—”

She cut me off. “It’s okay,” she offered. “I get it. Last night was amazing. For both of us. And it was exactly what we wanted and needed. One night. Not the start of something. I get it.”

I groaned and turned my head, meeting her eyes. I saw the hurt she was trying to cover up, the pain of rejection. I shook my head. “No, Amy—”

Again, she stopped me. “Like I said, I’m a big girl, Simon. It was fun and I enjoyed myself. You take care, and I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around. Maybe the grocery store again.” She offered me a smile I could only describe as brittle. It was false and hid her true feelings, and I deserved the anger she was concealing.

She climbed out of the car and walked away, never turning back. I sat for a moment, undecided, then I drove away, feeling as if I had left something behind. Something important.

I cursed myself all the way to Evan’s.

But I didn’t turn around.

* * *

Mia greeted me with a carefree smile and a hug when I arrived at Evan and Holly’s place. She was busy with Angela and Hannah, doing some craft Holly had them involved in that they had picked up at the fair. I gratefully accepted a cup of coffee and wandered back to Evan’s shop. He was at work hand-sanding a delicate-looking piece of trim, his face frowning in concentration. He smiled when he saw me, setting aside the wood and taking the cup of coffee Holly had sent him from my hands.

“Thanks, I needed a break.”

I looked at the piece he was working on. “Beautiful,” I offered as I ran my hand over the silken wooden top.

“It will be. My customer found it in a barn under some blankets covered in hay. I had to let it air a little and fix the warping. Now is the fun part. So much trim to fix and replicate. I’m trying to save as much as possible.”

We sipped our coffee in silence for a moment. “I thought Holly would keep you inside to hear all about your date,” he said finally.

I shook my head.

“Didn’t go well?”

“It was great. Amy is lovely.” I took a sip of coffee. “I just can’t move too fast, you know?”

“I get that, but I thought you’d look happier.”

I scrubbed my face. “It’s complicated, Evan.”

Holly walked in, carrying a plate with coffee cake on it. “How complicated?”

I met her unwavering gaze. I should have known she wouldn’t accept my silence as a deterrent.

“Look, we had a great time. Amy is awesome.”

“But?” she questioned.