Page 72 of Out of Place

“I can’t remember a time where you’ve asked to meet with me, so yes, I’d say there has to be a reason.”

I sigh. He makes a fair point. I should’ve tried harder. But to be fair, I was caught up in the lifestyle and nothing else mattered. “Fine. I just wanted to. . . to apologize and, I guess, thank you.”

His eyebrows raise in surprise. “For?”

Of course he’s going to make me elaborate. “I’m sorry for all the headaches I’ve caused you and all the middle-of-the-night pickups. I wanted to thank you for talking to Mom and Dad about it. I hated you at first and couldn’t believe you would rat me out like that. But as much as it pains me to admit this, I think it was for the best.”

“Wow.” He leans back in his chair. “Mom said she thought you’d changed, but I didn’t believe it.”

I roll my eyes. “Well, I did. I learned a lot about myself while I was gone, I think. Being away from all the parties and bars was good for me. I haven’t had a drink in months, and I haven’t even gone to a party since I’ve been back.”

“That’s good, Liv. We only did what we did because we were worried about you.”

“Yeah. I get that now.”

“Well, for what it’s worth, I’m proud of you,” he tells me. “It sounds like you did really great down there, but I’m glad you’re back. It felt strange knowing you weren’t in the city. Dinners with mom and dad were a lot quieter.”

I laugh. “I bet they were.”

Rhett and I eat our sandwiches while he tells me what he’s been up to. It sounds like he’s even met someone that he might be introducing to the family soon. He’s always very hush-hush about his relationships, so it must be serious.

He pays the bill and pulls me into a hug when I follow him out. I can’t remember the last time I hugged my brother. It feels good.

“Love you, Liv.”

“Love you too.”

He lets me go and walks toward his office. “Don’t be a stranger.”

I wave and watch him go.

* * *

Being friends with Landon is not what I thought it would be like, but I keep trying my best no matter how hard it hurts. He’s the first person I want to talk to every morning. I want to hear all about his day and tell him about mine, even though I mostly just hang out with Serena or sit on my couch thinking about him.

But this is what’s best. This is what we both wanted. This was the plan.

Right?

10/7/23 3:32 PM

Olivia: How is my baby goat doing?

10/7/23 3:47 PM

Landon: Is that my new nickname?

10/7/23 3:49 PM

Olivia: Changing your name in my phone as we speak

10/7/23 3:52 PM

Landon: Ha. Goat is good. Misses you though.

10/9/23 5:13 AM

Landon: *sends picture of a cow* Could use your help.