Page 94 of Josephine and Clay

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Josephine

JUNE 24TH

I make it all the way back to the clinic before I check my phone, which, considering the day I’ve had, feels like a small miracle.

The truck engine ticks as it cools beneath me, heat pressing in through the windshield, dust still clinging to my jeans and boots. I just sit there with my hands resting on the steering wheel, staring straight ahead at nothing in particular.

Because if I don’t look at my phone, then nothing has changed. If I don’t look, then Clay McCoy isn't suddenly back in my life, standing in front of me on crutches with that same infuriating pull that makes rational thought feel optional. If I don’t look, then I’m still in control.

I exhale slowly, then I reach for it anyway.

One message.

Clay: Sorry if that was weird today. I didn’t handle it great.

My chest tightens.

I stare at it longer than necessary, thumb hovering over the screen.

I could ignore it.

That would be the smart choice. The controlled choice. The version of me that has spent years building a life that doesn’t depend on anyone else would absolutely ignore it.

But that version of me didn’t spend the morning standing inches away from him, heart racing like it had something to prove.

That version of me isn’t currently carrying his children.

And being near him made the secret feel uglier.

I press my lips together.

This is exactly what I didn’t want.

Complicated, messy, and yet…

My fingers move anyway.

Josie: It was weird.

I pause. Too blunt? Probably. Too honest? Definitely. I hit send before I can overthink it.

Three dots appear almost instantly.

Clay: Yeah. Figured you’d say that.

I huff out a quiet breath, something almost like a laugh catching in my throat.

Josie: You’re on crutches. That alone qualifies as weird.

Clay: You don’t like them? I think they really add to my charm.

I shake my head despite myself.

Josie: Your definition of charm is questionable.

Clay: Worked on you once.