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“I already told you—Cash won’t be there.”

“But everyone knows we broke up, and I don’t want to have that conversation twenty times.”

“I hate to break this to you but guys don’t care that you and Cash broke up. Mostly, they want the whole thing to blow over so no one is uncomfortable.”

“Reid, leave it alone. I’m allowed to handle my broken heart how I need to, and spending the day with all of his friends isn’t it.”

“But it’s a holiday.”

“You and Nolan will have a great time. Tomorrow, we’re going to your game. Saturday, we’re going to the movies. Nolan will be fine.”

“What are you going to eat?” he demands.

I smile. “I’m a big girl. I can scramble a couple of eggs.”

“It’s Thanksgiving.”

“Reid, please. Can you leave it alone?”

He searches my face. “I’m worried about you.”

“I’ll be okay. It’ll just take some time.”

He opens his mouth, closes it again, and finally nods. “All right. If you want, I can make you a plate and bring it over? It’s not like they live far.”

“If that will make you feel better, sure. Thank you. And don’t forget the pies.”

I baked two pies this morning—one caramel apple and one sweet potato—and I bought a bunch of honey rolls that just need to be warmed in the oven when we arrive. I figured Reid could handle that in case I decided not to go.

And it’s a good thing since I’m not going.

I just can’t bring myself to pretend to be happy in front of Cash’s friends and teammates. Jayne and Holly will be there and I don’t want to talk about what happened. I just need time. And space.

Baking this morning was a good distraction, though. I watched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on TV while I worked and it was as close to normal as I’ve felt since the breakup.

Maybe this kind of thing is what I need—to buy a house that I can lose myself in decorating. Having friends and family over, so I can cook and entertain. It might be nice to have a house, instead of an apartment.

I just don’t know if Atlanta is the right place to settle. Being here means seeing Cash and I’m truly not ready for that. I need distance. I should have taken the New Zealand deal. It just didn’t feel like this was the right time to commit to something like that.

The truth is, without Cash, I can’t seem to get excited about anything. And without him, there’s nothing keeping me here. Except my brother. And Dusty Peaks. The deal at Peachy Keene. My friends.

Dammit.

I hate that this happened.

Maybe he’ll get traded.

Maybe I’ll meet someone even better.

Yeah, right.

I don’t know how that’s possible.

He was one of a kind.

And I miss him so fucking much.

I must have dozed off because I wake to the sound of the doorbell ringing. Who on earth would be here on Thanksgiving?