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“I’m on your side here, Lake. You know that, right?” He waits a beat and then continues, “I’m not condoning what he did or how he hurt you, but I don’t think you understand the full scale of how hard that was for him. You should have seen him on the ride home after we came to see you. I’ve never seen a person like that. It was like he was severely ill even though there wasn’t anything physically wrong with him.”
“Are you trying to make me feel even worse?” I bite. “Why won’t anyone just let this be already?”
“Because you’re unhappy.”
“And? I’ll get over it eventually.”
“That’s just it. I don’t know if you will. I’ve never seen you like this over a guy. Whit says she can’t even bring him up without you melting down.”
“Oh, so now you and my best friend are discussing my love life? Great.”
“It’s not like that and you know it. We talk a couple times a week, and yes, I ask about you, but only because we hardly ever hear from you.”
“I’ve been really busy.”
“And I get that. But you’re not on set twenty-four seven. The truth of the matter is, you associate us and the ranch with Thad and because he hurt you, you’ve distanced yourself from all of us.”
“I have not,” I argue.
“Yes you have, sis. And you know I’m right.” He lets out a slow breath. “I’ve tried talking some sense into Thad. I’ve tried reasoning with him. But he’s more stubborn than you are, if that’s possible. So since he’s pretty much shut me down, I’m going to try to reason with you instead.” He waits to make sure I’m not going to object before continuing, “Thad loves you Laken and you love him. He’s got a bit of a checkered past, yes, but it’s nothing that should prevent the two of you from working this out. It’s clear you’re both miserable and honestly, I’m sick of watching you two suffer needlessly.”
“Let me stop you right there, big brother.” I hold up my finger. “Thad ended things, not me.”
“I realize this. But I also know he did because he thought it was what was right by you. He’s convinced himself that he doesn’t deserve you and it’s up to you to prove him wrong.”
“And how exactly am I supposed to do that? You think I didn’t already try?”
“Go to him. Go to him and tell him that you still want to be with him.”
“Why?”
“Because you do.”
“I’m going to say this only once, Chris, and then I won’t have this conversation again. If Thad wants to be with me, he needs to be the one to take the first step. I will not chase after a man who’s made it clear we’re done. Now–” I stand abruptly and head toward the front door. “If you’ll excuse me I have better things to do than beat a dead horse.” With that I walk inside, allowing the screen door to slam shut loudly behind me.
