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If there was any question about whether or not I worried her, it was answered just now. Addy’s never been one to beat around the bush much.
“Sorry, I was taking a walk down memory lane when you called.”
“A good walk or the kind where you feel like someone is chasing you and you’re running for your life?”
Only Addy would remind me that I’m still running from my past.
“The good kind.”
“That’s good. Any sign of you-know-who?”
That’s a trick questions, but she doesn’t know that yet. “I have yet to spot him.”
“But he’s around, isn’t he?”
“I’m assuming. I ran into his cousin last night. I stopped at the Tavern for a drink, and he was working behind the bar.”
“A man after my own heart,” Addy teases. “What did he have to say about him?”
Addy knows I hate to talk about Wyatt. She also knows that I hate hearing his name. It still stings, deep down.
“He didn’t offer up any info and I didn’t ask.”
“You should have. At least you would know where to avoid this weekend. Plus, aren’t you the least bit curious? It’s been five years, Chloe. He may have moved away by now.”
He’s here. I can feel him. I felt him last night. His eyes, burning into my back as Jones hugged me. There’s only one man that’s lit me on fire like that. Only one man that ever will.
“Doubt it. With my luck, I’ll run into him with Lola. At least I won’t have to explain much when he looks at her.”
“What are you talking about? She looks just like her mommy.”
Right. Except the dark hair, the hazel eyes, and the strong jaw. Just like mommy dearest. If only I had a picture to show Addy, then she might understand what I’m talking about.
“Well, if he is here, I’m sure he knows I’m in town now. Jones and him have always been close, and I’m sure that hasn’t changed much.”
“That’s a good thing if you ask me. What did I tell you before you left, Chloe?”
Not this again. The first two times she said it I listened, took her words to heart. The day before I left, she recited it again and I did my best to block her words. Now that I’m here, it’s the last thing I want to hear. My heart won’t like it.
“I know, Addy.”
“Say it,” she demands.
“Why? It’s not like—”
“Chloe Grace Warren. You’ve never been afraid of anything in your life. You face things head on and you’re going to face this head on too. Now, say it.” Did she just summon my mother? She sounded oddly like her.
Damn her no-nonsense attitude.
“If I still love him after all this time, he may still love me too. Because our love is a love that doesn’t fade away. It’s the forever kind of love and imperfection is what makes it perfect.”
Leaving me with only her words, Addy says goodbye and hangs up on me. I come to a halt, my heart beating so wildly in my chest I need to pause. It’s time to a stop thinking about the chance that Wyatt may still be holding onto feelings for me after all this time.
That would mean he stopped living, and the thought breaks my heart.
My parents are waiting for me on the front porch when I return, arms crossed, scowls firmly in place, as I slowly make my way up the drive. I’m a hot mess, inside and out. My father mumbles for me to get cleaned up, quickly, as I pass them.
It’s time for brunch with the Hanson’s. Ooh, goodie. I’m so excited to see my ex-boyfriend I may actually puke. If only that would get me out of the commitment my parents made for me.
