AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Me either. It’s been too long,” I say.
“Tell me about it. I’m glad that you liked your summer job, but I wish that we could have hung out more.”
My stomach clenches as I think about Remy and my job. “Yeah,” I choke out, trying to cover the pain in my voice.
“Everything okay?” my sister asks. Of course, she can pick up on my moods after everything we’ve been through together.
“It will be,” I say with a sigh. I can tell she’s deciding whether to push the subject or not, and I’m thankful when she moves on. She knows I’ll tell her what’s bothering me when I’m ready.
“I’ll let you get to your movie, but call me later, okay?” Avery says.
“I will,” I promise her.
“Love you!”
“I love you, too.”
We hang up, and I head into the living room where Malia is waiting with the movie all queued up. I settle on the couch, getting comfortable as the first song starts to play.
As I watch the movie, I can’t help but think about my own beast. Remy reminds me a lot of the beast. He’s so alone, so vulnerable, even though he’s trying desperately not to be. He’s thick headed and stubborn as well, and twice as confusing.
Does that make me Belle? I do feel a bit like her with the way I was trying to coax him to open up. He let me get close to him, he did open up to me in his own way. So why aren’t we together like Belle and her Beast?
Did I not make it clear that I wanted him? Was I so wrapped up in wanting him to choose me that I didn’t show him that I wanted him too?
My stomach clenches again, and I try to take slow deep breaths to ease the nausea.
“Feeling any better?” Malia asks as the end credits start to play.
“A little,” I lie.
I just started classes. I can’t afford to be sick already, and if it’s stress causing all of this, then maybe I should put some of my worries to rest.
I need to go see him. I need to confront him so that all this stress about what’s going on with us can be over. Either he wants to be with me or he doesn’t, but obviously I can’t keep living like this.
“I think I’m going to head out for a little bit,” I tell her. My friend studies me.
“To see Remy?” she guesses.
I guess I wasn’t being as subtle with my feelings for him as I thought.
“Yeah.”
She nods, and I smile as I stand and slip my shoes on. Grabbing my keys and purse, I briefly debate calling him to let him know I’m coming but decide against it. I know that he’ll be at home or somewhere on the Stud Farm.
The drive over is fast. Too fast. There’s never really any traffic in Sequoia since it’s such a small town, but just this once, I wish there were a few red lights at least. I know I need to do this, but my courage is dimming the closer I get.
I make my way down the dirt road of the farm, all the way to the last house on the drive. Remy’s truck is in the driveway, and I park next to it. The lights are on in the house, so he must be done working for the day.
No more excuses.
Slipping out of the car, I quietly close the door before straightening my shoulders and taking a deep breath. I head up the familiar front porch steps and knock on the door, my heart racing in my ears.
My fists clench and unclench at my sides, and I end up crossing my arms over my chest in an attempt to stop the nervous gesture. It feels like it’s been half an hour already, but eventually, I hear Remy’s slow and steady footsteps.
The handle turns and the door opens, revealing my six-and-a-half-foot beast. He looks surprised and maybe a little relieved as he takes me in. He also looks like shit. His face is pale, making the dark circles under his eyes stand out all the more.
“Gwen,” he breathes out.
