Page 41 of The Problem with Second Chances

We didn’t break up because he wasn’t a good boyfriend or because he was a cheat, even if that’s what gossip blogs reported. I always trusted him when he went out without me or when he traveled for games.

She chews a bite of her tuna sandwich. “I miss Sawyer every minute of every day. Sometimes I don’t understand you, Calista.” Her eyes soak in all the families walking around the square.

“What do you mean?”

“I’d leave my life if it meant I could be with Sawyer again. I’d leave here.”

I bite my pickle and set the rest of it on the wax paper from my sandwich, then I bring my legs up to my chest. “You say that now because you lost him.”

“You lost Rylan,” she retorts.

I nod. “I know.”

“You might think you’re fooling everyone, but I see it. Maybe you’re transparent to me because I feel it too.”

“What do you see?”

“The yearning. In that picture from last night.” She pulls her phone out and shows it to me.

I push it away. “I’ve seen it.”

She holds it in front of my face. “Look at your smile.”

“I smile, thank you.”

“Not like that. Not like when you’re with him.” She puts her phone away. “I’m surprised your face doesn’t hurt from using all those muscles it hasn’t in years.”

“I could say the same thing about you!” I screech and look around to make sure no one hears me.

“There’s a difference.”

“Like?”

“The one who makes you smile still has a beating heart and a warm body.”

My stomach sinks to my toes. How do I even respond to that?

“Yeah.” She crumples up her bag. “I know how to kill a mood. Sorry.” She stands and tosses the bag in a nearby litter can.

My phone buzzes and I pull it out of my jacket pocket. It’s a text from Rylan.

Just finished in the shower, I’m on my way to the cabin.

I’m in the square with Brinley. Give me twenty.

“Who’s that?” She peeks, and I bring my phone closer to my chest. “Rylan,” she says in a syrupy sweet voice like a lovesick teenage girl.

Sure, I’m gonna grab a new flash drive anyway for the final copy on my way there.

Thanks.

Don’t thank me. I selfishly want Declan to be indebted to me when my wedding rolls around. Although he’ll be doing a helluva lot more than a slideshow.

I suck in a breath at the thought of Rylan marrying some other girl. It literally makes me feel as if I’m going to throw up.

Aubrey texted me earlier to remind me that we have the menu tasting tomorrow at three.

Can’t wait.

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