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“What happened exactly?” Alice asked.
I tried to remember his exact words, but I felt like I was in a fog. I was exhausted and stressed out. “He was rambling about a lot of stuff, but somewhere in the middle, he said he loved me.”
Kylie pointed a finger at me. “That doesn’t sound like a man who’s uninterested. What did you say?”
“He made this speech and walked out.” There wasn’t any time to express myself, but if I was being honest, I was a little shocked by his declaration.
“Do you love him?” Alice asked gently.
I thought about how I felt when he wasn’t here. How hard things had been when I tried to do everything for the B&B myself. It had been lonely. Then I remembered how I felt when we were together. I felt cherished and loved and appreciated. “I think I do. But it’s too late. I’m not any different from his exes.”
Kylie frowned. “How so?”
“I was too busy to give him the attention he deserved and needed in the relationship. I shut him out.”
“I think you can work this out. But we need to get the B&B sorted first,” Alice said.
We got out a notebook and made another list. Except this one felt lighter. I was paving the way to building a sustainable future. And maybe at the end of it, Mac would take me back.
The girls stayed a little longer, and I felt better when I finally got into bed. We’d solved a few of my problems at the B&B. I had a plan of action. But I still hadn’t figured things out with Mac.
CHAPTER24
MAC
Iwas in the zone, carefully placing the tiles in the bathroom of the new build we were still working on. It was the weekend, so it was just me on-site. I hadn’t heard from Natalie. Not that I expected her to reach out after my little speech. I’d told her I loved her and walked out. What idiot did that?
I was working late nights and weekends on the new project because why not? I had nothing else to fill my time. I still went to Sunday dinners with my family and doted on Maggie, but my life felt empty.
The only thing that lifted my mood was Rocky. I brought him to work with me when the crew went home so that he didn’t have to be home all day alone. But I think he missed Delaney and Natalie. I know I did.
If I hadn’t been so stubborn, maybe I’d still be with them. Sure, I hadn’t seen much of them lately because they were busy, but the possibility was still there. But I’d severed the connection. Telling people what you wanted only hurt you in the end.
I should have covered it up. Buried it. Shoved it down deep. Instead, I’d put everything on the line, and the ball was in Natalie’s court.
“What are you doing?” Sam asked me.
I startled. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
Tyler walked in behind him. It was the master bathroom, so the space was large.
“Obviously,” Tyler said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Why are you working all the time?” Sam asked me. “Dad’s worried.”
I clenched my jaw. “We’ll be done ahead of schedule. There’s nothing to worry about.”
“We’re worried aboutyou, dumbass.” Sam sat on the edge of the standalone tub.
I unclenched my teeth long enough to bite out, “I’m fine.”
Sam tipped his head to the side. “Are you? Alice said you broke things off with Natalie.”
I waved a hand. “She was all wrapped up in the business.”
“Isn’t that what you’d expect of a new business owner?” Tyler asked, genuinely curious.
“She was doing too much and not asking for any help.”
