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Nerves surface in my stomach, and a realization that she might not like me hits home.
I didn’t like my parents.
Although I’d never treat her the way mine treated me, I’ve already missed the first nine years of her life.
Once Laney and I sit at a table to eat, she gives me complete access to her phone’s photo albums. There aretons.
“She looked a lot like you when she was a baby,” Laney says as I scroll. “I hated it.”
Chuckling, I beam at the images on the screen. Several have Howie in them too.
“There’s a lot of you in her, too,” I reassure.
I stare in amazement. Serena Mae has brown hair like me and emerald-green eyes like her mama.
I dig into my food and eat while Laney shares stories about each milestone and Serena’s first days at school. Guilt hits me full force when I think about everything I’ve missed.
My brain is still spinning.
“Do you think she’ll like me?” I ask when we grab dessert.
Laney nods. “She had a close relationship with Howie, and he showed her all of your yearbooks. She loved it.”
“Oh God.” I shake my head with laughter. “Hope he didn’t let her read the messages people wrote me.”
“The ones about yourtight end?” She chuckles when my eyes widen. “He let her have them, and now she keeps them in her room. Our homecoming photo is her favorite, though she loved the ones of the parade floats, too.”
King and Queen of Homecoming.
The football star and head cheerleader.
Childhood friends turned high school sweethearts.
We were the epitome of a Texas country song.
“Hard to think that was only ten years ago,” I say, inching closer. Her hair falls to the side, blocking her face, and the urge to brush it back so I can stare at her rosy cheeks is almost too strong to fight.
She sighs, shifting slightly so her eyes come back into view. “Feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago all at once.”
Before I have the chance to warn her, Wilder and Waylon walk up to our table. They’re in their filthy work clothes and covered in dirt.
“Well, howdy.” Wilder flashes a shit-eating grin, twisting his ball cap backward.
“What’d ya want?” I ask dryly, hoping they’ll get the hint and go away.
“Aren’t ya gonna introduce us to yourfriend?”
“Leave them alone,” Waylon scolds, nudging his shoulder.
“I’m not doin’ anything. He’s the one who doesn’t have manners. But since I’m the polite one, I’ll introduce myself...”
Rolling my eyes, I wait for theWilder Flirt Special.
“I’m Wilder Hollis. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss...” He holds out his hand, smirking.
“Laney Bennett,” she responds, shaking his in return.
“Wow, that’s abeautifulname.” He flashes her a wink.
