AllFreeNovel
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I want to marry Charlie.
I want to live at the ranch.
I want so many things, but it feels like my time’s up.
“I know where you are.”
My eyes flash open, big as saucers. Dread caves in my chest. “What?”
“You’re in Resurrection, Montana. I called Molly. I found the Instagram you’ve been running.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “Congrats, Max. Detective big brother for the win.”
“I’m coming to get you.”
Oxygen rushes out of my lungs. “No,” I blurt. “You can’t.”
“Why not?” A heavy silence, then, “Don’t tell me you’re staying.”
“Fine. I won’t.”
“Does he know?”
“Does who know?”
“The cowboy who loves you?”
I pinch my eyes. They’re leaking again. “He doesn’t love me.”
A big rig zooms by, shaking the car.
Max chuckles, a dry, hysterical sound. “Did you see that photo of you two by the creek? Because I did. He loves you, you idiot.” His voice breaks. “What’s it gonna do to the guy, Rubes?”
A shuddery breath rockets out of me. “I’m going to tell him.”
“Does it even matter?” Max asks, and I wonder if he means for me or for Charlie. Either way, he’s right.
“You’re an asshole, Max.”
“And you’re a liar, Ruby.”
It feels like I’ve been slapped. As I sit here, collecting myself, trying to be strong, I hear it. The worst sound.
Max is crying.
“You’re pushing yourself too hard.”
I swallow down the bitter lump in my throat. A tear slips down my cheek. “Max. Please. Stop.”
The last thing I need is an earful from my big brother about how I screwed up. I already feel like shit.
I feel broken. Wilted. Like a flower without petals.
“You aresick, Ruby!” he shouts, causing me to jump. “Life isn’t a fucking fairy tale. Start caring. And stop falling in goddamn love.”
I stare at the phone, wide-eyed and wounded.
It’s the cruelest cut.
