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“Would you like some more pancakes?” my mom asks, obviously trying to cheer me up.
“No, I’m not really all that hungry.”
“Not even for cookies? Or cupcakes? Suzanna from the bakery on Main Street brought some treats.”
“No, thanks.” I can’t even muster up a smile.
Mom frowns. “Sweet tea?”
Maybe she can see right through me, because this reminds me of when she bombarded me with sugar after my breakups.
This is hardly a heartbreak. It’s just a flirtation gone wrong. Whatever this little blip on the radar is, I need to get over it.
“I think I might turn in early, if that’s okay,” I tell my mom. “Unless you think I need to be here.”
“You made an appearance. No one would expect you to stay the whole time.” She gently pets the side of my head twice. It’s her signature touch, the affectionate gesture she’s done since I was a baby. “Go. We’ll talk in the morning when I bring you breakfast.”
“You’re the best,” I say seriously, meaning it with my whole heart.
I don’t bother getting out of my wheelchair for my exit. With my cane across my lap, I slowly make my way to the exit, nodding, smiling, and thanking people along the way.
Only, right when I get to the doorway, I sense Ellister to my left.
I glance toward the auction table.
And there he is.
With Faith.
Standing… closely.
A wave of jealousy crashes over me like a physical blow. It’s so strong, I sway in my seat as my heart hammers and blood rushes to my head. Good thing I’m sitting down, because I’m sure I would’ve been knocked off my feet from it.
When Faith laughs at something Ellister says, a flush of anger heats my face. Then it gets worse. She takes ahold of his wrist and starts writing something on his arm with a purple pen that matches her dress and her purse.
Is he seriously getting her number after dancing with me? After kissing me?
Of course he is. Because let’s face it, he never wanted me in the first place. He probably feels sorry for me, and that’s all it is.
Ellister briefly looks my way.
I expect to see an apology or some hint of guilt over the fact that he’s consorting with my arch-nemesis right fucking now.
Instead, his gaze bounces back to Faith, and he grins.
Like, arealsmile, all charming and shit.
I’ve been around him a lot today, and he never smiled at me that way.
What in the actual fuck?
Pissed beyond belief, I propel myself out the barn doors into the parking lot. I come out so fast, I startle a group of people smoking.
“Are you all right, honey?” a woman inquires.
I’m afraid if I answer her, all that will come out of my mouth is a bunch of garbled sobbing, so I say nothing.
I take a hard right between two parked vehicles, wheeling the chair in the direction of my cabin.
