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“Y’all wanna share something?” I feel my nerves take over.
“I need to get back to work.” Ian taps the side of his truck. “I’ll see you soon.” He drives off without another word of explanation, and both girls turn to me.
“I did not expect you to act that way when you saw him.” Savannah cups my face. “You and Ian used to get along so well. He was the only one who could make you laugh before you took off to Aspen.”
“Speaking of,” Hallie’s interrogation tone sets in. “Why couldn’t you say goodbye to him before you left? Poor guy didn’t even know you left until you had. Does how you’re acting with him now have anything to do with it?” I can’t tell if she’s playing dumb, or he really didn’t fill her in. It should have been obvious to him.
“Because I didn’t need his input.” It’s a half lie, but I’m not ready to admit the truth. “How about we do lunch instead of ice cream? I need a drink.”
“That’s not a good crutch, Emery.” Savannah sighs. “I know this town has so many memories, but you don’t need to take it out on alcohol or Ian.” Her arms wrap around me in a tight hug, and though I want to pull away, I find myself breathing in her familiar scent as my heart rate calms down. “We are all yours whenever you need us.”
“Well, you’re gone this weekend to surprise Logan.” Hallie runs a hand through her hair. “You haven’t seen him in three weeks.”
“I’m here every day besides this weekend…and Vegas.” Savannah tilts her head side to side as her long curls bounce. “Logan has been so busy with work and lives an hour away. I can cancel, though, if you want me to.”
“No. Seriously, Savannie, go get laid because three weeks is a while.” I laugh before realizing we are already in line at the ice cream hut.
“It’s not just about the sex, Em.” Savannah rolls her eyes.
“I find strictly sex works best.”
“Given your circumstances with Ryan, I’ll let that slide,” Hallie adds. “But not for much longer. Emery, relationships are great when you’re with the right person.”
I keep quiet until it’s our turn to order and wonder if there’s still a chance of redemption for the one man I haven’t stopped thinking about.
Chapter5
Ian
“I love this little cabin.”My niece, Sophie, kicks off her shoes as we enter my place. “Thanks for picking me up again from school and letting me stay with you.”
“Never a problem, Chickpea. I don’t want you to be home alone when it gets dark.” I nudge her and mentally curse my sister's name for putting so many men before her daughter.
“Do you have a lot of homework?” I open the fridge and pour her a glass of her favorite watermelon lemonade.
“Ugh, do we have to talk about that? I always get good grades.” Sophie rolls her eyes as she turns to her phone.
“You know the rules.” I raise my eyebrows, and she sets her phone down.
“I know. Screens can’t replace human interaction.” She downs half her drink. “You have pizza on the way, right?”
“Nah, we can make it from scratch.” I watch her face scrunch. “Come on, you used to love cooking.”
“When I was a kid. I just turned twelve, Uncle Ian. Kids my age are all about food delivery.” There’s only one place in town that delivers, and I’m too far out of the downtown area for that.
“Probably because parents don’t think it’s necessary to teach their children how to cook anymore.” I sense her attitude and back off. Lately, she has been moody, and I wonder if it’s hormones or something deeper. “Fine, we can order food and pick it up.”
She looks toward the fridge, shaking her dark blonde curls. “No, we can cook together. Mom always orders food.” Her voice drops, but I won’t question anything unless she gives me a green light. “Mom says this guy she’s been seeing isthe one.”
For twelve, she has a strong head on her shoulders.
“Your mother is trying her best to give you a normal life, Chickpea.” Her nickname has stuck since they were all she wanted to eat through her toddler years.
“I don’t need a father. I need a parent. One who doesn’t try to act like my friend half the time.” Her forehead creases as I let her continue. “For years, she’s been on this father hunt when I just need a present mother.”
I nod and take her hand. “Have you told her this?”
“I’ve mentioned it, but it’s like she's trying to make up for a past mistake.” Her eyes glass over. “Me. I’m the mistake. Mom has missed years of enjoying life as a young person.” Her voice cracks. “You are the only man I need.”
