AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She knows better.”
“Hope so.” I looked around the bar, which was beginning to fill up. The place usually felt like home, but all I could think about was getting up to Buttercup Lake.
I didn’t know what Brielle wanted to tell me, but I prayed that it wasn’t like every other time she’d begged her way back into my life. It was a brutal cycle.
“Brielle is stopping by.”
“Excuse me?” Perry couldn’t hide his shock. “You’re gushing about Daisy, and now you’re telling me Brielle is stopping by? How does that even work?”
“She’s been calling and texting. She says she really needs to tell me something. She even left a message on my sister’s phone. My hope is that I’m not just falling for one of her schemes.”
“Wow. I didn’t expect this.”
“It’s not ideal. I’ve put that long and windy chapter behind me, but the book just won’t close.” I clasped my hands together, wringing them nervously at the thought. “She wanted to stop by the apartment, but I told her it was here or nowhere.”
Perry shook his head, wiping his hand along his chin. “I don’t know what to say about that other than I’m glad it’s you and not me.”
I laughed, shaking my head. “I’m glad I can be that reminder for you about how awful it is to be single.”
Perry stood, grinning. “No doubt. I’ll be at the bar if you need me.”
I nodded, sliding my phone out of my pocket and debating whether I should text Daisy.
I opened up the texts, and just seeing Daisy’s picture on her profile made my world seem steady again. Her gorgeous smile hinted at something only she knew and held close to her.
Ah, what the heck. It’s the holidays.
My fingers couldn’t keep up with my thoughts.
Hey, Daisy. I’ve been thinking about you nonstop. I miss having you at the apartment, and Purrlock won’t even look at me as if it’s my fault you left. I was thinking maybe you’d be up for a visit. I thought about heading up to Buttercup Lake tomorrow. No pressure. But those are my plans.
I stared at the screen.
Did that sound like I was at all interested?Or maybe I was too interested?
“Hunter.” Brielle’s brisk voice grated over me as my finger accidentally hitSend.
I spun on the stool to see my ex standing behind me with her slender arms folded over her chest, her dark brows raised to inhumanly possible heights, and her lips already curled into a scowl.
Merry Christmas to me.
“Hey, Brielle. You’re early.”
Her gaze stayed on mine, and she gave a quick nod.
“Did you want to get a table by the window? It’s probably a little more private.”
“That would be fine.” Her slim jeans accentuated her small waist, and the oversized sweater provided the only softness about her.
She followed me to a small table in the corner overlooking the bustling sidewalk. It didn’t hurt that my bar’s location was nestled among some great boutiques.
Brielle sat down and watched me pull out a chair and do the same.
“I don’t know how to say this, but I think being direct is the best.”
I dreaded what she was about to say. Usually, when she wanted to get back with me, she at least faked some sweetness, but today was void of that.
I nodded. “Absolutely. Brielle, I’ve moved on with my life. I’m content being alone. I like visiting my family up north more. I honestly don’t know why you reached out again after so long. Aren’t you happy with Nick?”
