AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Didn’t Nora already do that?” That question comes from Nathan.
“She sure did. Abandoned me, abandoned our son. But she can change her mind until the damn ink touches the paper.”
“So what are you going to do?”
A group of rowdy college-aged girls enters the bar, disrupting the quiet environment. I lean closer to hear my friends.
“Wait. Work on selling the house. Actually, I have an idea I could use your guys’ help with. Evie is adamantly against taking any money from me, but I’ll be damned if she returns to Arrow Creek to continue sleeping in her car.”
“Another stubborn-ass woman, huh? And I thought Kiersten was bad.” Nathan chuckles.
“What do you need from us?” Law asks.
“Tools and expertise. Also, your time.” My phone rings from my back pocket, disrupting the discussion of my plans. I dig it out hurriedly, but my gut turns to stone at the unfamiliar number on the screen. Not Evie calling. I answer anyway.
“Hello?”
“She doesn’t know I’m calling you.”
“Caiti?” I rise from my stool without sparing the guys a glance to find quiet outside. The warm summer air feels pleasant.
“She told me what happened. Totally broke down and confessed when she got here. I thought someone should let you know she’s safe.”
“I want you to know how incredibly sorry I am.” I approach the patio railing and lean on the weathered wood with my weight on my forearms.
“Thank you,” she whispers, her voice thick.
“I called Eric’s phone a bit ago.” I wince on his name and forge on. “Tate answered. Same idea you had calling me, but I didn’t know your number.”
“Oh. You should know you don’t have anything to worry about. He’s here because he was Eric’s best friend.”
“I know.”
“You should also know I’ve seen the way she looks at you. If you didn’t already know, her heart is in your hands.”
“I know.” I stop her from saying more. “But this isn’t about that. I appreciate you calling and letting me know she’s safe. Now go take care of each other until she’s ready to come home. I can wait.”
“I’ll get her back to you as soon as I can.”
“Don’t rush on my account,” I reassure her.
“I’m rushing on hers. I don’t want her to waste a single second.”
Her words strike me like a sledgehammer. The thought of losing Evie settles a tight feeling in my throat.
“You’re welcome to come back with her. I hope you know that we’d be happy to have you.”
“She’s coming. I have to go.” Caiti avoids addressing my invitation and instead hangs up the phone.
I save her number and tuck my cell back into my pocket. Rather than rush back inside, I clasp my hands and hang my head, welcoming the stillness of the night. The sounds of leaves rustling accompany a gentle breeze.
Alone, bathed in the yellow patio lights and the twinkling stars, I feel it.
Now I need to make sure Evie can feel it too.
“Everything all right?” Nathan steps up beside me and extends my glass. I take a welcome drink.
“Uh, yeah. As right as it can be with the woman I’m falling for somewhere across the country.”
