Page 89 of Tell Me Again

“What if you get there, and he doesn’t want to see you?”

“Y-yeah. Yeah, that.”

Her breath catches, and she squeezes me gently and then kisses my cheek. “Then you’ll have another week to convince him otherwise?”

I let out a small laugh, but I don’t feel it. Brenna’s right though. I should definitely get back on the road.

“You’re sure you’ll be okay?” I ask, because I really need to know.

“Yeah, I will. And I’ve got enough friends here. If I really need someone—”

“I feel like I’m abandoning you,” I cut in, guilt rippling through me as I straighten up and turn to face her. “I feel terrible, and I hate this feeling, and I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, Bren. You don’t deserve any of this. You don’t... I’m so sorry.”

Her eyes are kind, as always, and her smile grows into her wonderful, silly smile as she shakes her head lightly. “I know you’re not abandoning me, Josh. In fact, I’m kicking you out, aren’t I?” She obviously overheard my rambling message to Coop, and she’s totally joking now. But when she stands up and offers me her hand, her expression turns more serious. “You do know Coop might see things a little differently. And I know you don’t want him to feel like he’s been abandoned a second time...”

“God, no. That’s the last thing I want.” I take her hand, and she tugs gently, pulling me to my feet.

“Then get out of here.” She’s trying to be playful still, and she turns me and then sort of shoves me toward the door, following as I go. “Drive carefully, though, please.”

I stuff my phone back in my pocket and stop in front of the door to pick up my duffle bag. I hesitate one more time as I turn around to face her. Her expression is different this time. Encouraging, maybe, but there’s also a touch of sadness. And I wonder again if I should stay. But she shakes her head.

“Go, Josh. He’ll be happy to see you. I know it.”

I blink back tears, because she’s just too wonderful to me, and I nod. “Thank you, Bren.”

She smiles. “Text me when you get there. Just so I know you’re safe.”

“Of course.”

And she hugs me one last time before I grab my other suitcase and take off back to the parking garage.

It’s just after three by the time I’m on the road again, this time in my own car, which unfortunately is not nearly as nice as Brenna’s. The rain is coming down harder and harder by the second, and although Google Maps is telling me the drive is going to take me at least five hours because of traffic and road conditions, I see the time start ticking up as I pull out of the garage.

Shit.

I wish I knew whether Coop had gotten my message. Or the flowers. Or the note I’d written him. I wish I knew what to expect—whether he’s looking forward to seeing me or whether I’m going to get shut right down. Kicked out. Sent back to Omaha.

But most of all, what I really, really wish is that when I see him next—whether it’s in five hours or later—I’ll get to hug him, tell him I love him, show him I mean it.

I hope he’ll give me yet another chance.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Coop

One foot in front of the other. One table and then on to the next. One more cup of coffee, one more order, one more check. One more fucking fake smile.

One more hour.

It’s after nine, and I’m dragging. My feet hurt, and my shoulders and neck ache. And somehow, the diner is still packed, like the whole fucking town has decided to congregate. I guess that happens sometimes when the weather is shitty like it is now. It makes for good tips, but I need a break. And I need this day to be over so I can go home and wallow in my own fucking tears and uncertainty.

I also need some more Advil.

He hadn’t called. At least, not before my shift started. And it’s been so busy, I haven’t even had a moment to check my phone. It’s seriously been fucking nonstop since just before three. But one more hour, and I should be able to get the fuck out of here. And then I’ll have to talk myself into it—checking my phone—because if he didn’t actually call...

Fuck.

I’m shaking as I grab another pot of coffee and push my way back out into the dining room, but I paste that fake smile back on my face. Everyone’s loud and chatty, and several people see me and hold up their coffee cups like they’re summoning me. There are a few shouts of “Hey, Coop! More coffee!” and “Anyone wanna order another pie?” And I try. I smile and joke and laugh as I make my way around the dining room.

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