Page 64 of Wanting You

Tanner.

Honestly, he was the only thing keeping her sane right now.

Crouching down beside her, he asked, “You doing okay?”

“No.”

“Want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Chloe, come on. It can’t be that bad.”

Another sigh.

But…she knew she couldn’t sit here like this forever. “I don’t want to go and see my mom today,” she mumbled.

“O-kay…”

“It’s weird with my dad there. Like…I don’t even really remember what it was like to live with the two of them; all I know is how my mom used to talk bad about him. Now he’s like the only one willing to be there for her and they’re all cheery and happy and having a great time!”

Placing a hand on her knee, he said, “But that should be a good thing. They’re getting along and trying to finally move forward.”

Now she raised her head. “They should have done that while we were kids when it was actually important.” And yes, she was pouting, but she felt fully entitled to this. “I would have loved to sit and hang around doing puzzles with the two of them when I was younger! Now it’s just awkward.”

“They’re doing puzzles?”

She nodded. “Oh, yeah. A big 1,000-piece Thomas Kincaid Disney one. It’s sickening!”

“Don’t you think you’re being just a little…”

“Crazy?” she interrupted. “Because I do. I think I’m totally behaving like I’m crazy, but I can’t help it.” With a huff, she twisted to fully face him. “You know what? The last couple of years have been great. And do you know why?”

He shook his head.

“Because things were steady and predictable. I was settled into teaching my class, my siblings all had some drama, but for the most part, my life was nice and boring and it really worked for me. But now? Now…the town’s changing, school’s changing, I just moved into a house, my parents are living together, and…and then there’s you!”

“Me?”

Another nod. “And you’re seriously the only thing keeping me sane throughout most of this, but there’s still an element of me not knowing what’s around the corner and it scares me!”

God…why? Why are you blabbering on about this stuff?

When she really looked at him, he was frowning. And Tanner rarely frowned.

“Wait,” he began as he stood and straightened. “I’m not sure what just happened here. One minute you were upset about doing a puzzle with your parents and then it went to your life being out of control. I’m kind of at a loss for words.”

“Well that’s shocking,” she murmured.

“Excuse me?”

“Tanner, you always have something to say. All the time. In every situation. You’re like a PR dream because you always seem to do and say the right thing. Can’t you just…do that now?”

He blinked at her for a moment. “I honestly don’t even know what we’re talking about,” he said with a mirthless laugh. “You’re uncomfortable with your parents? So don’t go there today. No one’s forcing you. As for the town and school growth? There’s nothing I can do about that. Things change and not all change is bad. And honestly, none of that has anything to do with you. You’re still this awesome teacher who everybody loves. Maybe stop focusing on all the things you think are bad and focus on…you know…all the things that are good.” He took a hesitant step toward her. “Like us.”

Her shoulders sagged because she truly was acting out of character. It felt like she was on an emotional roller coaster and she really wanted to get off, but didn’t know how.

“We really are good,” she quietly agreed, reaching out and taking one of his hands in hers. “And I appreciate you so much. I feel like I’ve been a little selfish in this relationship and I’m sorry about that. It’s been a lot about my family and me and my feelings.”

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