Page 77 of Tell Me Something True

Her throat tightened. It was hers. Absolutely. For not sharing the deepest, most secret parts of herself. For keeping so much hidden.

For still being so scared to share those pieces of herself with him now, even though she desperately wanted to.

But it was also his for demanding so much from her. For whatever small amount she did give never being enough.

“I’m taking off,” Reed said, drawing her attention away from Miles. “I can ask the kid to keep Titus while I meet you at Bissett’s. Drive you back here.”

“How did you know I need to return the truck to Bissett’s?”

He and Miles exchanged yet another amused glance. So glad she and her cluelessness could bring them together. “It’s the only place in town that handles moving rentals.”

“Oh. Thank you, but I’ll just walk back.”

“It’s over on Canfield Street.” When she just looked at him blankly, he added, “On the other side of town.”

“Well, as I’m learning—and from all those smug looks you two keep sharing—Mount Laurel is so very small and insular. I’m sure it won’t be a problem.”

“It’s over two miles from here.”

A two mile walk back here? In the summer heat, after those twenty-seven trips up and down her stairs?

No amount of pride was worth that.

“In that case, I’d love a ride. Thank you.” She turned to Miles. “And thank you for your help. I’m sure this wasn’t how you planned on spending your Sunday morning.”

An hour and a half ago she’d wanted to talk to him, but ever since he’d brushed her off, all her doubts and fears and her many, many insecurities had been bubbling to the surface.

That was the problem with burying them instead of dealing with them.

They always found a way to come up for air.

But she was tired. And hungry. Hot and sweaty, and a far cry from the cool, calm, convincing persona she’d wanted to put on when she saw him again.

She needed time to regroup, refocus, and refresh. Then, after her life and apartment were a little more organized, in a few days or weeks, after she was settled in her new job, she’d go to him for all that previously-planned apologizing, explaining, and truth telling.

She thought he’d fight her on this. He’d obviously come here for a confrontation. Or at least, an interrogation.

She wasn’t up for either.

And maybe she was testing him. Just a bit. Seeing if he pushed her for more, like he used to do. Or walk away like he’d done at the bar that night.

Trying to figure out which version of Miles she was dealing with. Old or new.

Only to have that answer a moment later when he turned and left without a word.

Chapter 15

Miles made it as far as the back of Walsh’s truck before he stopped.

He was fucked. No matter how much he wished he could let this go, he couldn’t. He’d rushed over here to get answers. But after moving Tabitha’s furniture into her new apartment, he’d told himself he knew everything he needed to know.

She really was here.

She really was staying.

Nothing else should matter.

Spying Walsh rounding the corner of the house, his dog at his side, Miles walked down the sidewalk, meeting him in front of the porch. “Where’s Tabitha?”

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