Page 126 of Somewhere You Belong

I stare off into space for so long—numb, angry, remorseful, and shocked, that I have no idea how much time has passed. But as I read through the letter once more, my brain flips back on when I see Willow’s name again.

I need to talk to her. I need to make things right.

So, I find my keys on the counter again and head back to the restaurant so I can shower because I smell like ass and feel pretty shitty too. I practically run back to my car once I’m clean and speed to her house, hoping to God she won’t shut the door in my face.

This woman had no part in our complicated connection. I know that now.

She was just this innocent little girl that lost her parents and inherited a house as a peace offering.

My mother was right. I have no basis for placing blame on her, and if it weren’t for this crazy situation she never would have crashed into my life.

I just hope she’ll let me tell her that.

When I pull up to the house, her car isn’t there.

Maybe she went to the bakery for muffins? Or out to run an errand?

I wait on the porch for two hours before I finally decide to text her. I wanted to surprise her, but at this point, I want to make sure she knows I’m trying to make this right.

Me:Hey. I’m at your house. Where are you? I want to talk. There’s so much I need to say.

My phone is silent for about fifteen minutes before I finally get a reply.

Willow:I’m halfway to D.C. Stopped to charge my car.

No. Shit. I’m too late.

Me:Fuck. Turn around, Willow. Please. I’m so sorry, baby.

Willow:I can’t. I need to go home for a while. I have a lot to think about.

Me:I’m so fucking sorry, Willow.I can make this right, I know it. I talked to my mom. She told me everything. Please don’t leave like this.

Willow:I’m sorry too.

Me:When will you be back?

Willow:I don’t know.

Me:Please come back to me.

But I don’t get a reply, and that’s when I wonder…Have I lost her forever?

Chapter twenty-one

Willow

“Willow? What are you doing here?” Katrina walks into my office at seven in the morning, shocked that I’m not in Carrington Cove. But it might also be my lack of makeup, my puffy eyes, and my athleisure outfit that cause her shock.

“I need to work.” I start shuffling papers around my desk, looking for a file that I’m sure was here when I left. But Katrina’s hands come down on mine, stopping my search.

“Willow. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” My bottom lip trembles but I reach up and pull it away from my face to keep it from moving more. “Totally fine,” I say in garbled words.

“Not to sound insensitive, but you sound like Ross fromFriendsright now when he’s had too many margaritas.”

I release my lip and focus back on my computer. “No margaritas for me. I’ve just been driving for the last six hours.” My fingers start to dance over the keys on my keyboard, even though the damn computer isn’t on.

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