Page 73 of All My Heart

I sipped my water to soothe my dry throat. “I might have said otherwise.”

Her brow creased. “Why would you do that? I didn't think you'd want your family to know what was really going on.”

“Teddy saw us, and I can't lie to them anymore.” I didn't want to. I was going to hurt when she left.

Luna looked uncertain. “I wasn't sure what you wanted me to say.”

I wanted to ask her what she thought was best, but everyone started passing food around, and she turned to grab a bowl of potatoes from Jameson.

When the food was served and we dug in, I asked Luna, “I hope that was okay.”

Luna shrugged as she took a bite. “This is your family. It's whatever you want. But Violet's going to have questions.”

The implication was clear. She'd be gone soon, so she didn't care one way or the other. Maybe I was in love with her, but she didn't feel the same way about me. She'd kept to the limits put in place for our few weeks, and I'd gone out of bounds.

I was quiet for the rest of the meal while my family asked how Violet and Luna knew each other and peppered them with questions about living in Florida. Luna talked fondly of the beach, her family, and the business. It was crazy to think she'd leave all of that for me.

She was able to keep her feelings in check because she never considered staying. She was halfway out the door when we met. I was the one who'd stupidly hoped for more.

When she talked about her design business, I saw her light up in a new way. She was excited and confident in herself. At least I'd helped her with that.

When we were finished eating, everyone got up and helped clear the table. Afterward, I found myself alone in the living room with Dad. My brothers spilled outside to hang out, but I wasn't feeling it.

Dad had a serious expression on his face. “Teddy told me you were home earlier than you said.”

The space between my shoulder blades tightened. “I'm sorry about that. But I needed some time to decompress.”

Dad gave me a look. “If you'd told me, I would have understood.”

“I was avoiding everyone until Teddy showed up at my place. He kind of forced the issue,” I said, my mouth feeling dry again.

“I can't pretend to understand what you've been through. But we want to help, not make things worse.”

I tipped my beer back. “I appreciate that. I think I just need my own space. The cabin is that for me.”

“We won't just show up like Teddy then. You come here when you want to visit.”

I nodded. “I can do that.”

Dad was quiet for a few seconds assessing me. Then loud laughter sounded from the kitchen. I looked over to find Luna's head tipped back as she laughed at whatever my sisters were saying.

Dad nodded in her direction. “What's going on with Luna?”

“Her life is in Florida. She's helping me with the cabin renovation.”

Dad made a disbelieving sound deep in his throat. “Are you sure it's not more than that?”

I glanced over at Luna, and her gaze met mine. Her cheeks flushed, and she gave me a smile before turning her attention back to Violet, who was talking animatedly with her hands.

“I'm not sure about anything anymore. I wanted time to myself, to regroup, and figure out my life going forward. I didn't expect that anyone was renting the cabin next door, and I certainly didn't plan to start up a relationship so soon. I wasn't ready.”

“These things happen when you least expect it. The timing isn't always perfect.”

“It was nice while it lasted.” Even if I wanted more, she hadn't indicated she felt the same. She was excited to get home and start her new business. I was happy for her even though my stomach sunk at the thought of her cabin sitting empty, or worse, a new tenant moving in.

“Sometimes you have to hold onto good things. You can't keep your distance from them.”

I was pretty good at keeping everyone who was important to me at arm's length. I couldn't get hurt if I didn't feel things too deeply. But I'd ignored that advice when it came to Luna, and it was going to bite me in the ass.

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