Page 118 of Escaping Our Reality

Finally, we have no other choice but to pull away.

It’s either that or suffocate to death.

“Bye, Lulu.” He turns around and walks over to his truck.

My heart races in my chest and anxiety fires in the pit of my stomach, sending acid into my throat. I’m worrying for no reason. Everything is gonna be just fine.

His hand freezes on the door handle when he hears my voice. “Ask me.”

He sighs. “Tell me something. Something no one else knows.”

“I love you. I love you, Ryland Joseph Crutchfield.”

His lip curves into a half-smile. “But I already know that.”

I shrug. “I guess someone taught me how to break the rules.”

Then My Ry drives away. Taking my heart with him.

Chapter 48

ELLA

I’m gonna kill him.

Literally.

I’ve been home for twenty-four hours, and he hasn’t called or come to see me. True, I was completely exhausted when I fell into bed the minute I walked through the door at two p.m. yesterday. I didn’t even wake up until after eleven this morning. That stomach bug has really kicked my ass. I ended up getting the same stomach bug that Harlan had, apparently. I guess it was going around right before I left. I still had a great time, and it didn’t prevent me from doing any of the charity work or the fun activities, but it left me drained and weak and exhausted. With not much of an appetite.

I fully expected to see dozens of missed calls and texts from him when I woke up, but there was nothing. And I called and texted him the second our wheels hit the tarmac. In fact, he should be here, banging down my door, demanding to be let in. Tired of waiting, I call the body shop. Harlan answers on the fourth ring.

“Ella! It’s so good to know that you’re back home, safe and sound. Was it fun, sweetheart?”

“It was absolutely amazing. I met some wonderful people and really feel like we made a difference. I’ll tell you all about it, I promise. But first I need to kill him. He hasn’t even called or texted. Put him on the phone so I can yell at him.” I’m laughing at myself, so I miss what Harlan says. “Oh, sorry, what did you say?”

I’m having a really hard time hearing. Harlan sounds like he’s whispering. “Why don’t you just come on out here?”

“Sounds good. On my way. And I have souvenirs for you too.” I grab my purse from the kitchen counter and race to my car. I smile during the whole drive. I can’t wait to see Ry. Be with him. Touch him.

Maybe I won’t kill him after all.

His truck is parked in its normal spot when I pull in. I run my fingers across the tailgate as I jog into the open bay. Harlan immediately wraps me in a hug. “You are one pretty sight for this old man’s eyes. I haven’t seen you in a month!”

“I know; I missed you too.”

He holds me at arm’s length, studying me. The trip bronzed my already tanned skin and left a scattering of sun freckles across the bridge of my nose. “You look great.”

“Thanks. I feel pretty good. I did come down with that stomach bug you had before I left, though.” His brow furrows in concern, but I ignore him, looking over his shoulder. “Where’s he at? In the bathroom?”

“He’s not here, Ella.”

I shake my head, correcting Harlan. “Yeah, his truck is outside. The wrecker is here too, so he can’t be out on a run. Did he just get back from one?” I raise my voice, hollering to him in case he’s in the bedroom. “Ry!”

Harlan grabs my shoulders, forcing me to look at him. “Sweetheart, he’s not here. He left. He left town.”

Huh? What?

“What are you talking about?”

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