Page 50 of All Our Secrets

But that also meant the annual FCR vacation was coming up, which led to Steven pestering me. I’d never gone with them, and once Peyton entered the picture, I was even more adamant in my refusal. I saw her with Theodore enough around the club. It never got easier. And witnessing them doing something as romantic as vacationing? Yeah, fuck that.

I’d only envisioned strangling my best friend a thousand times while he had the girl. It wasn’t his fault I made a stupid choice that unfortunate day. But then again, would anything have changed if I had come forward and told Peyton who I was? I spent too much time wondering about the what-ifs to know I fucked up. Out of anger, out of jealousy, and most of all, out of fear, I’d lost the only person I adored.

But I wouldn’t make that same mistake again. If I didn’t have her in my orbit, I’d go insane. Theodore would have to accept that I couldn’t leave her alone. When he remembered our final conversation, he’d know. It killed me that the only communication I had with Peyton was a daily text. And all that consisted of was a “no” to my questions. I was at my limit. Theodore was in her home. She might not see him, but I didn’t like it. I wanted so desperately to pull her and T.J. out of there. I just hadn’t figured out how I’d succeed in getting her to leave the house.

Flicking a bottle cap across the bar top, I muttered, “I’ve never gone on any of these vacations before. What makes you think the answer will be different now?”

Steven dragged his fingers through his hair. “Come on, King. We’re not getting any younger. Get out of town and live some while you’re still able.”

“No, I’m good right here.”

I was the only single one left. What would I do with a bunch of families?Wait.That wasn’t exactly true. Peyton was a widow now, and T.J. was so little. I doubted she’d want to go either. All the more reason for me to stay home.

“You’re such a loser,” he went on.

“Who are you calling a loser?” Sarah questioned, walking into the cabin with Devin.

“You guys reserve your hotel rooms yet?” Steven asked them.

“Ah, so that’s what this is about.” Devin chuckled.

Sarah put a hand on her hip. “You coming with us, King?”

“Nope.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Sarah walked over and placed several bags on the counter beside me.

Steven raised a brow. “You cooking here?”

“No. These are the chips and things for tomorrow. I’m going home to start on the treats. Peyton’s been making them all day.”

I perked up at Peyton’s name.

“Her mom is a real piece of work, isn’t she?” Steven started. “When Roxy told me how she spoke to Peyton at the hospital—”

“Steven,” I warned.

“What? I’m speaking the truth. Even Theo talked about the woman when he was alive.”

My grip tightened on the bottle.

Sarah noticed and jumped in. “Don’t bring up stuff about Peyton’s mom around her, okay? She’s gone through a lot.”

“I know, but I’m just saying—”

“That new wife of yours going to pitch in with the bake sale, or is she going to let Sarah and Peyton do all the work?” I asked to goad Steven. The shithead was on his third marriage. He had unique excuses about how all his exes were to blame for the divorces, but everyone knew it was his inability to keep his dick in his pants.

Sarah covered her mouth to hide her smile. “Deborah is bringing her famous casserole.”

Steven paled as I smirked. Deborah was his first wife.

“Man, she makes a mean dish,” Devin piped in.

“The best,” Sarah agreed.

“Why is she coming?” Steven groaned, which earned him three chuckles.

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