Page 29 of A Small Town Risk

I glance at Carson for help. He looks pained, and Elle seems pissed as she stares at Nancy. My parents appear uncomfortable.

At this point, I don’t think Nancy should be working in a hospital; she should be patient in one, on the psych floor, where she can get the help she needs.

“We’re not getting married,” I tell her. “If I said that, I must have been under the influence or mistaken you for someone else.”

I should add that there is only one woman for me, and she’s not here.

“I knew it,” Elle shouts.

“You said you loved me,” Nancy states.

What? The expression in her eyes unsettles me.

“If I said that, I wasn’t talking to you.”

“You dirty…” She runs out crying and I don’t even feel sorry for her. She’s the one who started this mess.

“Is there someone?” Mom speaks up.

“Yes. Parker. I love Parker.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

PARKER

I promised to go to Elle’s tonight.

Despite my reluctance, I understand how important it is for me to get out again, even with a broken heart. I heard that Ryan has been discharged from the hospital, but I haven’t asked about it, and nobody has mentioned anything.

I drag myself into the shower, the sweet scent of lavender soap filling the steamy air, offering a small sense of solace. The warm water flows over me, giving me a moment of comfort, but not really helping with the sadness. However, I feel a slight uplift in my spirits as I step out.

I carefully brush and dry my hair, then apply mascara and a bit of blush, each stroke a hopeful attempt to bring a hint of color to my pale face. My reflection skillfully masks the turmoil inside — it’s hard to believe this is the face of someone whose heart had been broken.

Finally, I dress in a green checkered maxi dress and sandals, a simple choice that speaks to my desire for some semblance of normalcy in this tumultuous time.

On the drive, I continually fight the urge to turn back. I’ve granted myself the freedom to immerse in grief, but no more. I can do this.

As Elle’s house comes into view, calm replaces anxiety. Being among friends, even in my vulnerable state, feels safe.

I park the truck and rush up the stairs, expecting Elle’s usual warm welcome. Her absence at the door unnerves me. With unease, I knock and then push my way inside. A glance at my watch confirms I’m on time. I move past the foyer towards the kitchen, each step heavier than the last.

Then I see him, Ryan, standing near the kitchen island. My heart skips a beat, the rhythm jarring. His presence, unexpected and jolting, is the last thing I expected.

“We need to talk,” he states, his voice reverberating in the calmness, a firmness tinged with an unspoken feeling that stirs the air.

Panic surges within me. I whirl around, the sound of my breath loud in my ears, every instinct screaming to flee. The idea of confronting him feels like facing a tempest head-on; the emotions I’ve been holding at bay, a dam about to break.

“Please stay,” he begs, his voice becoming gentle, creating an atmosphere of vulnerability. It halts my retreat. Despite the chaos within, there’s something in his plea that resonates, a quiet call urging me to stay and face the storm I’ve been avoiding.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

RYAN

Pain crosses her face before she turns and takes a step. I’ll go after her if I have to because I’m done waiting.

I utter two simple words before she goes any further.

“Please stay.”

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