Page 15 of Choose You

“You’re a good person, Jess. I’m not sure everyone would be able to do that.”

“What choice do I have?”

He’s silent for a moment, almost too silent and I start to wonder if I lost him again. But then he speaks. “You said it’s a big house, right? Why don’t you just stay there? Make him sweat it out.”

“Hell, no. Not happening. Can you just start looking for a place for me to stay? It doesn’t have to be in town, but close. I’m desperate here.”

“Okay, if that’s what you want.”

“Yes, it’s what I want.”

He falls silent again. David has never met Matthew, but he and Blaire know almost every detail of our relationship—from the day I met him by the creek to the day I found out he married Emily. For reasons I’ve never fully understood, David’s always been in favor of seeing me with Matthew again. But I’d be a fool to even consider that path.

“Spit it out, David,” I blurt out, too anxious to wait for him to tell me what he’s thinking.

“What happened to his wife again?”

I roll my eyes. He knows what happened to her. “She died in childbirth. Why?”

“Well, if she’s gone, and you and Matt had this great connection, why not see if anything can come of it?”

“Why am I not surprised by this? I’ve given that man so many chances over the years. His chances are done.”

“I understand why you feel that way, but I think you should at least have it out with him. I still think there’s more to the story as to why he married this woman. You should ask him.”

“I don’t need to ask him. BecausemyMatt, the one that loved me and promised to marry me, would never have married another woman. Not for any reason under the sun. The fact that he did proves he was never really mine in the first place. It was all a lie.”

“I hear you, Jess. I really do. But I’m a guy, and we do dumb shit. All. The. Time. You need closure from this. It’s been five years and you still won’t date. Whether you want to admit it or not, Matt still has a hold on you. Until you have it out with him, I’m afraid he always will.”

God, I hate David and his logic sometimes. He’s right. About all of it. Matthew’s been the only man for me. Despite how many times Matthew told me to date others—to test the waters and make sure my feelings for him were real—I never did. I didn’t need to date other men to know I loved him. I knew the minute I met him that he was my soulmate.

“Now is not the time for that. Right now, all I need is a place to stay. Will you help me search or not?”

He exhales slowly. “Okay. I’ll see what I can find. Stay close to your phone. I’ll call you as soon as I find something.”

“Thanks. Talk to you soon.”

We hang up just as I approach Main Street. The sign for Sweet Cakes and Coffee is the first thing I see, and my stomach immediately growls. It’s almost noon and I haven’t eaten much today.

Food and searching for a place to stay will be a good distraction. After I eat, falling into a soft, comfortable bed sounds ideal. With any luck, I’ll fall asleep and wake up when it's a new day.

I pull my car into a parking space and grab my laptop bag andpurse. If they have Wi-Fi, then I can help David search. I don’t need much, just a room with a bed that’s far away from Matthew.

I openthe door to Sweet Cakes, surprised there aren’t more people inside. It’s almost lunch time and I expected it to be busy considering its prime tourist season. But most of the tables are open, and there’s only a few guests inside.

I pick a table in the corner, and set my stuff down in one of the chairs. Before I have a chance to head to the counter a woman a few years older than me approaches. She has long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and a warm smile on her face.

“Hello, there.” Her smile is huge and her eyes radiate happiness. The joy I see in her eyes instantly makes me feel a little better. “Can I get you something? Coffee, pastry, maybe a lunch sandwich?”

“Do you make mocha cappuccinos?” I ask. I don’t indulge in them often, but today I need a pick me up.

“Sure do. Would you like whipped cream on it?”

“No.” I pause and lift my finger in the air. “You know what? Yes, I’d love whipped cream. Thank you.” I glance at the chalkboard menu and quickly read through the lunch options. “And one of those turkey and Swiss croissant sandwiches.”

“Coming right up.” She heads back to the counter, and I plop into the seat like I haven’t sat down in weeks.

I’m completely exhausted, and this visit from hell has just begun. I can’t wait to see how much more interesting things get when Ryan arrives tomorrow. I’m sure he’s got a million reasons—none of which will matter to me—to why he never told me about Matthew buying the house. We may not see each other often, but Ryan and I have remained close since losing our parents. This is something he should’ve told me.

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