Page 31 of Choose You

“Hey Jessie Cat.” Adam stands and gives me a hug. “It’s so good to see you, again. We’ve missed you around here.”

“I’ve missed you guys, too. It’s definitely good to be back.”

“Word is you’re thinking about staying. Is that true?”

I scrunch up my face and shrug. “Thinking about it. I don’t want to sell the vineyard, and if I keep it, I’ll need to be here. But there’s a lot to consider before I make a decision.”

“I imagine there is. Whatever you decide, just don’t forget, we’re all here for you.”

“Thanks. That means a lot to me.” Adam was always more like a brother than a neighbor. He looked out for me long before Matthew came to live with them. I’ve missed him and the rest of the Langdons more than I’ve allowed myself to acknowledge.

He turns to the woman sitting next to him. “Did you meet Camille earlier today?”

“No, I didn’t.” I reach out to shake her hand, but she pulls me in for a hug instead.

When my body stiffens, she chuckles. “Sorry. I guess I’ve lived here long enough now that I hug everyone.”

“That’s okay.” I smile and let myself relax in her embrace. “You’d think I’d be used to that since I grew up here. So, how do you know Adam?”

“Well, I hired him to renovate the chalet I bought and now we live together.”

For the first time since I arrived my smile feels genuine. I look at Adam and he’s wearing the same big grin. “You mean you two are together?”

“Yep.” He pulls Camille closer and kisses her cheek.

I clasp my hands in front of my chest and bounce on the balls ofmy feet. “I’m so happy for you. If anyone deserves to find happiness, it’s you.”

Adam glances over his shoulder at Matthew. To my surprise, he’s talking to David, and it looks like they’re having a pleasant conversation. I search the room for Blaire and she’s standing across the island from David. She turns toward me like she knows I’m watching and shrugs. I shouldn’t be surprised to see David seek out Matthew and make whatever was wrong earlier right.

“You know, I’m not the only one who deserves happiness,” Adam says, dragging my eyes back to him. He kisses Camille again, and the way she nods at him is like a secret conversation only they can hear. Matthew and I used to have that. Seeing it between Adam and Camille makes me sad. He releases her and wraps his arm around my shoulder, leading me away from the group.

“Adam.” I drop my head into my hand and rub my forehead. “I know what you’re suggesting, but it hurts too much to be near him.”

“Of course, it does. It always hurts when two people who love each other as much as you two do fight to stay apart.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“It never is. I realize I don’t know what happened between you two, but I know he loves you. And from what I see in you, you still love him, too.”

“Yeah, well,” I wipe a rogue tear off my cheek, “love isn’t always enough.”

“That’s where you’re wrong. Love isalwaysenough. Love is everything. You have to fight for the ones you love. Go to the ends of the earth and back again if that’s what it takes.”

His words hit me hard. Tears stream down my cheeks, and I’m struggling to not completely fall apart in front of Adam and whoever else is close enough to see me.

Adam reaches for me and pulls me close. “Oh, Jess. I didn’t mean to upset you. You know you’ve always been like a sister to me. I just want to see both of you happy. That’s never gonna happen unless you give each other a chance.”

“But how can I after everything he’s done? I don’t think I can ever forgive him.”

“Sure you can. You love him. That’s a fact you can’t deny. Luckyfor you, love and forgiveness go hand-in-hand.”

I don’t have anything to say to that because deep down there’s a part of me that knows he’s right. Instead, I let him hold me until I stop crying.

I finish curlingmy hair and take one last look at myself in the full-length mirror on the back of my door. My long blond hair hangs in loose curls past my shoulders. I decided to wear my favorite white dress. It’s a halter style dress with a deep V that shows lots of cleavage. Add the A-line fit under my breasts and the flowy skirt that hits just above my knees and this dress accentuates all my best features. Not that I care that my features are on display. It’s not like I’m trying to catch anyone’s eye.

Keep telling yourself that, Jess.

I let Gracie and Leann talk me into a night out at Stocks and Stables. According to Gracie, it's still the place to hang out on a Friday night. She said everyone comes out to dance and drink a few beers to unwind after a work week—even Matthew. So yeah, I might be getting dressed up for him.

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