Page 88 of The Only Time

They all share in a little chuckle which makes me feel oddly self-conscious. Not something I’m used to feeling around a bunch of guys.

“It would be easy to hate you for hurting our sister, but we’ve all made these stupid mistakes with our women,” Lucas replies. “Mia has opened up to our wives about how she feels like she was always the one helping us out during our stupid moments and making it right. This is our way of returning the favor to her. She deserves all the happiness in the world, and if being with you would make her happy, then it’s a no-brainer for us. We trust our sister and her instincts. If she’s in love with you, there’s probably good reason to be.”

I hate the idea that she felt like she did all the fighting for her brothers without anyone doing the same for her.

After I promise to them that I will be taking the time to make sure I know what I’m doing when I do it, they all stand up and head back inside. When we get to my front door, Marcus turns to me.

“One more thing,” he starts. “Next time an Italian visits your house, offer food, wine…something. You’re a shitty host.”

That makes me laugh. I can see these guys becoming extended brothers. I clap him on the shoulder. “Noted, man. I’ll work on my hosting skills.”

After I close the door, Asher and Liam stand there with their arms crossed.

“So,” Liam states deeply.

“Sooo,” I draw out, not sure what he’s looking for.

He rolls his eyes. “What’s your plan?”

I throw my arms up in the air. “They just left two seconds ago. You think I’ve had time to come up with my plan?”

“Well, don’t take too long,” Asher replies. “Come to think of it, make sure you tell us the plan when you come up with it.”

“Why would I do that?” I ask.

His eyes open wide like I should know. “So, we make sure you don’t do anything stupid.”

I chuckle. “Get the fuck out of my house. I need to be alone and think.”

As they walk out, Asher turns. “And when were you going to tell me that you quit your job?”

“Stop distracting me. I don’t have time for that right now.”

I close the door and for the first time since I left Cleveland, I feel a glimmer of hope.

“Dude, this is so weird,” Liam whines as he holds the camera. “Why the fuck did I agree to do this for you?”

I stand straight in my barn with my hands on my hips. “I already told you. Mia said it was something she would love. I’m grasping at straws here. I just want to put a smile on her face. To remind her that despite the drama of the last couple of weeks, we need to remember our time together and how good it was. I want her to remember why she fell in love with me.”

“Yeah, I didn’t think it would be this weird until now,” he whines.

I roll my eyes and adjust my low hanging jeans. “Just take the fucking picture, asshole.”

He bitches and moans the entire way through, but eventually we get all of the shots that I need. I look around my barn to make sure I have everything. I plan to leave in two days when I have everything that I need to make the trip. I don’t know how long I’ll be gone or if I’ll be returning to pack my stuff up and move, but I’m ready for whatever it takes to win her back.

To say that my mom was happy when I told her what my plans are is an understatement. She’s on cloud nine and so relieved that I’ve opened my heart up to love again. I didn’t realize how much stress my misery was causing her.

I also never thought I’d go through such lengths to be with someone. It’s amazing how much clicked when I heard she was hurt. I’ll forever feel shame when I think about what it took to open my eyes to my feelings, but I can’t dwell on that right now.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Mia

Being back in the office is helping a bit. Throwing myself into my work helps keep my mind off of Eric. If I’m not thinking about him, then I’m not kicking myself for pushing him away. I don’t know how many times I’ve picked up my phone and almost called him, begging for him to forgive me for pushing him away.

I’m so miserable that I wonder if I even care if he doesn’t love me the way I love him. I’d rather feel the relief of talking to him right now than worry about if I lose him down the road.

If that sounds desperate, then that shows exactly where I am emotionally right now.

---