Page 28 of Wild Nights

Mom had been devastated, and I had been confused. At first, I thought he'd come back. That it was just an argument. But it became clear very quickly; Dad had no plans of working on his relationship with my mom. He'd already moved onto someone else, and we never stood a chance. I wouldn't put myself in that same situation.

One morning, I was cooking breakfast when Ginny came in.

Pleased, I said, "I can make you eggs too. I wasn't sure if you'd be home."

Ginny smiled, waving a hand at me as she rushed through the room. "I'm just home to shower and grab some clothes. Waylon wants to go to the harvest festival. You want to come with us?"

"I wouldn't want to be a third wheel."

Ginny tipped her head, considering me. "Are you sure? It's going to be fun."

"I have some work to do."

"Okay. I'll be quick," she said before dashing out of the room. I heard the water start a few seconds later.

I made my eggs and sat down at the table, opening my laptop to peruse my schedule for the next six months. Ididn't host as many conferences in the winter. There was usually a lull from December to February. That's why I agreed to organize the holiday bazaar. I wanted to stay busy. And maybe if I could break into the holiday conference scene, it would be an additional source of income for the offseason.

I was picking at my now-cold eggs when Ginny returned, freshly showered with an overnight bag.

My chest tightened. What if she moved in with him? I'd be alone. From the looks of it, it was only a matter of time before Ginny did. It would be easier than stopping by for more clothes every once in a while.

Ginny dropped her bag on the floor and sat across from me. She folded her hands in front of her. "I'm worried about you."

That caught me off guard. "You're worried about me?"

"All you do is work. When was the last time you went on a date?"

Did that night with Oliver count? Probably not. "I've been traveling so much. Fall is conference season, and I need to make up for the slow months." November was my busiest month. It was like everyone wanted to schedule their conference before the holidays.

Ginny sighed. "I feel bad leaving you here like this."

I looked down at my pajamas and slippers. "Like what?"

"You're by yourself all the time, either here or at whatever hotel you're working at. Are you lonely?"

"I'm not lonely." I'd always been happy with my life, traveling from one place to another, taking pride in a conference that went off without any issues. Or at least none I couldn't solve quickly. But lately, I was starting to wonder if there wasn't more for me.

Ginny had Waylon, and even Mom was trying to date again. I loved how I felt in Oliver's arms, but it was a fling. Not something to base a future relationship on.

I shrugged and attempted to smile. "You know me. I'll be fine."

Ginny's forehead wrinkled.

"I'm used to being alone. I prefer it. Remember? That's why this arrangement works. I need a place to crash when I'm in between conferences, and you wanted a roommate."

Ginny shifted on her chair. "About that. I was thinking about asking Waylon about the possibility of moving in together.”

I frowned. "Are you sure that's a good idea? What if you want to break up, but you're stuck in a lease."

"It'll be fine."

I didn't think she was considering the possibilities of what could go wrong. "It's always better to have your own place, to be independent."

Ginny blew out a breath. "Not everyone is Dad."

My shoulders tightened. "I know that."

She dipped her chin. "Do you? You've never been serious about a guy. You always hold them at arm's length if you give them a chance at all."

---