Page 101 of Building What's Meant to Be

“Me too, buddy. Me too.”

The next morning, I want to go to Bubba’s and visit him, Tammy, and the restaurant one more time. Walk through the field to the hives, and apologize to Beatrice for having to put off her dream.

Instead, Aiden waits for me with the Maybach running to bring me to Sweethearts—little does anyone know it’s my last shift. I don’t meet his eyes, but imagine they’re as dark-rimmed as mine. The drive to town is agonizing silence. His tight grip on the wheel may as well be a vice around my chest. The sky is clear, but the air sticks in my lungs.

“Thanks,” I say when he drops me off in front of Sweethearts Bakery & Café.

“I can keep Brave for you today if you’d like,” Aiden offers when I’m halfway out of the car.

I pause, considering. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m leaving, Aiden.”

“No,” he says sharply. “Please don’t—”

“Aiden, I have to.”

“What about us?”

Inside, I have a Tinsley Tantrum and my mind spins with lots of Tinsley-splaining. On the outside, I remain calm and clear. “I don’t think it’s going to work.” The words are like shards of glass in my throat.

“Are you saying it’s over?”

Now, I’m underwater, choking. “I’m not sure it was ever—” I slam the door and bring Brave to the boutique where I find Camellia behind the counter.

Unlike yesterday, Aiden doesn’t follow me. Doesn’t come to my defense.

But I guess this time, I’m my own enemy.

Truth is, I don’t want it to be over. Not at all, but I don’t know how I can accept his love.

Camellia greets Brave. “Everything okay? I heard you had some trouble yesterday.”

Swallowing back tears, I wave my hand dismissively then trot to the door to go over to the bakery for what will be my last shift. “Yeah, everything is fine. It was just a misunderstanding.”

I guess I’m a decent actress after all.

Chapter Twenty-Two

AIDEN

Idon’t know how long I stay in the car, but I’m pretty sure my heart stopped the second Tinsley closed the door. The songs on the radio change. People walk by on the sidewalk. My phone beeps a few times.

Thanks to the wonders of gravity, it’s not possible for a person to fall if they’re already seated, but if last night with the way I left things with Tinsley was torture, now I’m floored. I’ve hit rock bottom.

Like a creeper, I used my night vision gear to make sure she was safe in the trailer. Brave was there, but I wanted to make sure Puma wasn’t lurking around, trying to make good on his threats during the encounter on Main Street.

After Tinsley and my conversation in my office, I scolded myself because I shouldn’t have allowed myself to surpass the usual flirty interest in her. What was I thinking?

It was in my best interest professionally and otherwise to have kept my distance. I couldn’t afford to reveal my identity. But I crossed the line. I knew better.

I’m so close to putting a lot of corrupt people in prison, I shouldn’t have risked it. Tinsley was involved with Puma even if she didn’t do anything wrong. At first, I told myself it was just tokeep an eye on her. To get info. Who was I kidding? I fell and I fell hard.

My job is to protect the innocent. Indict the guilty. I’ve kept it simple until now, and look where that got me. Sitting alone in my car.

My phone beeps again. My heart restarts at the possibility that it’s Tinsley.

I check. It’s Harrison. I’m close to cracking the case and have to wash my hands of it. I relented and relinquished my maverick title. Did something I never before had to do, I asked for help. Last night, when I couldn’t sleep and knowing Harrison is in an earlier time zone, I shared everything I know. I read his text.

Harrison: The rats have left the nest.

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