Page 57 of Back to Willow

I sigh, defeated.I wish I knew.

Keeping silent, I train my eyes on the book page in front of me. Reading is impossible, but it helps if I pretend. Maybe she’ll let it go?

“You’re not going to tell me,” she confirms her suspicions. “Got it. But I am leaving you a warning. That man does not deserve this. He is hurting so bad he can’t let himself move on.” Her voice wavers, finally bringing my attention to her. “I’ll give you some time to think this over and do the right thing. If you don’t talk to him and tell him, just know that I will.”

Her words hit me hard like a slap to the face. I never considered myself to be selfish before what happened, but her words call me out on it. It is selfish, and from what she said, it seems Liam is hurting more than I'd ever imagined.

For Johanna to know all of this—and I know how much she likes him—is because something happened. And it wasn't good.

He is hurting so bad he can’t let himselfmove on.

And so am I.

Once again, I’m at war with myself. This bittersweet feeling is overwhelming and wrong. On one side, I know he is hurting, but a deep part of me, the one that never got over him, is ecstatic he still hasn’t moved on.Which is stupid because that tiny ember of hope is just nonsense. After everything, Liam wouldn’t forgive me. He won’t.

A rustling sound catches my attention, and I turn just in time to see Johanna stand with her belongings. With a glance at my watch, I notice it’s time to head out, too, so I gather my things and head out as well.

The walk to the car is silent. We are both tired and on edge after that awkward conversation. Just as we get outside. heading towards the parking lot, Johanna’s voice brings my attention to her.

“I didn’t know Professor Adell smoked?” She looks at me quizzically.

“Neither did I,” I admit while looking around, trying to find him in the sea of people still walking around campus.

Sure enough, there he is on the opposite side, leaning onto one of the university’s buildings, smoking a cigarette. He has these dark jeans on with a white button-up that clings to his body. It is already slightly unbuttoned at the top while his face is adorned with a pair of sunglasses that hide his eyes from everyone around him.

But I can see the frown on his forehead along with the messy hair. It’s slightly longer at the top while shorter on the sides, but it seems like he’s been running his hand through it a lot today. This man is the epitome of a private, brooding, moody guy, even if it suits him well.

“Ahm, I have to go to work,” I break the awkward moment.

She only nods before saying her curt goodbyes. I silently walk to my car, more than ready to drive to work. It’s quick, and in no time, I already have the apron tied to my waist while running from booth to booth to keep up with the number of people who decided to come in today.

By the time my break time comes up, I’m breathing heavily from the cardio of waitressing. Still, deciding I need to talk to my brother, I walk outside to the parking lot, calling him.

“Hey, baby girl!” Jake’s voice echoes through the Facetime call. “Calling me during work?”

I haven’t been talking to him enough lately, especially since school started. But with Dylan’s birthday coming up, I want to make sure he can make it. Though, with how much of a dedicated uncle he is…I almost know for sure he wouldn’t miss it for the world.

“Hey, Jay. Yeah, it’s been busy, and I wanted to take advantage of my break to check up on you.”

“Everything’s the same. Working and hanging around with friends.” His tone isn’t suggestive, but his wink gives away the type of company he is referring to.

My brother seems to be a playboy through and through. Not that I care. What he lacks in romantic relationship commitment, he sure compensates with his dedication to his family.

“Well, you do you, brother.” I clear my throat, changing the subject. “I called mainly to know if you can come to Dylan’s birthday. It’s less than a month away, and I wanted to throw him a little party since he’s turning six.”

“As if I’d miss it; it’s only my godson’s birthday!” Jake feigns offence, and I roll my eyes at him. “I’d turn the world upside down for that little shit!”

“I know, I know.” I chuckle tiredly, my batteries already running low from the full day I’ve had. And even from the phone, Jake notices.

“You seem tired. Have you been overworking again? Lo, I can send money if you need it.”

I hastily shake my head. “No, Jay. It’s not workload. Sleep has been evading me lately. A few things have happened, and I’ve been feeling kind of off, but I’m trying to pull it together.”

“Are you sure?” His frown deepens. God, he worries so much. What did I do to deserve such good people? “Anything I can help with?”

“No—not really, no.”

Even through the screen, I can feel the heat creeping up my skin from his intense stare.

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