Page 28 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Surprised you still wanted to meet up this morning,” I say, offering him my hand.

“Figured if we were running, we wouldn’t really have to talk,” he says. His lips turn up at the corners and he grabs my hand, pulling me in for a one armed hug. “How are you holding up?”

“I don’t know man. No one will talk to me. I was planning on applying for the job in Atlanta, but I haven’t. It feels like everyone would be happier if I left again.” I pull my leg up behind me to stretch my quad.

He nods. “You and Lacey definitely took everyone by surprise.”

“I didn’t do it.” I switch legs, pulling my ankle to my ass.

“That’s what you keep saying.”

I offer him a pathetic smile. It’s clear he’s not quite sure what to believe and I know there’s no sense in trying to convince him. I need to convince Lacey.

“Not that my opinion matters,” he continues, stretching into a lunge. “Or, that you asked for it, but I don’t think you should make this decision based on anyone, but what you want. The other night you said you were wanting to settle down to be closer to your dad and she has nothing to do with that.”

My heart clenches and I know he’s right. It’s been five years since my mom has passed and I know I haven’t been the best son. Rarely home when she was alive and then even less once she died. The thought of losing my dad and being out of reach pops into my head.

I shake the thought and try to focus back on what he’s saying.

“You’re right. I wish there was a way to work all of this out.”

“Have you tried talking to Poppy?”

“No, I don’t have any way to get in touch with her. Logan won’t respond to any of my texts or calls. Why would she?”

“Logan is gone for her. If you talk to her and get her on your side, then maybe he’ll follow.”

“But, how?” I exhale.

“Maybe text her. Tanner should have her number. Donovan and I want you to be happy. We’re both not completely convinced Lacey’s lying about your past, but we also aren’t convinced you did it either. You two are going to have to work it out in your own time, but until then I’d start with Poppy.”

I lean my head back and take a deep breath. “Your unwavering confidence in my integrity means so much to me.”

He laughs and puts his hands up. “Hey. What you did at eighteen is not for me to judge.”

I shake my head. We both walk towards the trailhead.

“You ready to go?”

“Let’s do it. Five miles, right?”

“Yep. And thanks, man.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“No, I meant thank you for treating me like a person today. I know you don’t believe me, but you kept our plan. I wish I could say the same for everyone else.”

“I’m getting married in July, not even you could make me skip my cardio.” He lets out a long laugh and takes off down the trail. I fix my earbuds in my ears, start my music, and follow behind him.

“Tanner,can you come out and talk to me?” I bang on his bedroom door. His car was parked outside, so I know he’s home from work. “At least let’s try to hear each other out and put this behind us.”

His door swings open and he pushes past me into the living room where he crashes onto our sofa. His arms are crossed and his face gives nothing away.

“I didn’t—” I try to begin, but he interrupts me.

“Can I start?” he asks. I nod and he continues. “Look man, I need you to know I didn’t know who she was when I brought her home. If I had known she wastheLacey, then I would have never slept with her.”

“I know you didn’t do it intentionally,” I say. “Fuck, do I even want to know how many times it happened?”

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