Page 43 of Crossroads of Love

“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Liar!” she shrieks quietly. “You can’t even deny it. Okay, well, we’ll come back to that. I see what’s happening. You’re scared because he’s actuallytrying,and you don’t know what to do with that. You’re terrified you’re going to get hurt again.”

I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, Dr. Phil.”

“Hey, I’m not saying anything is wrong with your feelings. They’re beyond valid. I know you were in love with him at one point, and he destroyed you with his words. I also know that the second man you trusted with your heart shit on it every chance you got. But people can change.”

“It’s too much. I can’t…I don’t have time to talk about this now,” I mutter.

“Don’t distract me from the details of the hookup. When did you have time to sleep together?”

I look away again. “During the tornado.”

“Damn girl, you into some freaky fun. I like it.”

My face turns bright red as she giggles hysterically.

I’m never going to live this down.

Chapter Nine

Gavin

Ihaven’t had a moment to breathe since I came home, but now that I’m waiting around to see if I can help Lena out, I take a minute and call Collin.

One of the employees at the youth center had introduced the two of us. He was a kid from a rough part of the city, full of talent, but no one believed he’d amount to anything more than a thug.

He’s a smart kid with a bright future in football. He’d never had anyone show up for him, and I was able to do that by taking him to practices and games. He’s stayed the night with me more times than I can count, and I’m looking into making that more permanent, but it’s a long process.

“Hey, Gavin, you back in town?”

“Nah, buddy.” I sigh. “It seems I’m here for the long haul as per my father’s will.”

“You’re not coming back?”

“I will, for visits. I just…shit, I hate doing this over the phone, but I wanted you to know first. My father’s will stipulates thatI have to remain here for a year or our family farm goes to auction.”

“You can’t let that happen,” he says softly.

“My friend Sean will be around, though. I’ll make sure he helps you get everywhere you need to be.”

“Nah, Gavin, I can figure that out.”

“Nope. I got you.”

He’s quiet on the other end of the phone for a few seconds before he says thank you.

“I’ll be in touch, Collin. There was a tornado here, and it’s a little hectic. I’ll call you soon, okay?”

“Thanks, Gavin. Take care.”

I take a deep breath as I hang up the phone. I didn’t expect that to be so hard. My chest tightens with sadness. He handled it well, but I can’t help but worry that he was just hiding his emotions from me.

I arranged for Sean to hang out with Collin when I learned I was coming home for the funeral because they’ve met plenty of times. I’m not thrilled with the idea of not being there for Collin or the youth center, but Sean will do great in my absence.

“Can you run me home to grab some things? Mom said I can stay the night at the farm with you,” Jayla explains as she comes into the hallway where I’m standing.

“Where’s your mom going to stay?”

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