Page 60 of Aisle Come Back to You

“I already said I’m sorry, and I’m here now. Can’t we just make up?” he asks, taking a step toward me, but I take a step back as well, needing to keep the distance between us. “Blair, what the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you acting like this?”

“I’m acting like this because I’m officially done. I’ve gotten so used to feeling unlovable or like I deserve to be the second most important thing in someone’s life that I let you and others get away with treating me like that, but it’s over. In fact,we’reover, Max.” I’m not sure where it came from exactly, but it feels so damn good to have those words leave my mouth once and for all.

Sure, Max and I have broken up plenty of times, but for the first time, I finally know that I actually mean it.

“Are you fucking serious? I just flew all the way here,” he rasps, his voice growing louder. However, I’m no longer in themood to care. He’s been granted way too many chances and far more than he ever deserved.

With a casual shrug, I fold my arms and raise one shoulder. “And that’s my problem, how? If anything, you should’ve called. Even a text would have been enough, but you can’t even do that.”

“Why are you acting like such a bitch? I mean, what am I even supposed to do in this stupid-ass town?” he asks, glancing around.

While I can dislike it for multiple reasons, there’s no escaping the prickling annoyance that floods over me upon hearing his words. I understand that it may not look like anything special from the outside, likely resembling the set of some old Hallmark film. But, for the first time, I find myself feeling oddly defensive of this place and the people who call it home.

In fact, there is a part of me that suspects that I may have been a little too hard on it and the many people who live here, myself included. Sure, like most places it has its negatives, but given that most people have welcomed me home with open arms, and it also houses so many of my favorite people, I have to wonder if I wrote this place off a little too easily.

“Once again, not my problem. In fact, I can promise you, Max, you will never be my problem ever again.”

He scoffs. “Like I’d want you, anyway. The only reason I came here in the first place was because I was bored and had nothing else to do. If you think I can’t find a replacement, you’re crazy.”

“I hope you do, but for both her sake and yours, I pray that your pathetic and sorry ass treats her better than you ever treated me.”

I mean it too. While I’ve found some clarity in coming home with what I want and deserve, I strangely also want that for Max, too. Maybe he also just needs to find the one person who is right for him in order for him to change—but somehow I highlydoubt it. I’m fairly convinced he’s not capable of being a decent boyfriend, but for once, he’s truly no longer my problem.

“Fuck you,” he curses, letting out a sound between a scoff and laugh. “Have fun in your podunk, stupid-ass town,” he says before turning around to walk away, his hands in his pockets.

“Oh, don’t worry. I will,” I call after him, and for the first time, I finally believe that’s true.

31

Ford

I’d meant every wordof it when I’d told Blair how proud of her I was for how she’d taken control and ultimately saved the wedding rehearsal. However, my pride swelled even more as I listened to her heartfelt maid of honor speech.

I’m not sure how I got so lucky and convinced her to give in to what we’ve been fighting since we were kids, but I’m reveling in it. Even more, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. She’s undeniably one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever laid eyes on, but there’s an indescribable depth to her that sets her apart from anyone I’ve ever met. It’s always been more than just her looks for me; she’s kind, she’s brave, and most of all, she’s someone who will have your back no matter what.

I know it wasn’t easy for her to dedicate some of her speech to Pete, but clearly she put her own emotions and feelings aside, prioritizing Ronnie’s happiness above all else—something I’ve come to realize she does a little more often than she should.

My eyes remain fixed on the heartwarming scene unfolding in front of everyone as the two girls share an emotional embrace. Standing up, I prepare to welcome Blair back at our seats, but my gaze is immediately drawn to their shocked expressions as they both turn their heads toward the entrance of the banquet hall. I follow their stares until my eyes land on the cocky ass embodiment of Max Storm in the flesh.

I’d obviously met him just over ten years ago when he and Blair met at the small music festival during our summer graduation trip, and while I hated him then, I especially hate him now.

I can’t stand how effortlessly cool he looks. Even when I make an effort to look nice, I’m pretty sure I’ll never look like anything more than the tall, lanky nerd that I am. He, on the other hand, effortlessly exudes a casual swagger and charm with his long, brown, and untamed hair. Even though only a few tattoos are visible, you can sense that his entire body is a canvas of intricate designs. Despite his rumpled attire, he carries himself with such confidence that his chill vibes remain unaffected. While I’d be embarrassed to show up to an event looking like that, he looks completely unbothered.

It felt impossible to compete with him then, and I’m not sure how I can even begin to compare to him now. The guy is a musical genius, with women constantly throwing themselves at him. He’s already shown that he can give Blair the world as he’s taken her on incredible trips and introduced her to new cultures and people.

What do I have that I could possibly offer her in return? I’m a high school science teacher who lives in a cramped studio apartment above a pizza place in a town that Blair absolutely despises. There’s no comparison. Hell, I’d choose Max over me too.

What the fuck am I supposed to do? Do I go over there and assert my place in her life, reminding her that I exist, or is that too pathetic and needy? I probably should give her some space, or at least a moment to think. However, before I can decide, she swiftly crosses the room, taking Max along with her as they exit the building.

The show seems to go on, as the next person stands to give a speech to the “happy” couple. As Ronnie’s friend, I know it’s my responsibility to stay present and attentive to all of the festivities going on at tonight’s event, but my thoughts inevitably wander.

The woman I’m in love with is outside chatting with the guy who took her away once, and what if history decides to repeat itself all over again? It’s not like I could blame her. In the past, I had my fair share of chances to go after her, but I let every single one of them slip away—or rather, I let her slip away.

There’d been countless instances in high school where I could’ve and should’ve been brave enough to end things with Jenny, but I hadn’t. Not to mention the many years after high school where Jenny and I had once again been off-and-on through our college and adult years, but it felt much safer to stay in the bubble where I knew that person wanted me instead of trying to chase after someone who I wasn’t so sure wanted to be caught.

Once I finally had confirmation that the feelings were mutual, I could’ve been smart and brave enough to cancel my wedding when Blair confessed her true feelings, but I hadn’t then, either. If I lose her now, then it’s once again all on me—I’m the one truly at fault for all of this.

Time seems to slip away as I sit, consumed by worry, completely oblivious to the speeches being given. In fact, the last person I remember talking is now sitting with someone else now standing in their place.

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