Page 10 of Pining for the Lumberjack

“Get it, girl!”I tossed the ball to Bailey, and she happily trotted after it. I checked my phone for the millionth time but still no messages. I hadn’t heard from Joanie all day, and I hated the feeling of waiting for a message.

I also hated the feeling of knowing I was madly in love with a girl I couldn’t have while trying to grow a connection with another.

Bailey came back and dropped the slobbery ball at my feet. She barked at me when I didn’t immediately pick it up. “Jeez, have some patience, girl.” I tucked my phone away and went to scoop up the ball, but Bailey took off toward the house in a fit of barks.

Then I heard the distinct rumble of my best friend’s voice. “Forrest, yo, where are you?”

“Out back!” I called.

A few moments later, Jack walked out the back door with Bailey hot on his heels along with Adalynn and Suzie.

“Hey, what’s up? I wasn’t expecting company.” I stood and walked over to them. “Ads, Suz, how are you?”

“We need to talk to you about something,” Jack said.

“Okay. It’s nice out, want to join me?” I led them over to my patio, and we sat around the table. All three wore a weird expression, and I wondered what the hell was going on, especially with Suzie. She couldn’t stop grinning like a cat who just found all the milk. “Anyone want a drink?”

They all shook their heads, and silence fell between us.

Jack took a deep breath after what felt like years. “Adalynn, you want to tell him?”

I fixed my gaze on the woman I was secretly in love with, and my heart pounded at triple speed. She looked beautiful in the late morning sunlight, the sun highlighting the few freckles scattered along her nose. I’ve pictured myself kissing each one so many times.

“I’m sorry, Forrest, but the woman you’ve been talking to online is me.”

It felt like someone smacked me upside the head. “What?” I chuckled, unable to believe what I heard.

“ApplesNotSweet is me. There is no Joanie. I made up the name and used a different picture. I’m so sorry. Suzie and I had a bit too much to drink, and I never expected things to progress the way they have or for us to even match, never mind message each other. But once we started, I couldn’t stop. Because the truth is, I’ve always been in love with you, Forrest.”

I sat there, stunned into silence.

“I overheard Suzie and her talking this morning. Adalynn confessed everything to me, and while I don’t love the idea of you two being together, I know she’d be in good hands. I honestly wouldn’t trust anyone else but you to take care of my sister. If you don’t feel the same, that’s okay, too. But I couldn’t letAdalynn let this go on any longer. I don’t want to see either of you hurt,” Jack explained.

No words formed. My mind was in complete shock.

“I’m sorry, Forrest,” Adalynn said. “If we want to blame someone for the profile, we can blame Suzie.”

Suzie gasped in mock anger, but it quickly changed into a warm smile. “She’s been in love with you for years. I needed to get the ball rolling.”

“I don’t even know what to say or where to begin.”

“Why don’t we give you some space to process it all?” Jack offered as he tossed the ball to Bailey for the millionth time. “You’re probably mad, and you have every right to be. Adalynn shouldn’t have deceived you.”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” Adalynn blurted, and the hurt on her face made my heart crack. I didn’t like seeing her upset, didn’t like her being sad. But at the same time, an anger pulsed through me.She lied. Adalynn lied to me.

I can’t help but wonder how long this would’ve gone on if Jack hadn’t overheard her?

“I…I’m…” I gathered my thoughts and took a deep breath, trying to work out what I wanted to say. “I’m hurt you lied to me. I think I need to be alone for a bit. Thanks, Jack, for looking out for me.” I stood, and they followed. Adalynn snuck a quick look at me before she and Suzie hightailed it out of there, nearly sprinting as if they couldn’t get away fast enough.

Jack tapped me on the back. “I’m here for you if you need anything. And it’s okay if you don’t feel the same way about my sister. I just want you both to be happy.”

I swallowed over the sudden lump in my throat.

Just say it, Forrest. Tell him already. He won’t be mad.

“I’m in love with your sister. I always have been. I’ve kept it hidden for fear she didn’t feel the same or that you would be upset. To find out she feels the same and you are okay with it iswhat I’d always hoped for. But now, it feels tainted because she deceived me. I…fuck…I don’t know, man.”

“I get it. You’re right. She lied. One hundred percent. But rememberwhyshe did it. She felt the same way as you. Afraid to confess her feelings and afraid of what I’d think. What I think is the two of you should start fresh, go out on a date, and see what’s really there.”

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