Page 56 of Never To Forever

“I appreciate the offer to talk to Garrett,” I tell Haven with a resigned sigh. “But I don’t think it’ll do any good.”

“You can’t give up,” she insists. “Just leave it to me. Trust me, okay?”

I give her a small, sad smile. “I trust you more than anyone, Haven. I know you’ll try your hardest, but I’m not sure I can afford to hold onto hope for much longer.”

Haven gives me a sympathetic look before pulling me into another hug. I sink into her embrace, grateful for her care and concern. I know, no matter what happens between me and Garrett, that I’ll always have her. She’ll always be my family.

I don’t realize I’m crying until we pull apart and Haven gets a good look at my face.

She gasps. “Oh, honey! Don’t cry.”

“I’m okay,” I softly sob.

“Ugh, if I weren’t a big as a fucking whale, I’d hunt Garrett down and kick his ass myself,” Haven huffs. Then, in a softer tone, “No matter what happens, you’re not going to be alone, okay?”

“I know. Thank you, Haven. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

She cups my face and wipes away my tears with her thumb. “Don’t worry. You’re never going to have to find out.”

Despite everything, that does bring me a bit of comfort. Even if Garrett can never see what’s standing right in front of him, Haven will always see me.

I just wish he could do the same.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

GARRETT

My new officestill has the faint smell of fresh paint, and everything in it is shiny and new; the dark wooden desk, the desktop computer with its two monitors, and the empty bookshelves that I’ve been slowly filling up with books and binders filled with company invoices and financial excel sheets from past years.

Christian really hooked me up, making sure I have every supply and software I’ll need for my new job. Honestly, a part of me thinks he’s more excited for this than I am, and I’m thrilled. This is exactly the sort of career I’d always imagined for myself—a corner office, my own assistant at her desk outside my door, and no fear of accident or injury while on the job. It’s only been a few days since I’ve started, so I’m still getting settled in and used to everything, but I’m feeling good about this new start.

Unfortunately, that’s about the only thing I feel good about right now. It’s been nearly a week since I was with Marie, and we haven’t spoken since. I’ve sent her a few texts, just to try and check in, but the only response she ever sent was her repeating that she needs time and space. I’m trying to give that to her, but it’s difficult. I’m torn between my lingering guilt about my promise to Mom and my feelings for Marie. I want to fix things between us, but I have no idea how to do that. Still, knowing she’s upset with me, and knowing I deserve it is something I hate more than anything. I’ve done nothing but screw up her life and break her heart.

Sighing, I sit back in my chair and scrub a hand over my mouth. This isn’t going to work. I can’t focus on my job because of my anxiety about Marie, and I don’t want Christian to kick my ass out of here and back to the oil fields.

As my mind is spinning with everything going on with Marie, my cellphone buzzes on my desk. It’s Haven. With a frown, I answer it.

“Hey,” I say. “What’s up?”

“Garrett, you and I need to have a conversation,” she answers. “Are you free after work today?”

“Uh, yeah. Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine,” she assures me. “But we have some things we need to discuss, and they’re important. Meet me at the coffee shop when you get off.”

It doesn’t escape me that she’s not making a request. “All right, I’ll be there.”

“See you later.”

She hangs up without a goodbye, leaving me caught off guard and confused from her curt tone. Crap, she didn’t sound exactly happy. What could she want to talk about?

I can’t help but feel like my ass is about to be chewed, and I’m afraid to find out why.

* * *

After work, I head straight to the coffee shop. Haven is already here, sitting at a table in the far corner. I make my way over to her and she looks up, her brow furrowed. She looks irritated as I sit down across from her.

“Hey,” I cautiously say. “What’s going on?”

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