Page 69 of Choosing You

“Like beyond disappointed.”

Yeah. Sloane couldn’t argue with her. “Me too.”

“Then why? What’s really going on?”

Sloane cursed under her breath before she even tried to get her thoughts together. After a minute, she said, “Do you remember why we started this whole thing with the kissing booth?”

“Uh, yeah. Duh. We’ve been talking about that this whole time,” Ash said, her voice laced with sarcasm.

“Yeah, well…then you know how I am. I jump in right away and then end up…you know.”

“Oh,” she said slowly, thoughtfully. “Okay, so you’re second-guessing all of this. Like you’re thinking that you’re not really in love with Will. But you are.”

“How can you be so sure?” Sloane said wearily. “Just a few minutes ago you thought I was treating this relationship like a game.”

“Sweetie, please,” she replied with a chuckle. “I have eyes. I spent time with both of you at both parties at The Ridge and then at the festival, and so did a lot of people. Do you think word didn’t spread around town pretty much immediately? It’s all everyone’s been talking about—how cute you guys were and how in love you both looked. Actually, we’re all kind of a little bummed that we’re not going to see what stops Will was going to pull out at the Halloween festival to get you to stay.”

Unable to help herself, Sloane growled with frustration. “Seriously, Ash! This isn’t helping! If anything, you’re just confusing me more!”

“Okay, okay, you’re right.” She paused and sighed. “Let’s talk logistics. Would you consider moving here?”

“Please don’t take this the wrong way, but…I think living in such a small town would kill me. Like…I don’t even know how you stand it.”

The bark of laughter wasn’t the response she was expecting, but that’s what she got.

“That’s kind of funny and yet I’m not surprised. You really should talk to Levi and Marcus. They both had the same attitude as you and now they’re both here and loving it. Now that’s not to say it would be the same for you, but…it’s not like there’s nothing here.”

“And I get that, but if I want to go to a mall or to a movie, it’s a hike. I love the convenience of a big city.”

“Do you think Will would consider moving to Florida?”

“He just invested in the garage. I couldn’t ask him to give that up. It’s been his dream.”

“Wow. So…”

“So…?”

“This is something only the two of you can answer, Sloane. But from where I’m sitting, it looks a little hopeless. All relationships require at least a little compromise, but I think that would be way too much. Neither of you is willing to do that. And you know what that means, don’t you?”

It was a good thing they weren’t having this conversation face to face because Sloane was certain she’d end up strangling her cousin. After several awkward, silent moments, she finally caved. “I have no idea, Ash! That’s why I’m talking to you!”

Ashlynn’s groan was loud. “You’re crazy about him and he’s crazy about you! But neither of you is willing to move! Sheesh! I thought it was obvious!”

“Okay, but if logistics weren’t an issue,” she snapped. “How do I know…how can I be sure that I’m not…”

“Jumping in? Being rash?”

“Exactly.”

“Only you can answer that.”

“Well damn, Ash. That wasn’t what I wanted to hear.”

“Only you can make that decision, but I will say this…there are no guarantees in anything. Not in relationships, not in life. It seems to me you were happy with Will. Why would you deliberately choose to beunhappywithout him?”

Good question.

After taking a few days to just not talk, Will caved and called her. She sounded happy to hear from him, and after that, they talked almost every night. It was like the break never happened and Will tried to tell himself that it was enough—that everything was fine.

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