Page 9 of I Could Be Yours

He talks about how much fun the stag and doe will be since his teammate, Dallas Bright, has offered to host it at his parents’ place on Lake Vernon in Huntsville. I’ve been there once, for Dallas and Hemi’s engagement party. I let him talk while I sweat. I swear my phone is burning in my pocket.

As soon as we get home, I lock myself in my bedroom and pull my phone out.

I quickly change Cotton Candy to Essie in my contacts and open her message.

My stomach flips and sinks.

There’s only one new one.

Essie

Here are the links to all the spreadsheets. I hope you enjoy the book.

I swallow down guilt as I read the ones above it, dating back six years ago.

Nate

I’ll call you tomorrow.

Essie

Can’t wait

But I didn’t call. Or message. I ghosted her and moved to Kingston for university a few weeks later. It wouldn’t have worked out. She stayed in Toronto with Rix. Kingston was a three-hour drive away. But I was still an asshole. Still am an asshole now.

Nate

Got it. Thx.

Essie

So you can text back. Good to know.

What else can I say when it’s far too late forsorry?

CHAPTER 3

ESSIE

Nate

I don’t have edit access to the spreadsheets, and I found an error.

Essie

No you didn’t.

Nate

I did.

Essie

Screenshot it.

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but there’s a bridal shower happening today, and I’m a little busy.

Nate

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