Page 1 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

CHAPTER1

LETTIE

Ihave two superpowers—conflict avoidance and eating my feelings. Not necessarily in that order.

My conflict avoidance was drowned out by regret when I made the decision to move to the small town where my ex-boyfriend settled after I broke off our relationship. It’s been years, and I’ve regretted it every single day. Six months ago, I moved. And since then, I’ve put on way-too-many pounds. Possibly related to eating my feelings. But honestly, I started putting on weight long before the move.

A barbecue restaurant isn’t really where I need to be. But getting out of the apartment is healthy. At least that’s what my bestie, Layla, tells me. There isn’t much in my life that is healthy right now. My heart is stuck in the past, and I don’t know how to move on. I don’t want to.

Breaking up with Archer Hayes was the dumbest and most painful decision I’ve ever made. But I can’t figure out how to undo it.

Moving here was not my best idea, but I wanted a glimpse. To see his smile. To hear his laugh.

I miss him. After so many years, you wouldn’t think I’d still be wondering “what if...” After all, I’m the one who ended things. But at the time, I thought I was doing the right thing, making a sacrifice so that he could be happy. Looking back, I believed lies and made choices I now regret.

But I don’t want to face Archer. Because if he sees me, one of two things will happen. One—hurt will show deep in those brown eyes. Or two—it won’t. And I’m not prepared for either option.

My job starts before most people are awake, and I work hidden from view of the public, so when I’m not making donuts at Sweets, I stay home to avoid bumping into Archer because this is a small town.

From time to time, I see some of the other ranch hands from Stargazer Springs around town. Tessa, my boss, and Layla point them out to me quietly. But most of those guys don’t know me. Besides Archer, there is only one other I have to avoid. Grayson. We all grew up in the same small town, and if Grayson spots me, he’ll tell Archer. I know it.

But I know what Grayson’s truck looks like, and it’s not here in the parking lot. And Archer doesn’t leave the ranch often, which is why I’m actually going to a restaurant rather than hiding in my apartment. I’ve managed to go this long without bumping into him, so fate must not want us to meet. I’ve had a few far-away glimpses and heard others mention him in conversation, but that’s it. Who am I to argue with fate?

Layla opens her arms as I walk toward the restaurant. “Look at you! The sun is out, and you aren’t disintegrating or anything.”

I hug my friend. “I’m not a vampire.”

“It was a joke, Lettie.” She laughs. “Let’s go in. I’m so hungry. I might eat a whole cow. I love working out with Nico, especially when he doesn’t wear a shirt.” She fans her face. “But then I’m starved.”

Laughing, I glance around, ensuring Archer isn’t pulling into the parking lot. It’s not like I have any clue what he’s driving these days. I know it isn’t the same Ford Fairlane he had all during high school because he sold that to Mr. Hoover, the old guy who worked security at the cemetery in town.

Once upon a time, I was closer to what people think of as normal. Now, not so much. But I’m learning to be okay with it. I give the parking lot one more sweeping look. “How’s Nico?”

Layla and I are roommates. And we work together almost every day at the donut shop. We became instant friends, and I love having this ray of sunshine as my friend. It’s a good counterbalance to my storm clouds.

I always ask about her boyfriend because I like the way she lights up when she answers.

She beams. “Nico is amazing. We’re one month into his five months of being the perfect boyfriend, and I’m not sure how he can be any more perfect. Actually, I do know, but it’s probably way too soon for him to propose.”

After pulling open the door, I step aside to let Layla enter first.

Once we’re in line, she turns and points at me. “When are you going to talk to your ex? You moved here because of him. Avoiding him is borderline insane. But I’m proud of you for venturing out of the apartment.” She wiggles a finger as she points at me. “One day, Nico is going to pop the question. And you cannot miss my wedding because I want you as my maid of honor. And newsflash, Archer might be invited to the wedding. Nico has met a lot of the guys through his cousin. They’re kind of friends now, so...” She moves her finger back and forth. “Tick tock.”

I don’t point out that her finger movement looks more like a metronome than a clock.

But I’m well aware of the fact that I can’t avoid Archer forever. Dread washes over me. Just like it does every other time I think about facing Archer. I know I broke his heart, but explaining why will just break his heart again. I’m not sure I can do that to the guy.

A distinct laugh sends my heart soaring and simultaneously fills me with terror. Dread changes to panic, and I drop to my knees.

“Umm. What are you doing?” Layla stares at me like I’m... well, like I’m crawling around like a misbehaved child in a restaurant.

The couple in line ahead of us glance at me, then turn back, whispering to each other. This doesn’t help me feel any less nutty.

I keep my voice low. “He’s here.”

“Who’s here?” Layla cranes her neck, looking around the restaurant.

There is only the counter separating me from an uncomfortable meeting.

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