Page 46 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

Staying quiet, I keep my fingers moving through her hair, letting her vent.

“I barely remember my dad’s parents. Their house had a porch that wrapped all the way around. It was on some land, I think.”

“Where did they live?”

“I don’t remember. It was a long drive from where we were. I’ll have to search and see what I can figure out. But it sounds like it’s too late to see them again.”

“Clearly, they never forgot about you.”

“I’m surprised. It’s been nearly twenty years since I’ve seen them.” She wipes her face. “I can’t believe they left me money.”

“I can’t believe your mother went to such lengths to steal it from you.”

“Sadly, I’m not all that surprised. Thankfully, Lilith, Mindy, and Tandy stopped Wes before he ran off with my social security card and ID. That would’ve been a mess.” She rolls to her back and looks up at me. “How did they stop him? Did you find out?”

“I’m sketchy on most of the details, but from what I gather, Lilith dropped a diamond earring near his car. It was left at the venue, and they’ve been holding it until it gets picked up. The diamond is large and noticeable. When he went to leave, he noticed it, of course, and bent down to pick it up. And when he did, Lilith whacked him with a piece of lumber. Then Tandy pounced and kept him on the ground until the deputy arrived.”

“That was Tessa’s cousin. He comes in for donuts a lot. Nice guy.”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here. I’m sorry you had to hide in my closet and hear Wes say those things.”

“I knew you’d come.”

As soon as she’s well, I need to pull back. It’s not fair to make it seem like we’re an item if I won’t let that happen. She deserves someone who will make her happy. Who will always show up when she needs someone. If things were different, that person would be me.

But hurt is a powerful motivator. And it’s motivating me to back off and keep myself from getting blindsided again.

I pick up the remote and stop stroking her hair. “How about a movie?”

She snuggles closer. “Whatever you want.”

I want to know why she ended the relationship, but I won’t tell her that.

Also, I want her doorknob to be fixed before it’s time for bed. Because if she sleeps in mine, my sheets will smell like her. I don’t need that right now.

CHAPTER17

LETTIE

I’m out of bed and showered when Archer gets back from work.

I lean on the frame of the adjoining door, which hasn’t been closed since Wes was here. “Hey there. I think I’ve finally kicked this thing.”

He’s pulling off his shirt as he walks through the living room. “Awesome. Let me shower real quick, and I’ll get us some dinner.”

“I cooked. It’ll be done in a few minutes.”

Just before disappearing into his room, he says, “I’ll be fast. Thanks.”

Layla has texted me more than a dozen times today, reminding me to ask about the wedding.

Why am I nervous about inviting Archer? He’s been nothing but sweet while I’ve been sick, but after the whole break-in episode, he’s been different. Distant.

There could be a hundred explanations for it. Maybe the whole thing with my mom reminds him how messed up my family is and he’s pulling away. Or it could be that he was overwhelmed with my sobbing when he found me in the closet. I didn’t mean to be clingy in that moment, but maybe I was.

The other possibility is the most likely. After he spent days seeing me at my worst, he’s turned off. I probably shouldn’t have cuddled my chubby self up against him.

But I promised Layla I would ask, so I will. And I won’t cry if he says no. Going to a wedding alone isn’t a big deal.

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