Page 25 of Every Promise Broken

Groaning, I scratch a hand along my jaw before diving into the predicament I’ve gotten myself into with Whit.

Will balks at me when I finish. “You didnotask him to do that,” he drawls.

“Oh, yes, I sure did.”

“You’ve lost your mind, man.”

I chuckle, even though none of this is funny. “That’s exactly what he said too.”

“So, what did he say?” he asks. “I’m assuming he told you to get lost.”

“Pretty much. At first, he straight up told me absolutely not,” I reply. “But by the end of the conversation, he told me he’d think about it. That was a week ago, though, so I’m guessing it’s going to be a no.”

“Shit.” Will blows out an exaggerated breath. “Can’t say that I blame him; it’s a big ask. What are you going to do?”

“I’m going to have to tell her,” I mutter. “She’ll figure it out when she gets here anyway, and Whit’s stuff is nowhere to be found.”

“Man, I’m going to be honest,” he murmurs, fixing his gaze on me. “I really don’t understand why you never told her. I mean, I know you said you didn’t have the heart to do it when it happened because it was so close to your parents both passing, and I get that. But it’s been so long.”

It’s the same thing Whit said, and it’s a valid one. From the outside, I’m well aware this makes no sense. There’s been plenty of time to tell her, yet I haven’t.

“I don’t know, Will, okay? I don’t have an answer for why I never told her, other than I just didn’t.”

Quiet a moment, as if pondering his next words, he finally asks, “Do you still have feelings for him?”

My heart pounds like a wild drum. But the answer is instant. “Of course, I still have feelings for him.”

Will opens his mouth to respond before promptly shutting again, like he didn’t anticipate my response. “Wait,” he says, holding up a hand. “Really?”

“Yes,” I say, feeling like this should be common sense. “There has never been a time since we’ve been together that I didn’t love Whit. Why do you look so taken aback by this?”

“Well, have you met you?” he asks. “It’s not like you act like you’re in love with the guy.”

“Haveyoumet me?” I throw his words back at him. “When have I everactedin love?”

Will chuckles. “Okay, touché. But why haven’t you told him how you feel?”

“Because that time of my life has passed,” I say as coolly as I can manage, when in reality, the question makes my throat tighten. “We aren’t married anymore. I lost my chance.”

Brows pinched, he regards me for a moment. “But if you told him how you feel, the chance might not be lost.”

Looking out into the yard, I, not for the first time, imagine what it would be like if that were true. But it’s not. “It’s not that simple,” I say, my tone softening. “I hurt him a great deal when we were married, and he deserves more than me dropping that bomb on him. And besides, you’re forgetting that Whit has moved on.”

The sound of gravel kicking up pulls our attention toward my long driveway before Will has a chance to respond. For a split second, I let out a sigh of relief that the conversation is over. At least for now. But then I seewhois coming up my driveway. We both watch as a truck comes into view.

Whit’s truck.

As if on cue, like speaking his name summoned him, he appears. Here, at my house.

“Did you know he was coming over?” Will asks, eyes trained on the truck that’s now parked beside his car.

“Nope.”

“Well, that’s eerie timing.” Will huffs out a laugh as Whit climbs out, eyes flitting from Will to me, unease sitting on his shoulders.

“Conrad, Will,” Whit murmurs as he approaches the porch. “Sorry for stopping by unannounced.” His eyes slice to mine.

Standing up, I shake my head. “That’s alright. Is everything okay?”

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