Page 71 of Return to Us
“Oliver, I have no clue what the hell you’re saying.”
He sighs deeply. “So what if there’s a mess at the end? Who gives a shit if things don’t work out or we aren’t getting what we want at the finish line? We can pick the pieces up and pack them away. Isn’t it supposed to be about the journey? I’m tired of living this way, Grayson. I want to get married and have kids. I want to be fucking happy. When I was back home last week, all I could see were people who didn’t have money or hated their jobs, but they looked happy because they weren’t alone.”
“I see it every day.”
“And you don’t want that?”
He has no fucking idea. “I built a house because I hoped someone would live in it with me,” I remind him.
“Yeah, and now she’s back and you’re afraid.”
“Damn right I’m afraid!” I yell, tossing the box on the floor. “I know what it feels like to lose her.”
Oliver nods slowly. “You also know what it’s like to love her. I guess the question is, which one is worth more?”
I’m done with this conversation. “Let’s clean this up,” I suggest sternly. “Then we’ll call him and let him know about the damage.”
Thankfully, he takes the hint and we start working on cleaning up the messes we can.
Chapter 18
Jessica
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” Stella asks as I push the phone to my ear.
What am I supposed to say? No. I can’t because Amelia is four and can’t exactly stay home alone. So, here I am, packing up her stuff to head to Grayson’s house and spend another night with her.
“It’s fine.”
She sighs with relief. “You’re the best. Truly. I thought I could get back, but the storm is bad, and I can’t see with the sheeting rain.”
“I understand.”
Even if I hate the idea of sleeping at his place, Amelia needs clean clothes and she’s bored here.
“Thank you, Jess. I know this isn’t easy for you since you and Gray have history, but . . .”
“It’s really okay. We’re friends, and this is what friends do.”
The thunder echoes in the background, punctuating that thought. “I have to go.”
“Be safe, we’ll see you tomorrow.”
Amelia comes rushing in, a big smile on her face. “Are we going to my house?”
“We are.”
“Yay!” She jumps up and down. “I can show you all my toys. I have a lot of them because Daddy says I’m cute.”
And she is. Just then a horn honks, and I grab our bags and hold out my hand. “Ready to go?”
Delia, the lifesaver she is, came to drive us over so we didn’t have to walk. We get in the car, and I strap Amelia into her booster seat. When I climb into the front, Delia is staring at me, giving me a dubious look.
“Don’t say a word,” I warn.
She grins. “What would I even say?”
“Nothing.”
