Page 156 of Mountain Daddy

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Hands and mouths and heat and skin.

Him promising that this wouldn’t end badly.

His daughter asking me if I love him.

Him telling me he’s not right for me.

Him choosing a friend over taking a chance.

Him not choosing me.

His fucking promise.

He takes a step toward me.

I drop my hands. “You promised.” I take a step back. “But I understand.”

I understand it all too well.

More tears fall.

“Kendra,” Luther chokes out.

I shake my head as I turn my back on him. “You should go.”

Chapter 94

Kendra – 10 years ago

“You should go.”I hold my apartment door open.

My boyfriend looks at me in confusion. “I don’t understand. I thought things were good.”

“I’m moving, and I… I like you, but I don’t want to do long distance.”

It’s true. I am moving.

But in three weeks. And only thirty minutes away. I just… This is for the best.

“I’m sorry,” I add.

My composure is slipping, and I need him to leave.

I need him to leave so I can have my fifth breakdown in as many days.

He lifts his hands, then drops them to his side. “I can’t change your mind?”

When I shake my head, he sighs and walks out.

I openthe next box and finally find the plates I was looking for.

I’ve only unpacked about a third of my stuff into the new apartment, but it’s only been a few days.

I sent my dad my new address today, and he called immediately, asking why I didn’t tell him sooner so he could’ve come to help.

It took fucking everything I had to keep it together, lying and saying I had help.

He would’ve come. I knew that. And that’s why I didn’t tell him.

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