Page 59 of Choosing Forever
“It’s been finalized for years now.”
Daisy takes a few beats to reply. “Maybe something or someone kicked him in the ass, then. Gave him the push he needed to do what he’s been wanting to since the ink dried on the divorce papers.”
I shake my head, flinging that idea right into space before it can implant into my brain. “I’m going to go now.”
“To dinner, right? Not to hide in your bed for the rest of the night?”
“Yes, to dinner. I promise.”
“And you said he wasn’t picking you up?”
“No. I told Bryce to tell him that he could meet me at Rustic Ridge instead.”
Of all the places we could do this tonight, I jumped at the chance for it to be at the diner. I’m not a fan of the people who will no doubt be watching us, but at least it’s public.
“You told . . . Bryce to tell him?” she asks, the words strained like she’s trying not to laugh.
“He doesn’t have my number anymore.” I made sure to change it the first chance I could.
She chokes on a laugh before letting another fly free. “Oh, he’s in for a ride, isn’t he?”
“What? I wasn’t going to offer it to him already!”
“Okay, sweetie. Fair enough. Make him work for those digits.”
“I’m going to hang up now,” I threaten, shuffling in place as my feet begin to ache already.
“Yes, you do that so you’re not late. Especially since you’rewalking.”
It’s impossible not to crack a smile at her attitude. “Goodbye, Daisy.”
“Goodbye!” she sings.
I hang up before she has the chance to add anything else. My purse falls down my arm to
my elbow as I slowly approach the door. It’s now or never—or maybe I should change my shoes. Or my outfit. Actually, maybe I should just stay home after all. Palming my phone, I chew on the inside of my lip and slowly move one foot behind me.
Three gentle knocks on the front door have my phone flying into the air before clunking against the wall and falling to the floor. I trip over the rug lining the hall and gawk at the door. My heart pounds in my ears when I smack a hand against the old table I’ve taken to using as a coat rack to catch my balance.
“Holy shit,” I mumble before gulping down a mouthful of air.
Another three knocks come. With wide eyes, I stare at the solid wood door and keep completely still. There would have to be an actual window in the door for someone to see me right now, but that doesn’t help me relax.
Nobody’s knocked on my door in . . . a long time. Months before my grandma passed at least.
“Delaney?”
I double blink. I’ve got to be going crazy. Right? I’ve stood here so long that I’ve started to hallucinate.
“I know you said not to pick you up. But I had a feeling that you still don’t like walking alone once the sun’s begun to set, and I figured you wouldn’t want to drive such a short distance.”
My hold on the table grows heavier, tighter as I use it to support my weight. There’s a jab in my chest, straight through the ribs and piercing deep.
Slowly, I move to the door and unlock the deadbolt. I stall with a hand on the handle, confused and with my mind racing. He shouldn’t be here, but he is.
Maybe it’s against my better judgment to open the door. Still,I do it if only to get an answer to the question flashing behind my eyes.
“You remembered that?”
