Page 12 of The Forever Formula
“Yeah, but we all always assumed you two would end up together. Everyone thought so.”
I couldn’t meet his eyes. If I did, he would see right through me and know that his words cut me. It’s stupid to think your high school sweetheart, the girl who took years to finally notice you, would turn out to be more than just a fling.
I shrugged off the question. “Yeah, well, things change. Rachel’s not the girl for me. Believe me.”
I tried to sound sure of myself, though I doubted I had the proper conviction in my voice. Not after spending most of last night fantasizing about what it would mean if she stayed, what might happen between us. It was stupid, really.
“You could always try it,” he said suddenly.
My gaze snapped to his, and I frowned. “What are you talking about? You just said to talk her into selling.”
“Yeah, and feeling close to you again might be the way to get her on board. Spend a little more time with her. Feel her out. Remind her she loves the Hart family.”
“Or it might convince her to stay. Ever think of that?” I didn’t mean my words to sound so hopeful.
Austen shook his head confidently. “No, I’m telling you, she always hated this small town. She’ll be gone in a week. Two, tops. Just you wait and see. But we need to make sure when she goes, she sells to us.”
Any serious thoughts I had about asking Rachel out, for real, immediately went on life support.
Talking her into leaving and selling the property and family home where she’d grown up ... that was the task ahead of me. I couldn’t do that, and at the same time imagine actually being with her.
My mind made up, I nodded at Austen. I needed to stay the course. We had built a viable business and a good life, and Rachel coming to town was temporary.
Austen was right. I needed to get her to sell. Wash her hands of this place and move on once again for good.
But I had to admit, if the tables were turned, I would never sell. And if she and I were together, I’d never let her lose her family property.
6
RENO TIME
Rachel
Ihad called up my best friend, Megan, to update her on my plans, as promised. Though I was sure she wasn’t expecting what I had to say.
“Wait, what are you saying? You’re not coming back to Houston?”
It sounded crazier hearing it said back to me, but I really was leaning that way. I didn’t know just how much until Austen had suggested I couldn’t make it here. Something in that comment got the wheels in my brain turning, and I knew I was seriously considering staying.
“This is my home. The only place I have roots. And I need roots right now more than anything,” I said.
Megan sighed. “I’m sad for me. But, of course, I’m happy for you, babe.”
“I know. It’s been a long three weeks not working together.”
Since I was more senior by a few years, and therefore more expensive, the hospital had cut me and kept Megan on during budget cuts.
“Ugh, you can say that again. I don’t even like the place without you, but I have too much student-loan debt to leave now.”
Megan had gone into a bachelor’s program for nursing at a four-year school and racked up a good bit of student debt. My two-year community-college program had been much more cost-effective, so I didn’t have any loans to pay back. One small blessing, I guessed.
“Honestly, I miss you, but I don’t miss the job. Maybe I’ll do something entirely different, especially if I stay out here.”
“What’s it like out there? Isn’t it a super-small town?” Megan asked.
“You’re going to see for yourself in a few days, silly. It’s beautiful. But as far as work options go, I’m not sure there’s much.”
I was thankful she was coming to visit. She had surprised me with the news two days ago.
