Page 76 of Chasing Stars
I turn around sharply. “Are you looking for a fight, Walker?” I shake my arm from his grip.
Jake doesn’t falter. In fact, he steps closer. “I always knew who you were, Miles. I warned Jenna, but I should have told her the truth, knowing you wouldn’t. If I had, maybe she wouldn’t be hurting right now.”
I roll my eyes. “You act like I had nefarious intentions, Jake. I love Jenna. If anything, this revelation is even more reason we should be together.”
“Yeah, well, she doesn’t want you anymore,” Jake growls. “You two are done.”
I smirk and narrow my eyes at him. “Please, like you haveanysay in what that girl does. Why don’t you mind your own business?”
“Jenna is my business. She’s my family,” Jake says. “And I am asking you nicely to leave her alone.”
“Why don’t you let Jenna decide for herself if she wants to be left alone, Jake?” I start to walk away again, and this time he doesn’t stop me. He knows I’d take him out in a fight. I keep walking though. I wouldn’t do anything else to jeopardize my chances with Jenna, no matter how much I want to put my fist in his face.
“Maybe I will,” Jake calls after me, but we both know his little intimidation tactic didn’t work.
I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, you do that.”
Erin’s waitingfor me at a small café table when I walk up to George’s Place. She’s sipping a cup of coffee from the place next door, her posture stiff in the wrought iron chair. It’s a breezy mid-November morning and I’m surprised she’s sitting outside, but maybe she means for this to be quick. I hope so.
“Erin,” I greet her tersely.
Erin stands quickly when she sees me. “Miles, hi.”
I gesture to the front door. “Did you want to eat inside?”
Erin shakes her head. “I think it’s probably better if we don’t share a meal. We don’t have to stay long.” She sounds uncertain but I’m not going to beg her to stay.
I nod, pulling out my own chair. “Okay, well, let’s have it then.”
Erin takes a deep breath. “Miles, I’m sorry. I had no right to show up there yesterday.”
“No, you didn’t. So why did you?”
Erin winces. “Are you sure you want to know?”
I stare at her with wide eyes. “Uh, yeah. You really may have messed things up for me with Jenna. So, I’d love to know your earth-shattering reason for blowing up my life.”
“I was afraid of that. I’m embarrassed to tell you this, but some of my girlfriends have seen you around town with her. They said you went to a Halloween party as acouple. You never did that with me.” She chews on her cuticle before continuing. “I just got jealous. I know I left you butI’mthe one who’s still alone.I’mthe one who messed up. I thought if you saw me…you might miss me too.” She looks down at her cup of coffee.
I rake my fingers through my hair. “I’m sorry, Erin. There’s no going back.”
“I know. I realize that now. I am really sorry about everything.” She looks away, refusing to meet my gaze.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“Have you talked to her yet?” Erin asks.
I scratch my chin, shaking my head. “No, no. I really don’t want to talk about it.”
“Okay.” She pushes her chair back and stands. “I should get going.”
I do the same.This was easier than I anticipated. “Okay.”
“Can I have a hug?” Her voice trembles when she asks and the sadness on her face tugs at something inside me.
I never meant for things to be this way. “Of course you can,” I relent, opening my arms.
Erin steps into them and holds on tight. She pulls back, holding my hand for a moment before turning to go. “Bye, Miles,” she mutters softly.
