Page 103 of As They Are
The quiet end of a stressful day gave me enough energy not to worry about the drive to get Wren’s truck, so I agreed. Mollie grabbed Wren’s keys and gave them to Cain before we left.
“So,” he said as we got back on the road. “How is fake dating going?”
The Cain I’d met hated small talk, especially in person. The gruff man who’d barely talked to me had vanished when Mollie came into town.
He was trying, and I knew that.
“It’s going fine. Though I don’t trust Jude.”
“He’s always looked like a fucking tool,” Cain muttered. “Even in season one.”
“I try not to judge people by their looks, but yeah. He has one of those sports cars, too, and revs it for no reason.”
“Jackass. At least Mollie also hates him now that she knows everything. I always thought something weird was going on. It seemed fake.”
“Hopefully, Wren and I don’t look the same.”
“You definitely don’t.”
There were a lot of implications one could take from that. Were my feelings too obvious? How did I play the perfect boyfriend and not let it slip through?
“You know, you’re a good guy, Henry. I don’t think it would be bad if anything happened between you two.”
“I’d probably have to get Mollie’s approval if I even wanted to. But Wren and I are friends. That’s all we’ll be. And she’s leaving when this season is over.”
Everything had come out of the library already and they were going to be putting it back together soon. Once that was over,wewere over.
And it would be for the best.
“Mollie thinks she could be convinced to stay.”
“Is that what Molliethinks, or what shehopesfor?”
“You might have a point there,” Cain said. “But it’s worth a shot, isn’t it?”
“You’re saying that as a man who got the perfect relationship.”
He shrugged. “You’re right, but it’s been nice not being alone.”
I never let myself even think about a life where I wasn’t alone. I was certain I would have that with Norah, and when she left, I didn’t think of it ever again.
Even if Wren did want to try, I knew I was losing the battle within myself. I got firm with her. She would grow tired of that.
I was better off by myself.
“I’m glad,” I said. “But I’m fine where I’m at. And once this season is over, I’m sure she’ll be too.”
We were nearing the square and we lapsed into silence. Cain gave me a quick glance before saying, “I don’t know who you’re trying to convince. Me, or yourself.”
Then he was gone. I watched him as he got inside Wren’s truck to drive it home. When I was alone, I let out a long breath, hoping to get what he’d said out of my mind.
It didn’t work.
20
WREN
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
