Page 115 of The Lies I've Told
“Um, yes. I did grow up here,” I reminded him. “I’ve seen quite a few shops and businesses come and go in my lifetime.”
“Then, why would you do this? Why risk your life savings on something with no guarantee?”
My brows knit as anger rose in my throat. “I wasn’t aware anything worth the risk in life came with a guarantee.”
He let out a silent breath of air, and finally, his eyes met mine. “Why are you doing this?”
“Why? Because it’s my dream. Because I’ve spent far too long helping others chase theirs. I figured it was high time I focused on one of my own for a change. And someone once told me nothing should stand in the way of getting what I wanted.”
“But why here? Why not back home in Florida?”
My heart ached as deep emotion swelled in my chest. “Because this is my home.”
His jaw clenched, his emotions getting the best of him. “Don’t do this because of me,” he warned, turning away, his shoulders slumped forward as he paced the room.
Where have you gone, Aiden?
You promised me you wouldn’t run.
“See, that’s the thing,” I said, pivoting toward the door. “I thought I was doing it for us. I guess I was misinformed.”
And then I walked away.
Because the heart could only handle so much abuse, and lately, mine had been through the wringer.
After our turbulent conversation over the storefront, things between Aiden and me didn’t improve.
The vast walls he’d erected around himself only seemed to grow, the walls becoming so tall and thick, I wondered if I’d ever see the real Aiden again.
But then, late at night, when the inn was quiet and he reached out for me, I’d find the tiniest crack in the protective fortress around his heart. His hardened gaze would soften as he held me, his touch would steady as his fingers grazed my skin, and for a moment, I’d believe he’d come back to me, but as fleeting as it had come, it would end just the same, and he would be gone again.
“Maybe he’s just still feeling the effects of the accident. He did some serious damage to his hand, and I’m sure it’s caused quite a lot of depression, considering what he does for a living,” Molly said one day after a particularly rough day of playing nursemaid.
“Molly, it’s been three weeks. I’m trying to be sympathetic here, but I’m not sure how much longer I can handle the silent treatment.”
“You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?” she asked as we sat outside on the patio, something we’d come to enjoy during her maternity leave.
She couldn’t seem to stay away from the inn, coming around at least twice a day with Ruby in tow, ignoring Mom’s insistence that she should enjoy her time away, so I’d done what any good sister would do.
Instead of sending her away, I distracted her.
With iced tea and gossip.
Lately, the gossip all seemed to revolve around me, but it was nice to have her around to talk about it.
Even if she was a little too perceptive.
“Oh my gosh, you are thinking about leaving. What about the shop, Millie? What about not wanting to put your dreams on hold any longer?”
I looked out onto the water, a cool glass of iced tea in my hand, as I thought about the day I’d spoken to Rita. I’d never felt so scared and excited in my life.
“Don’t do this because of me.”
“I don’t know,” I said, Aiden’s voice still so clear in my head. “I thought I was building a new life here, Molly, and now—”
She leaned forward, her hand on my knee as her eyes met mine. “That man loves you,” she said with conviction. “I know I was leery of him in the beginning, but I’ve seen the way he looks at you, little sister.”
“Clearly, you haven’t been paying attention lately,” I scoffed, my head turning from hers to hide my pain.
