Page 89 of Mountain Grump

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Waits until I can’t stop her.

Then she slides her hand off my thigh and into her own lap.

That disgusting, guilty feeling that I’m beginning to associate with treating Tilda poorly slithers through my chest.

She doesn’t need water.

She just didn’t want to hold my hand anymore.

Chapter 58

Tilda

The plane shakesthrough another patch of turbulence, and I grip the water with both hands.

Breathe.

Relax.

I repeat the words in my head over and over.

And I remind myself that I’ll find my happy.

Not today.

Today is…

Well, today is going to stand as a good reminder. A life lesson.

I can count on myself. And no one else.

I inhale.

Exhale.

Relax.

I squeeze the water bottle tightly, glad it’s made of metal so it doesn’t crinkle under my hold.

It’s not fair to be upset at Ethan. He’s done nothing wrong. I just… forgot. For a moment.

The kisses.

The… bed.

It’s blurred my vision.

It was fun. But it meant nothing.

I start to bite my lip, then stop myself.

I’m not nothing.

I’m just not for everyone.

Memories of my mother shouting at me try to wedge their way into my psyche. But I ignore them.

You’re such a little shit. No one is going to put up with this stupid, fanciful behavior. If you ever want a man, you need to grow the hell up.

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