Page 19 of The Secrets We Keep

He says nothing in response and I don’t know what else to say at this point. I’m so confused by his behavior. I turn to leave and Lan

don grabs my wrist, pulling me into him. I can see a tic in his jaw. Usually I would find this sexy, but right now it is anything but and if I had to guess, I’d say he’s angry. Landon pulls me in closer and kisses me hard, desperately. My brain is screaming that this is a goodbye kiss, but why? I can feel his strong arms gripping my arms tightly, refusing to let me touch him. He breaks the kiss and doesn’t even look at me.

“Goodbye Evie.”

“Wha… what?” What just happened? I’m so confused. I put my hand on my chest. My heartbeat is beating wildly. I try to take a few deep breaths to calm myself.

Landon turns and walks away without so much as looking back. I can’t help the tears threatening to spill as I whisper goodbye back. I hurry and climb into my car where I finally let the tears fall behind the dark tint. The worst part of this is I have no clue why this is happening or what I’m even crying over. He would just tell me he’s ending things right?

Chapter 9

I haven’t heard from Landon in forty eight hours. It feels strange. I feel lost almost. He hasn’t responded to any texts or calls either. I’ve wracked my brain over and over to the point of exhaustion.

What did I do? Was it my name? Did an ex come back?

Nothing adds up, nothing makes me feel better. Wine is the only thing that has helped me sleep since he walked away from me in the parking lot.

Sam asked if I was okay this morning. Guess the make up didn’t hide the dark circles. I’m thankful for my job though as it keeps me focusing on the task at hand and not what went wrong with Landon.

“Time to wrap up Evie.” Sam calls from his office.

“Okay Sam.” I stop filing and make my way to get my purse. I pull out my keys as I make my way past Sam’s office.

“Good night.”

“Good night Evie, get some rest.”

Ugh I must really look bad.

Jessy is standing outside when I walk out.

“Oh, hey Jessy. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I know. I thought I’d drop by and see if you wanted to grab dinner after work and you walking out must mean I have impeccable timing.”

“Oh… um… I haven’t really thought about food.” I pause unsure. The thought of food suddenly has me hungry. I really haven’t had much to eat since Landon left me.

“Hey, you okay?” Jessy asks, tilting her head to the side. She brings me back to the present.

“Ya ya, I’m sorry. Long day at work. Lets go to the cafe and get dinner.”

We get seated and I order my favorite, the club sandwich with fries. Jessy orders a chicken Caesar salad.

“You look like shit girl. What’s up?”

Jessy wastes no time getting to business and she is so blunt. I’d find it offensive but I know it’s just her personality.

“I really don’t know. Landon hasn’t talked to me in a few days. I feel like something is wrong.” I tell her truthfully, for once I don’t have it in me to lie or hide the truth.

“Hmm… Do you think he has found a new chick?”

My mouth drops open, man she really is brutal for such a happy person.

“I, I don’t think so. I don’t know. I don’t know anything or what has caused this and that is what is so frustrating.”

“Well, I think you should confront his ass or move on. No time to waste on the not knowing. He either wants you or he doesn’t.”

She has a valid point.