Page 80 of Just for Forever

Chapter 26

If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.

Get your bottom off the sofa and get over here.

Tonight is the monthly book club at Aspen’s bookstore, but I have no intention of abandoning my sofa anytime soon. She can send as many messages as she wants. I’m not moving. I’m exhausted from work.

I’m also a liar.

I’m always exhausted from work. My refusal to go anywhere has nothing to do with my exhaustion and everything to do with my heart hurting. No matter how much I told myself not to fall for Cole, my heart didn’t listen. I rub a hand over my chest before replying to Aspen’s text.

I don’t wanna.

Even in text form, my words sound whiny. Probably because I’m feeling whiny. I haven’t heard a word from Cole since yesterday when I told him about Bob and explained how I will never move away from Winter Falls.

I know he’s still checked in at the inn, but he must be avoiding me because I haven’t seen him. Apparently, he’s better at hiding from me than I am from him because I haven’t been able to catch a glimpse of him since he walked out of my apartment.

This is how it has to be, Ellery. I know. I know. It doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt, though. And holy shit balls does it hurt.

I’m not feeling well.

Yep. I’ve resorted to outright lying to my family. When needs must.

“You don’t look ill to me,” Ashlyn shouts through the door before strolling inside like she owns the place. Contrary to what she thinks, she is not welcome anywhere she shows up.

“Hey! My door was locked.”

“Why are you surprised every time I open a locked door? You should really know better by now.”

“I’m tired. I need rest.”

She grasps my hand and pulls me to my feet. “What you need is to be around your friends and family.”

I narrow my eyes on her. Why does she think I need comfort? What does she know?

“You’re growing my niece—”

“Or nephew,” I interrupt to say because I really want a little boy who resembles Cole with his blue eyes and dark, curly hair.

Ashlyn inclines her head. “Or nephew. Whatever. We – your family – are here for you. We know it can’t be easy being pregnant on your own. The point is. You’re not alone.” She claps her hands. “Get changed. Time to go.”

I rush her and throw my arms around her. “Thanks, baby cakes.”

She pats my back. “You’re welcome, but I will get you to stop calling me baby cakes if it’s the last thing I do.”

I laugh as I walk to my bedroom to get changed. “You’ll be old and gray, and we’ll still call you baby cakes.”

Fifteen minutes later we enter Fall Into A Good Book. Feather, Petal, Sage, Cayenne, and Clove cheer.

“Finally!” Feather shouts.

“Now, we can begin,” Sage adds.

“I hate to break it to you, but I didn’t read the book this month. You didn’t need to wait for me.”

“We’re not here to discuss the book,” Cayenne says.

“We’re not?” Lilac slams her e-reader closed. “Why did I read this book if we’re not going to discuss it?”

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