Page 3 of Then There Was You

“No, and he can’t ever know. Sophie either. You can’t say anything toanyone.” My tone must give away my desperation, and Paisley reaches over, taking my hand.

“We won’t say anything. I’m sorry, Seb,” she says quietly, squeezing my hand.

I raise a shoulder in the slightest of shrugs. “Thanks. I think I need some air.” I stand from the table, Paisley’s hand falling from mine.

“Wait,” Nash says. “Shouldn’t we talk about it?”

I frown. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“But—”

“Leave it, babe,” Paisley says gently, cutting Nash off.

Wyatt stands. “Do you want some company?”

“No. I’m good. Finish your drink.”

I walk away, sighing when I hear Nash quizzing Wyatt on what he knows. I drop my head and quicken my step. I feel like such an idiot, even more so now that half my family knows. I’m not the kind of guy to wear my heart on my sleeve, and I just want everything to go back to how it was. I have no idea how that can happen now. I know my family. They’re going to be asking me if I’m okay every five minutes and trying to set me up on dates so I can move on. Maybe I don’t want to move on, and the agonizing pain I feel in my chest is a reminder of something real. A reminder that love hurts and, no matter what, I’m never going to let myself be that vulnerable again.

CHAPTERONE

Seb

Two months later

Aknock sounds on my office door, the noise from the bar spilling into the room as Ryder walks in.

“Sorry to bother you, boss, but it’s crazy out there. Can you serve while I bring up some more beer?”

“Sure. I’ll be right out.”

“Thanks.”

He leaves the room, the loud music drowned out as he closes the door behind him. I power off the laptop and shut the lid. The accounts can wait. I should be helping behind the bar. I’ve been holed up in this office for weeks, hiding away behind invoices and orders. Ryder’s been holding down the fort, but it’s time I got my head out of my ass.

It’s been a couple of months since Cade and Sophie’s wedding, and I’ve avoided seeing my family as much as I can during that time. I haven’t been to my parents’ house for Thursday roast in weeks. Nash has called me out numerous times, and I know Wyatt would have too if he’d been in Hope Creek and not away playing football. It seemed easier to stay away than to put on a front whenever I saw anyone.

I can’t hide forever, though, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ place. My mom always outdoes herself at Thanksgiving, and this year both Cade and Nash have the day off and Wyatt doesn’t have a game. It’s rare we’re all together, and I know how excited she is that we can all be together this year. I’ve decided to close the bar, something I’ve never done before. I want to give my staff a break, and if I’m honest, I need one too. I’ve worked pretty much nonstop since I opened Eden five years ago. The bar’s doing well, and while there’s money to be made if I stay open, family time is important, despite me avoiding mine recently.

I head out of my office and into the crowded bar. Ryder wasn’t exaggerating when he said it was crazy. Wednesday nights aren’t usually busy, but because it’s a holiday tomorrow, more people than normal are out. All the tables are full, and it’s standing room only. My eyes flick to the bar, and I smile when I see Paisley loading up a tray with drinks. She doesn’t normally work on Wednesday nights, but we’re short-staffed right now and she’s picking up a few extra shifts.

“Hey, Paisley,” I shout in her ear as I come up behind her. “Busy night?”

She turns and smiles before going up on her tiptoes and brushing a kiss on my cheek. “It’s wild tonight!” She takes a step back. “It’s good to see you, Seb.”

“It’s good to see you too. Thanks for coming in tonight.”

“Of course.” She picks up the tray full of drinks. “You’re still coming tomorrow, right?”

“Yeah, I’m coming.”

“Good.” She bites her bottom lip. “You know, it’s been noticed that you haven’t been around much lately.”

Guilt washes over me. “It has?”

She puts the tray down and reaches for my hand. “Everyone misses you, Seb.”

“I’ve been busy,” I lie, lowering my eyes.

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