Page 99 of I Can't Help It

Because he’s Wyatt.

Get the door.

I manage to keep my breathing even as I reach for the knob, and then I wrench the door open before I can talk myself out of it.

“Hey, bro,” Wyatt greets me with a grin. “I don’t know if you and Ava have anything planned workwise, but we’re heading down for some more fall festival fun. Apparently, there’s a scarecrow contest today and a pie-toss booth. Sounds awesome, right?”

“For sure.” I force myself to nod. “Um, why don’t I go outside with you guys now, and I’ll text Ava to come find us whenever she’s ready?

I hate the idea of just leaving her in the bathroom, but I need to get Wyatt away from this room. Far, farrrrrrrrrrr away.

“Cool, let’s go then. Maren, Tris, and Carter are waiting in the lobby.”

Sorry, Ava.

I hide a wince before joining Wyatt in the hallway, and then I close the door behind me.

It’s not like she’s locked in there, but—

“So, listen,” Wyatt drawls as we start walking away from the room, “I know you haven’t noticed if Ava is dating again, but has she talked about me?”

Did he just ask me that?

Okay, don’t panic. Everything is fine. You can handle this.

He wants her back.

I freaking knew it.

Who could blame him? Ava is amazing.

He probably regrets ever letting her go.

“Luke? Has she? Has Ava talked about me?”

My shoulders tense. “Why do you ask?”

“I guess I’m just wondering if she hasn’t moved on because of me,” he says, tucking his hands into the front pockets of his black joggers. “Maybe she’s hoping for a second chance.”

She’s not.

Ava wants me.

She doesn’t want Wyatt back.

“What about you?” I ask, trying not to gag on the words. “Are you hoping for a second chance? You’ve never really said.”

“A second chance with Ava?” He proceeds to let out a deep breath. “I mean…we had some good times when we were dating.” Then his expectant gaze rests on me. “What do you think? Should I try to get back together with her?”

This is your chance.

Tell him.

You and Ava can’t be together for real until you tell him.

“No. I don’t think you should try to get back together with Ava.”

He raises a surprised eyebrow. “Why not? Ava is great, and the breakup was on good terms.”

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