Page 86 of Versions Of Us

“Oh, everyone does, huh?” he jokes, giving me a light, playful nudge in the ribs.

I giggle and attempt to shove him back, but he blocks my hand with his own. I squirm as he playfully pokes me in the ribs. “Stop!” I say in between laughs.

A moment later we’re interrupted by a couple, who purchase a random selection of scones and brownies. Then a group of teenagers approach the stall to buy up the rest of what’s left on the table. Chase and I can’t help noticing their laid-back demeanours and bloodshot eyes. We snicker to each other as they turn and meander toward the beach scoffing down their goods with urgency.

“Looks like we’re sold out of foodandraffle tickets now,” Chase says. “I’ll give Jules a call and see what she wants us to do.”

Chase pulls his phone from his back pocket and a moment later I hear him greet Jules. I don’t hear much of anything else though, because my attention is drawn to the man standing across the field. A man I used to know so well who now seems like a complete stranger.

Henley runs a hand through his unkempt, blonde hair, turning as a woman steps into view behind him.

Mackenzie.

She laces her arms around his neck, and he bends, leaning into the hug. From here it appears an intimate gesture, although they say they are nothing more than friends. Still, something eats at me, refusing to add up in my mind. They may not be dating, but there’s an obvious connection between the two of them.

Something has united them, but what?

“Hey.” Chase moves up to stand beside me, his voice pulling my attention away from them.

“Yeah. What’s up?” I turn to him, attempting to seem unbothered by the display I’ve just witnessed.

“I said we can pack up now.”

Clearly, I had been too distracted to hear him.

“Oh, really?” I ask. “So we’re all done?”

“Yeah. Jules said to pack up the tables and boxes and we’re free to enjoy the carnival.” His eyes scan over the opposite side of the field and I know he can see what had piqued my interest while he’d been on the phone. His gaze drifts back to mine, the crease between his brow deepening. “Are you okay?”

“Mmhmm,” I say, knowing he can see right through me.

He tilts his head to the side, his eyes searching my face for the words I’m not saying. “You still love him, don’t you.”

I breathe out a heavy sigh. “I don’t want to.”

“But you do.”

I nod reluctantly, my bottom lip between my teeth.

Because it’s true.

Even after everything he’s put me through, with all that he’s done, it’s like I’m hardwired to love him anyway. I don’t realise a tear has escaped, tracking its way down my cheek, until Chase reaches out and swipes it away with his thumb.

“Sorry. This is stupid.” I sniffle.

Chase shakes his head. “Your feelings aren’t stupid, Kristen.”

I let out a bitter laugh. “But they are though. It’s like I’m a glutton for punishment or something.”

“Maybe you guys will work things out. You never know.”

He shrugs.

“I doubt it. Unless he reveals whatever mammoth sized secret he’s keeping from me.” I swipe at my wet cheeks and lower my gaze to the ground. “And apologises to you for being a complete asshole.”

“Well, he’s done half of those things so those aren’t bad odds.”

My head shoots up. “What? He spoke to you?”

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