Page 51 of Always Mine

My breath hitches at that. What the hell am I supposed to say? What is he implying? What does that even mean

The way he’s looking at me—the words and the tone—it’s making it so hard to tell him no. I try not to break apart his meaning and search for the things he’s not saying. I use all my strength not to read into it because he can’t be saying…

No, I can’t handle this. I can’t take any more. I’m at my breaking point.

Clearing my throat, I offer him one last nod before motioning to the exit. “Well, we should probably go back to the party.”

The thought makes my stomach sour for more reasons than one. I don’t want to face everyone, especially if they saw both of us missing at the same time, but what other choice do I have?

I try to ignore the other part of me that knows the second we leave, this moment between us will be over because in the light of day, I know I’ll feel different.

He must feel it too, because he drops his head, taking a deep breath before looking back up at me. Dejected blue eyes meet mine and it makes me bite my lip to stop myself from saying something stupid.

“You’re probably right,” he agrees, and then motions for me to join him at the exit.

We leave the barn, and even though we didn’t settle much, the tension seems to have eased some. It’s not fixed.We’renot fixed. We’re still the same two people who used to be in love, but now… after three long years of lingering resentment, it feels pretty damn good to have some clear air.

EIGHTEEN

Wyatt

I’m tempted to flee a few towns over and check myself into a B and B for a few days to give myself a break.

These people are like vultures.

Between my parents, Nana, Ember, and half the town, I’m about to lose my mind. The only person who hasn’t driven me up the damn wall is Cooper. Sadly, he had to leave yesterday for another work trip, and I’ve had no one to shield me from the crazy.

Hence why I’m on day two of hiding away in my house. I’m going to have to venture out today to get groceries and stop by to see my family. I’m sure they’re tired of me brushing them off.

I sigh, flopping back onto my bed and staring up at the ceiling. It’s all exhausting. Everyone is dying to know the scoop on Paxton and me. I’ve told everyone the same thing when they ask. That we’ve come to a mutual understanding, and want to be cordial for everyone’s sake, but they think I’m lying. They think it’s more than that.

Even though there was a brief—brief—moment where I thought… Fuck, I don’t know what I thought. Either way, there’s no more to the story, and I’m getting tired of saying the same thing over and over again.

It doesn’t help that the few times I’ve seen Paxton this past week we’ve actually spoken. Nothing crazy, just greetings and waves, but apparently, that was enough fuel to feed the nosey gossipers—NANA!

After another hour passes, my growling stomach won’t let me put off the inevitable anymore. I shower and dress quickly, snagging my keys and wallet before heading out the door.

There’s a diner close to the grocery store, and I stop there first. I need coffee and food before shopping or else I’ll buy a bunch of random stuff I don’t need.

There's a few people lingering near the door when I go in. I’m contemplating just running through a drive-thru when I spot Milly. She’s been working here for as long as I can remember. She comes over, pot of coffee in hand and popping her gum so hard I swear she’s going to get lockjaw one day.

“Hey, darlin’, just you today?”

“Yeah.” I look to the counter, not seeing any seats available. “It’s busy this morning.”

She nods, giving the pot a little shake. “Wait shouldn’t be too long, though. I can make you a cup while you wait, if you want?”

I’m about to decline, needing to eat sooner rather than later with how hungry I feel, when a loud female voice cuts through the space.

“He can sit with us.”

I look over, eyes widening slightly when I see Lily, Miles, Bryan, and Paxton sitting at a booth in the back.Great, and of course Lily had to scream so now the entire room is silent, looking between us.

“Oh, no, it’s okay.” I rub my neck, needing something to do with my hand, feeling awkward with everyone’s eyes on me. “I don’t want to impose, plus your table is full.”

“Nonsense.” Lily waves me off, getting up from her spot. “I’m sure I can find you a chair.”

It’s as if the entire town is in on the cosmic joke that is my life, because I watch as several people throughout the diner agree, practically shoving an extra chair from their own tables in her direction.

---