Page 96 of The Sound Of Silence

I stare at her again. I have no words until a thought hits me. “Are you trying to deflect?”

“No, I really wanted to talk to you about that. But I also didn’t mind the change of subject.”

“Pippa, you haven’t been drunk like that since—”

“I know. And I promise I’ll be fine. It was just a shock. One I was prepared for, but it still killed me. I don’t even want him. But I hate feeling like I mean nothing.”

“He’s a piece of shit, Pippa. Don’t let him dictate your worth, or anyone for that matter. You deserve so much happiness. What about Ryan?”

Pippa laughs. “I don’t know. I liked him but… I promise to at least talk to him when I get home.”

“Good.”

“Alright,” she says, sitting back down on the swing. “Let’s talk about something else.”

“I finished your necklace,” I say shyly after a beat. This one was surprisingly easier than the first one. Once I could focus. Maybe because it was my second attempt.

Pippa’s eyes light up with joy as she swings us higher. “You did?”

“I did. Want to come and get it?”

“I do. But I think I’ll send Jesse.”

My eyes flash to her, but she keeps her eyes focused ahead, a smile on her face.

“Pippa…”

“No, it’s a great idea. You two need to talk.”

She’s probably right, but God, does that terrify me.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Jesse

Aftermopingaroundforan hour in the afternoon—with Willow now affecting my days on top of my nights—I’m flipping through the music on my phone when Pippa walks in, her eyes immediately finding mine.

“My necklace is ready.” She smiles. “And Willow wants you to pick it up.”

What?“Ahh, nope. Why didn’t you just get it?”

“Because it’s a present from you.”In other words, I need to pay for it.“Willow asked for you. Maybe she wants you to see it before I do.” She shrugs.

A pang in my gut tells me to say no, to keep my distance for as long as I can, but I reluctantly agree.What’s one more bad decision?

An hour later, I move on autopilot toward Willow’s store, determined to get in and out without issue. But when I glance up and see her standing in the window, my world stops.

I should have stayed away. I should have gone with my gut and sent Pippa.

Then I’d be none the wiser.

This burning sensation in my chest wouldn’t exist.

Because I never would have realized just how far gone I am.

She has headphones on as she restocks her window display, and the most beautiful smile on her face as she sings along to her music. My chest tightens and I can’t breathe as Maeve’s words hit me with full force.“She’s protected in this town.”And she fucking well should be. That’s what I’m doing. All I’veeverwanted to do is protect her. And leaving her alone is the best way to do that.

I continue to watch her as her hips sway, and the light from the sun creates a halo over her head. She’s an angel, and I want more than anything for her to bemyangel.

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