Page 114 of Finn Rhodes Forever

Evelyn dropped the stick at my mom’s feet before sitting, waiting, and my mom dipped down and chucked it down the beach. Evelyn took off after it.

“Every cell in my body is screaming at me to protect you,” my mom said, eyes on Evelyn.

“That’s because all you know is the guy who fucked up.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m a grown-up now,” I told her. “I can protect myself.”

She shot me a sad smile, wincing. “I know you can. I’m sorry. It’s my mama bear instincts.”

“I want you to try to like Finn.”

She pressed her mouth into a thin line, and it was like staring into a mirror.

“And I want you to try to forget who he used to be.”

Evelyn dropped the stick at my feet and I threw it for her. She took off, sand spraying behind her.

A few of the knots in my stomach loosened but my pulse picked up at what I was about to say. “I’m going to reach out to Cole.”

“What?” My mom’s jaw dropped. “Are you kidding?”

I shook my head.

“Olivia.” Her expression was a mix of worry, shock, and warning.

I knew what she was thinking. Why on Earth would I try to find the guy who fucked our lives up? The guy who couldn’t be bothered with us? He had let us down. He was supposed to love us and didn’t.

“He’s in the past,” she said, shrugging and shaking her head. “I worry that you’re setting yourself up for disappointment with him.”

I explained what Finn had told me, how he had seen Cole in Whistler, how he’d seemed sad and full of regret.

“I hate this,” my mom said, shaking her head. “I can see how this will go. He’ll be who he’s always been and you’ll be devastated.”

“So maybe I’ll be devastated.” My voice was soft. “I can handle it. I just need to know. What if he needs me to reach out first? He might have no one.”

My heart twisted. I just had to know.

My mom dragged a breath in and let it out on a sigh. “This scares me.”

“I know.”

Her face was etched with worry as her gaze lingered on me. “I’ll give Finn a shot.” Her eyes widened in emphasis. “You’re right.” She nodded to herself. “He was just a kid.”

Warmth squeezed my chest and I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

My heart beat like a drum, slowing only when my mom changed the subject to dispel the tension.

* * *

Late that afternoon,I sat at my kitchen table, arms crossed, staring at the Google Maps listing for Wright Handyman Services in Whistler, BC. Anxiety wrenched in my stomach as I read through the reviews. They were positive, citing that Cole was trustworthy, showed up on time, and charged a fair price for quality work. He didn’t have a website, but there was a phone number listed.

I had been hoping I could email him. I hated talking on the phone. Besides, if he never responded, I could have told myself that it went to his junk mail.

What was I even going to say?

Finn had offered to be here with me while I did this, but I said no. This was something I had to do myself.

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