Page 675 of Not Over You

“I won’t. I’m sorry for worrying you.”

Uncrossing her arms, she reached for my hands and smiled up at me. “I’m sure you can make it up to me.”

That wasn’t the direction our conversation needed to go. I led her to the couch and sat down. “Look, Amber, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

The relief in her voice reverted back to apprehension. “Okay. What about?”

My chest was tight. Even though I knew it was for the best, I didn’t want to hurt her. I blew out a breath. It was better to rip off a Band-Aid than slowly pull it off, right? “I think that we should take a break.”

Amber blinked a few times, her face rigid with shock. She scoffed, “What?”

“I just have a lot going on right now with this whole Piper thing. I feel like I need to focus on her, and it’s not fair to you if I’m not fully committed.”

Her jaw dropped, and she ripped her hands from mine. “Are you fucking serious?” She sprang off the couch, then faced me and threw out her arms. “After everything I’ve done for you, you want to break up?”

“Amber, I—” I tried to reach for her, but she jerked away.

“Don’t touch me!” She shook her head in disbelief, then started to pace back and forth. “I can’t believe you! This is bullshit, Lincoln!”

My gaze followed her pacing as she gritted out several curse words. Then, after a few seconds, she abruptly stopped, her face dawning in realization. “This isn’t about Piper.” She turned and bore her eyes into mine. “This is about Olivia.”

I hated that she knew me so well. “Don’t be ridiculous.” I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat. “This isn’t about Liv.”

Her lips curved up in a humorless smile liked she figured out the punchline of a stupid joke. “Yes, it is. You’ve been different ever since she came back. I tried to pretend that I didn’t see it, but I did. You’re still in love with her.”

I shook my head and stood. Looking down at Amber, I held her gaze. “This isn’t about Liv. This is about me building a relationship with my daughter.”

“You’re so full of shit. You were probably with her last night.” She crossed her arms over her chest, and her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t believe you’d do this to me.”

I deserved the guilt she was making me feel, but that didn’t mean I liked it. “I’m sorry, Amber. You deserve better than me.”

She shook her head as tears trickled down her cheeks. “Just get out.”

She wouldn’t even look at me anymore, and I couldn’t blame her. I headed to the door, then stopped as I grabbed the knob. “Take care of yourself, okay?”

“Get out!” Amber spat.

I knew it would take a while for her to get over our breakup, but I hoped she’d understand one day and forgive me.

As soon as I got in the truck, I called Liv. She didn’t answer my call, so I left a message apologizing for the night before. Then I sent her a text.

* * *

Me: Please call me when you get a chance

* * *

I hoped she was still asleep because the alternative meant that she was still pissed off and avoiding me. As I drove, I tried to think of something I could do to redeem myself.

I drove by the local flower shop downtown, and it hit me. Girls loved flowers, right? I pulled into a parking spot, then got out and went inside.

The older woman who owned the store greeted me, “Good morning, Lincoln. What brings you in today?”

“Mornin’, Mrs. Adams. Just picking up a little something for a friend.”

“Okay, well let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do, ma’am.”

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