Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 63100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 316(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“We both have a past, Lea.” He says reading my face.
“I know.” Looking at him now, I know how strong he is, so much stronger than me, and a much better person than I am. I don’t want to know about his past. I don’t want to hear about him loving someone else. Yes, I know that makes me selfish, but I hate the idea that he had a life without me. Yet, I’m still not brave enough to ask him why, if he had such a hard time being without me, did he not come for me. Honestly, I don’t want to hear the truth, whatever it may be. I would rather live in the moment and pretend there isn’t a million things we need to talk about, a million things that are standing between us.
Chapter 10
Lea
“I can’t believe Ken and Austin stayed the night at your house,” Rhonda says, scooting back in the bed, resting against the headboard.
This morning, after Austin and I talked and had breakfast, Ben called and asked if I could spend the day with Rhonda, because the doctor put her on bed rest and he didn’t want her to be alone. At that point Ken still hadn’t shown back up, and I honestly didn’t want to be there if he did, so I said of course and Austin dropped me off at their house, giving me a lingering kiss before taking off to do some work on his boat.
“It was definitely strange,” I agree, sitting down on the bed next to her.
“So Austin’s working?”
“Yeah, he told me he doesn’t have another opener for a few days, but he wanted to get everything set up with the boat before then,” I say, and she nods then her eyes go soft in concern.
“How was breakfast with both of them there?” she asks curiously.
“We didn’t have breakfast. We had coffee, and coffee turned into Austin flipping out and Ken apologizing for being a dick during our marriage then storming out of the house.”
“Is he staying at your place tonight?”
“I would guess yes, unless he decides to sleep in his car, which I know he won’t,” I say, not looking forward to that for the second night in a row.
“Austin will be there with you.”
“I know.” I close my eyes in relief and lean my head back against the headboard.
“Do you want to talk about what’s going on between you and Austin?” she asks gently, and I roll my head to the side to look at her.
“I think we’re still trying to figure it out.” I sit up, feeling a weight in my stomach, and I wring my hands together on my lap. “Do you think it’s weird that I’m falling in love with him?” I ask quietly.
“No,” she states immediately and firmly. “In high school, everyone knew you guys were the real deal, and even though you have been apart for the last fifteen years, nothing has changed. Yes, you guys have a lot to talk about and some major shit to work through, but anyone who’s in the same room with you two for more than a few minutes can see and feel the love that you have for each other.”
“I’m afraid.”
“I can understand that, but if you push through your fear, I think you can have something really beautiful.” I let her words sink in while she reaches over, picking up the remote control, then turns on the TV. “Do you want to watch the Notebook?”
“I’ve never seen it.” I shrug, and her eyes grow huge.
“Well, grab a box of tissues, ’cause you’re gonna need it.”
“I’ll be okay,” I tell her, kicking off my shoes and tucking my feet under me on the bed getting comfortable.
“What the hell is going on?” Ben asks, stepping into the bedroom, where Rhonda and I are lying with are eyes red and puffy from crying.
“Your wife made me watch the Notebook,” I choke out on another sob, covering my face.
“Fuck, seriously, babe?”
“It’s a great movie,” Rhonda answers on a cry.
“It…it’s so sad and so beautiful,” I cry harder, dabbing my eyes with one of the many tissues scattered around me.
“Jesus,” Ben says, shaking his head, looking between the two of us like he doesn’t know what to do.
“I’m hungry,” Rhonda blurts, and Ben chuckles, placing his arms on the bed on either side of her.
“What do you want to eat babe?”
“Corndogs with mustard and jalapenos from The Wheelhouse.” She says immediately.
“You got it.” He kisses her nose then turns to look at me. “You want anything?”
“No, but do you mind dropping me at home on your way through town?” I ask picking up my mess.
“Wolf should be done soon,” he replies standing.
“I know, but I don’t want him to rush, and I have some stuff at the house I need to get done.”