Page 25 of Wandering in Love
“I went to my parents’ funeral.”
My fingers squeeze hers. “I-I’m sorry.”
“I never got to explain what happened to them. The longer I was gone, the harder it was to go back. When you left, it was like I was being punished for what I did. I was so scared I would never see you again.”
Tears trail down my cheeks. I know exactly how that feels. The longer I was gone, the easier it was to stay gone. I don’t know what possessed me to come back, but my gut told me I needed to. Something in my soul told me I had to, so I did.
“I’m so sorry I hurt you.”
“I’m sorry you felt like you had to run.” Her voice is heavy with her own sorrow.
Getting up from the table, I drop to my knees in front of her and wrap my arms around her waist. She hugs me just as tightly, both of us letting go of the hurt and fear.
The timer on the oven breaks up our cry-fest. Momma gets up to pull dinner from the oven and I head to the bathroom to get washed up.
While we’re eating dinner, the phone in the kitchen starts ringing.
“I’ll get it,” I tell Momma as she puts her fork down. “Hello?”
“Eva, it’s Will.”
“Hey, Will. What’s up?” I lean against the doorway with the phone pressed between my ear and my shoulder.
“We’re having a bit of a get together in one of the hay barns. Nothing fancy. Just beer, music, and friends. Thought you might like to come hang out.”
“Oh, that sounds like fun.”
“I’ll come get you. Be ready to go in fifteen minutes.”
“Alright, thanks.”
I hang up the phone with a smile on my face.
“Everything alright at the ranch?” Momma asks as soon as I sit down.
“Yeah, he’s having a little get together with some friends and invited me.”
Her smile lights up her face. “Well, go on and get ready. You have a good time.”
Standing up, I grab my dishes and kiss her cheek before placing them in the sink. Hurrying to my bedroom, I change into a clean pair of jeans and t-shirt, pull on a comfortable old hoodie, and slide my boots back on. He knocks on the door as I’m grabbing my jacket from the peg.
Opening the door, I slide my arms inside and adjust the hood.
“Right on time.” I smile at him.
“Come on, Wildflower. Let’s teach these hillbillies how to boogie.” He tips an imaginary hat at me and offers me his elbow.
I can’t help but laugh at him. After talking to Momma, I feel lighter. Maybe talking to Ian won’t be so bad.
Chapter Eleven
EVA
I’m drunk.
Will brought me out here, started pouring drinks, and I’m wasted.
There’s music playing, boys are standing around talking, girls are dancing. Laughter floats in the air with the scent of clean hay. My body is loose, and my lips are even looser. This is not going to end well for me.