Page 49 of The Second Dance
She nods, tears spilling over. “I’m so sorry, Andy. I should have told you sooner. I just thought with everything that’s happened, you would be better off not knowing.”
I take a few steps back, mind reeling.
“For what it’s worth, they were all talking about how cute they think you are.”
What a comfort.
Whit takes a few steps forward, following me. “Andy… are you okay?”
I shake my head, glancing over at her crushed expression. I paste a weak smile in place. “Yeah, no. I’m fine.” I laugh a little. “Guess I should have seen this coming.”
Fool me once—shame on you.
Fool me twice—shame on me.
27.
Bo
Andy has not been responding to texts.
I am desperately trying tonotlook desperate.
When my first text
I’ve sent her a few more pictures, snapshots of my progress. But they’ve all gone unanswered.
I’m trying to play it cool, but I can’t quite shake the bad feeling settling in my gut.
Rather than let myself spiral, I’ve been working hard.
My smashed fingers are still pretty fucked up, but the pain is a good distraction. Something else to focus on.
Because working alone all day leaves a man with only one companion.
His thoughts.
And with no one to bounce my worries off of, they just twist and contort.
Did I do something wrong?
I thought I was holding back, but maybe I came on too strong, anyway?
Could she sense how badly I wanted her? Did it scare her off?
When her little silver car bounces down the lane, I could almost cry with relief.
I meet her in the lane, bending down to help her out of the car. She shakes me off, crossing her arms in front of her.
I step back, trying to ignore the sting of rejection.
She’s actually wearing jeans for once. And an oversized sweatshirt. I would think she looks cute if it weren’t for the fact that this is so out of character for her.
Something is wrong.
Very wrong.
My fingers itch to reel her in. I rub the back of my neck instead. “I got our trees planted.”