“I don’t know.” He stared at the beer bottle in front of him, his stomach turning at the thought of facing Chloe again. Of seeing all the hatred and disappointment in her gaze, the possibility of hearing her sweet voice asking him to go and not giving him a chance to explain.
He didn’t think he could face it.
“She’ll hate you more if you leave and never say a word. You should at least try.”
Cam sighed. “When did you get so wise?” She’d always been wise. He’d just been remiss in telling her.
“Trust me, it took a while.” She drained her beer and stood. “Want another one?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I should be sober when I see Chloe.”
A little smile curled her lips. “I’m proud of you, Cameron.”
“Let’s see if you’re still proud of me after I try and talk to her.”
…
Chloe had great friends. She knew she did and she loved them for all the support and guidance they gave her, especially the last few days, which had been particularly rough.
But she couldn’t shake them no matter how much she tried and she really, really needed some time alone.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come over?” Jane asked, concern heavy in her voice.
“I’m fine. Really. Mac came by earlier.” And she’d shoved him out of her house, too, though he’d tried to dig his heels in, literally and figuratively. Having him around now made her think of Cameron. Though they were very different, there were similarities. They were brothers, after all. And it was painful to see that reminder.
So she pushed him out. Told Ali she wasn’t in the mood for another movie and ice cream sleepover when she so kindly offered earlier in the afternoon and now she was refusing Jane’s offer, too.
“Why don’t you come over here? The kids are being silly; Chris is putting up a tent outside so they can pretend they’re camping.”
“Sounds like the perfect night for you two to get some alone time.”
“Please. Those kids will be running in and out of the house all night. Besides, we already have a plan in place to scare them. After Chris tells them a bunch of ghost stories.” Jane laughed.
Chloe tried to laugh, too, but it sounded forced, so she gave up. “I’m sure it’ll be fun, but I’m going to pass. Thank you, though.”
“Oh, Chloe.” Jane sighed. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“No, not really, but that’s okay. I’ll get through this.” Chloe took a deep breath. “I’ll be fine. I just need to be alone tonight.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow, then. Ali said you two are going for a walk. Maybe I can tag along,” Jane suggested.
“That would be great. Definitely call me.”
Chloe plugged her phone in to charge and went to her bedroom, pushing the window open. A breeze blew in, cool and refreshing, straight off the lake, and she breathed deeply, taking in the scent of pine. It was a glorious night, the twilight sky streaked with purple and velvet. It was a night for romance.
And she was alone.
She sat on the edge of her bed, staring unseeingly at the clock on her bedside table. She missed him. So much it hurt. The numbness was long gone, replaced with a void in the center of her heart so vast, she felt it like a big, gaping wound. Would she ever heal or would she always miss him? Need him?
Love him?
Stretching across the bed, she grabbed the pillow he’d used when he’d been in her bed and she clutched it close, breathing him in. This one little piece of him she still had. His scent lingering on her pillow, the memory of him in her bed as he watched her get dressed with that wicked smile, trying his best to convince her not to leave.
She should’ve listened to him. She should’ve never left.
Closing her eyes, she fought the tears that wanted to come. She was so tired of crying, of being sad, of missing him. It was as if a part of her was gone. Amazing how a silly teenage crush had turned into so much more.
A soft knock sounded on her front door, startling her, and she sat up, tossed the pillow back into place. Glancing at the clock, she saw that at least fifteen minutes had passed since she last looked at it. She must’ve fallen asleep.