“You sound pretty confident.”
She shrugs. “I am. Like I said, I’m an outsider looking in. I can see past the issues to form my own opinion. I’m right, by the way. In case you were wondering.”
“I hope so,” I say softly, just as my phone rings. I reach for it on the towel beside me and show her the screen.
“How many times is that today?”
“I’ve lost count.”
“He’s worried. You should answer him.”
I nod and hit Accept on the call, placing the phone to my ear. “Hello.”
“I miss you.” His deep voice washes over me.
“It’s been a day,” I counter, but I can’t help the way his words cause my heart to race.
“A day too long. You having fun?”
“Tess and I are on the beach.” It’s the first hint I’ve given him since our conversation yesterday at the airport.
“I can hear the waves.”
“Yeah. It’s peaceful. Nix said we can call this Tessa’s bachelorette party.”
“Is she not having one?”
“This is it.”
“Thanks for texting me to let me know that you made it there okay.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Can you do me one more favor while you’re there, wherever there is?” he asks.
“What’s that?”
“Don’t let another man steal you away from me before I’ve had the chance to fight for you.”
His words cause my belly to flip. “Is that what you’re going to do?”
“Yes.” There is no hesitation, only absolute certainty, in his voice.
“Okay.”
“Okay you won’t let someone else take you away from me or okay I’m going to fight for you?”
“Both.”
He exhales loudly. “Good. I’ll let you get back to what you were doing. I just wanted to hear your voice. If you change your mind about me being there, let me know. I can be on the next flight out.”
“You don’t know where I am.”
“It doesn’t matter. I’d be there.” We’re both quiet for several heartbeats. “I love you, Reese. Tell Tess I said hello.”
“I will.”
“Bye, baby.”
“Bye,” I say, and hit End on the call.
“Well?” Tessa asks.
I relay my brief conversation to her, and she smirks. “Told you so.”
“We’ll see.” I say the words, but inside, I’m screaming that I want her to be right. I want Cooper to fight for me. For us. I want to see this is more to him, that he really does love me. Not just the thought of me, or the me he thinks he can’t have. I want him to love all of me. One thing’s for sure. Tessa’s right. Only time will tell. I need to give him the chance to prove it to me and still hold on to the few shreds of my heart that are remaining.Chapter 5CooperTossing my phone on the bed, I stare up at the ceiling of my childhood room. I left for college five years ago, and it still looks the same as the day I left. I wonder when Mom is going to change it? I checked out of the hotel yesterday, and this is where I ended up. Nixon and I hung out for a couple of hours before he decided he was going home to Louisiana. He offered for me to go with him, but I knew that both my parents and Reese’s had questions. I owed them answers.
It was late when I got in, I texted my parents that I was headed their way, and they left the front porch light on for me, just like they did when I was a kid. Using my key, I snuck inside a little before midnight and went straight to my old room. I’ve been hiding here ever since. I’ve been up since six, and I’ve called Reese a few times. Okay, more than a few since then. I’m surprised she answered. I needed to hear her voice. Not just that, but I needed her to know I’m going to fight for us. I’ve done nothing but think since I woke up in that hotel room all alone, and it’s a feeling I never want again.
I know Reese better than she knows herself, and I understand she’s scared. I meant what I told her, that I’m going to fight for her. For us. Whatever it takes for her to be by my side, I’ll do it. Tossing the covers off me, I stand. It’s after ten. It’s time for me to face the music. Grabbing some clothes, I take a quick shower, and head downstairs.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” Mom says from her seat on the couch.
“Morning.” I take a seat next to her. Resting my elbows on my knees, I rub my hands over my face. I have no idea how this is going to go, but I have to do it.
“Rough night?” Dad chuckles.
I lift my head to look at him. “Rough year.”
“Tell us all about it.”
“I will. However, I think Eve and Garrett need to hear it too. Do you know what they’re up to today?”