Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 54520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 273(@200wpm)___ 218(@250wpm)___ 182(@300wpm)
That’s how I ended up here this morning, standing in Ellie’s flower shop with the letter spread across the counter, my three best friends leaning in like it’s evidence in a murder trial.
“She is unbelievable,” Ellie spits, her hand curving over her rounded bump as if shielding her unborn baby from the force of her anger. “She has no right to ask this of you. Not after everything she’s done.”
Penny and Hollis nod their agreement, their faces tight with solidarity.
Ellie and Penny have known me since childhood; they’ve been front-row witnesses to every Hayes family fallout. Hollis moved here last year, married our mutual friend Mike, and somehow fit into our circle like she’d always been there. Different histories, same loyalty. I trust them all with my ugly truths, and don’t know what I would do without them.
“You’re right,” I admit, my voice quiet. “I know you are. So why do I feel guilty for even thinking about not going?”
“Because you’re a better person than she is,” Penny offers gently.
I appreciate the sentiment, but deep down, I know it’s not that simple.
The truth is, despite everything, a part of me misses my sister too. The one who used to share a bedroom with me and whisper secrets past midnight. Before she became obsessed with being the golden child and traded me for our parents’ approval.
Every year, I lost her a little more, until Thanksgiving, when I walked into the kitchen and found her kissing Finch. That betrayal was the final nail in the coffin. Not because I loved him; I never did. He was new, safe, a family friend my parents approved of.
Hattie sees it differently. Claims she liked him first and that I was the one who betrayed her by going out with him, but how was I supposed to know that? She never said anything.
Either way, the damage was done. I was done. That day, I packed my bags and moved back to the one place I have always called home…Passion Falls.
“You have nothing to feel guilty about,” Ellie says, bringing me back to the present. “You don’t owe her anything, least of all this.”
“I know. It’s just…” Pausing, I search for the right words. “She’s still my sister, and even though she’s been a shitty one, part of me can’t help but hope she’s changed. That maybe things could be different between us.”
“Is that what you want?” Hollis asks. “For things to be different?”
My gaze drops to the letter again, thumb brushing over the words my sister wrote. “I don’t know,” I admit, sighing. “I’m not sure I’ll ever fully trust her again, but I’m tired of carrying around all this anger, of feeling the hurt and betrayal every time I think about her. So, if there’s even a small chance that things could be better between us…then yeah, I think I do want that.”
Silence falls between us, all three of them watching me with soft, understanding eyes.
“Then I think you should go,” Penny says. “Not for her, but for you. See if she really means what that letter says. If there’s a chance to make things better, take it. And if not…at least you’ll know, and you can finally close that chapter.”
Ellie nods. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Same.” Hollis smiles, sealing the verdict.
Deep down, I think it’s the choice I’d already made, but hearing them echo it makes it easier.
“Okay, that’s decided then.” I breathe, feeling more settled…until the next thought hits me. “There’s just one more problem.”
Penny’s head tilts. “What’s that?”
“The envelope came with a plus one…” I confess, hesitating. “And it has Linc’s name on it.”
They know all about the wedding fiasco, how I roped him into pretending to be my boyfriend. They thought it was hilarious, but they don’t realize the wreckage it left behind, the feelings I’m still struggling to process. Like the why behind it all…
If I’m being honest, I fully expected Linc to throw me to the wolves that night. Why wouldn’t he? He’s been waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike, but he didn’t. He played the part, and played it flawlessly, despite the fact I left him on his own. He even danced with Jaime’s grandma.
Then, once the night was over, he left. Didn’t say goodbye. Didn’t throw it in my face or give me shit, and somehow, that just made it worse. It stirred feelings I shouldn’t have. Feelings I almost fell for once…until I was slapped back to reality.
My friends share a look, their smiles impossible to miss.
“This isn’t funny,” I blurt, exasperated. “What am I going to do?”
Penny shrugs. “Just tell them you two broke up and bring someone else.”
I thought about that, but who would I even bring? Passion Falls isn’t exactly crawling with eligible bachelors.”
I would know. I haven’t been on a date in over a year.