Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 104657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 523(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104657 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 523(@200wpm)___ 419(@250wpm)___ 349(@300wpm)
“Taking a job in Missoula just to be near me was stupid. You know that, right? There was no advanced thinking that went into that decision. So you basically started your career with an insane decision.”
“I’m fully aware,” she says with a sharp nod.
“Well.” I laugh, starting my Bronco. “I have to believe you regret that decision.”
Everleigh’s gaze dips along with her head. “I don’t know yet. But I’m not a stalker. I’m just the young woman who fell in love with you in less than a week. And I chose to be close to you over fancy titles at the most prestigious medical institutes because I’m smart enough to know that love is the most fulfilling emotion. And even if we don’t work out, I won’t regret anything. I would only regret not knowing. Not trying.”
I lift her chin with my finger as her words jumble my thoughts and suffocate my already heavy heart. “Everleigh, dive deep, and just keep swimming. Be grateful for being so smart and talented. Change the world before it changes you. All too soon, everything you thought mattered will feel insignificant. Trust me.”
She hooks her finger around mine, pulling it from her chin. Her lips lift into a knowing grin as she shakes her head. “You’re not listening to me, William Landry. I don’t need to dive deep or change the world.” She releases my finger and steps backward. “And you will never feel insignificant.”
This woman . . .
Everleigh doesn’t pretend to hide her emotions. Her heart leads. Common sense and self-preservation get dragged behind, kicking and screaming. There’s a word for that, but I’m not sure if it’s passion or delusion.
The line between the two is thin.
“Everleigh?”
She eyes me without speaking.
“Are you spending Thanksgiving with either of your parents?”
She furrows her brow for a second before shaking her head.
“Come to Somers for a few days. Then take the job at Hopkins.”
I don’t know what reaction I expect, but she gives me nothing. When I close my door, she slides her hands into her jeans’ front pockets and heads toward the barn.
I’m jobless.
Living with my mom.
Waiting for my dad to pass.
And catching feelings for the woman who made my life a living hell for years.
I could use a shrink.
Friendsgiving is bittersweet. These are my friends, but Everleigh should be here. I’m not proud of myself for anything I’ve done in recent months. Still, I do my best to enjoy the last evening of my break, but checking my phone every few minutes for a text from my mom or sister makes it hard to relax. Thinking about Everleigh doesn’t help either.
“Are you sleeping with Everleigh?” Jamie asks in the middle of a conversation about doulas and midwives.
We’re gathered around Jamie and Fitz’s reclaimed wood table, complete with candles and pumpkin decor.
I draw my head back, giving her a cringey grin. “No.”
“Oh my gosh, I wanted to ask the same thing,” Maren says, passing potatoes to Ozzy. Thankfully, Lola is spending the night at a friend’s house again, much to Ozzy and Maren’s displeasure. But they can’t tell her no.
“Perhaps it’s none of our business,” Ozzy says to Maren.
She shoots him a wrinkle-nosed expression, something between a scowl and a grin.
“You all seem to like her,” I say. “So I’m taking one for the team and letting bygones be bygones. I’ve got too much other shit going on to deal with grudges.”
“Well, that’s good to hear. I feel sorry for her, but at least you’re not actively hating her anymore,” Jamie says. “She still has the biggest crush on you, and it was heartbreaking seeing you act so cruelly toward her.” She pushes back in her chair. “I have to check on the pies, and I forgot the yams.”
“I’ll help you,” Maren says, following Jamie into the kitchen.
When they’re around the corner, Fitz points his fork at me. “Did you fuck her this weekend?”
I narrow my eyes at him for a second before looking at Ozzy. His unblinking gaze pings between Fitz and me. “Don’t get me involved.” Ozzy quickly shakes his head.
Fitz knows too much. There’s no fooling him.
“Semantics. Right?” Fitz says. “Jamie asked if you slept with Everleigh, and you have not closed your eyes and fallen asleep with her. Did you have sex with her this weekend?”
I chuckle and shake my head as if it’s a ridiculous question.
“It’s fine, Will. You can hate her and screw her. No one would blame you for needing a quick release. There is a lot of shit going on in your life.”
Instead of acknowledging Fitz, my attention returns to Ozzy for a few seconds. He holds up his hands and shakes his head. “Nope. Still not getting involved.”
I sigh when Ozzy refuses to offer any help.
“You and Jamie weren’t exactly best buddies at one point,” I remind Fitz.