“I won’t tell you you’re the reason, but you’re the reason.”
“Oh, God.” My stomach drops and my eyes get big.
“Lea, it’s okay. I told you they were not as serious as she made them out to be.”
She did tell me that, but I still feel bad thinking that me being in town is what broke them up.
“Just let it flow,” she singsongs.
“Let it flow?” I shake my head.
“Yes, let it flow. Whatever happens is what is supposed to happen, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
“Have you been drinking?”
“I wish.” She smiles then unlocks the door. “Now, let’s go eat. I’m starving.”
I follow her back to the table, where the guys are all talking while looking at the TV hanging in one of the corners. When I reach the table, I debate once again on how to get to my seat and wonder how dumb it would look if I crawled under the table.
My gaze goes to Austin. He tips his head to the side and I swear I see a smirk form on his lips, right before I squeeze in front of him, praying I don’t end up in his lap again. I bite my lip when his hands go to my hips as I pass, helping steady me until my ass touches the seat. “Thanks,” I tell him then look up and glare when I hear Rhonda laugh from across the table.
“Are you okay?” Keith asks quietly, and I turn towards him.
“I’m fine.” I ignore the slight tug of my hair and give him one of my perfected fake smiles.
“Do you have plans for tomorrow?” he asks.
Oh, God, I’m really going to kill my mom for this. “I—”
“She’s going with me,” Austin cuts in, and I spin my head around to look at him. “Sorry, man.” He leans forward, putting his elbows on the table, then looks from Keith to me. “I called Larry, and we’re going to look at his office space tomorrow.”
“What?” I breathe, trying to wrap my head around what the hell is happening.
He shrugs and takes a drink of his beer. “Figured it wouldn’t hurt to check it out.”
“I…” I look around the table at everyone watching me then over at Keith, who looks slightly disappointed, but not much. “Sorry,” I tell him, and he shrugs, taking a drink of his beer.
“There’s salmon in the rivers all summer long. We can go another time.”
“Yeah,” I agree, feeling another tug on my hair, which I ignore like the others.
Thankfully, the rest of dinner is filled with quiet banter and laughs, sitting there I couldn’t help feeling like this is where I’m supposed to be.
Chapter 6
Lea
I walk Rhonda out to her car and give her a tight hug. We just wrote up my mom’s care plan, and even though it was sad hearing about what would happen, I feel relived knowing there is a plan in place for when the time comes.
“You need anything, you call me.”
“I will.” I smile, wiping under my eyes.
“Even if you just want to talk about how hot Austin is.” She smiles and my stomach flutters. Last night after dinner, Austin walked me out to Keith’s car, once again leaning in and brushing his mouth against my cheek, leaving me wanting more, before opening the door and shutting it when I was buckled in. I don’t know what all of it means, but I’m trying to do what Rhonda suggested and let it flow.
“Thank you. Thank you for not only taking care of my mom, but for being such a good friend to me.”
“When I moved home, it wasn’t under the best circumstances, and I didn’t have any friends, so I’m happy to be that for you.”
I tilt my head to the side, studying her for a moment. “When you have time, I want to hear all about it.”
“There’s an ex-boyfriend and a lot of unnecessary drama involved.”
“Then Ben,” I say softly, and her face changes as her hand goes to her stomach.
“Then Ben. I wasn’t expecting him.”
“Life is crazy sometimes.”
“It is.” Her smile gets bigger and a twinkle appears in her eyes. “Now, I better go. I have one more stop before I head home. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.” I step back as she gets into her truck then wave as she drives off. When I get back into the house, Mom is sitting at the kitchen table with a notepad in front of her, which she closes up before I can see what she’s writing.
“Austin will be here soon,” I remind her, while pouring myself another cup of coffee.
“I’m not going with you.”
“Mom,” I sigh.
“You guys go, then come back and tell me all about it.”
“I hate leaving you alone.”
“I know there will come a time when I won’t be able to be alone, but that time is not now.”
“Are you sure?” I ask then laugh at the look on her face. “Fine, do you want me to bring you anything from town?”
“No,” she mutters then looks toward the door when the sound of a car pulling up travels into the house. “He’s here.” She smiles and butterflies erupt in my stomach.
“I’ll see you in an hour or so.” I lean down, kissing her cheek. “Call if you need me to come home before that.”
“Don’t expect a call,” she says, handing me my bag and pushing me towards the door. When I step out onto the front porch, Austin is already out of his truck. I meet him halfway, and when I get close enough, he leans in, kissing my cheek, which I love, but hate. I want so badly to turn my head and catch his mouth with mine, but fear has me placing my hand on his arm, giving it a squeeze.