Page 65 of The Tryst

The broker sounds surprised. “What’s there to think about? It’s more than you expected. This is a great opportunity, and I thought you were eager to sell it.”

“I know,” I say, trying to sound more certain than I feel. “I just want to make sure.”

“All right,” he concedes. “But don’t take too long. These kinds of offers don’t come around often.”

“I understand. Thank you for letting me know.”

After hanging up, I tap my phone against my chin, my mind racing. Why am I hesitating? I don’t know what the amount is yet but based on Carl’s excitement, I’m guessing it’s pretty damn good. Regardless of the amount, unloading the shop would allow me to fully close that chapter of my life. Yet, the thought of letting it go feels like severing my last tether to Shelbyville and to the possibility of things working out with Trey.

Yes… I haven’t completely given up on him. I might have left, moved back to Zurich and gone on with my life, but I am nurturing a small flame of hope because Trey made this decision under extreme emotional duress. It would be silly of me not to have some hope that he’ll come to his senses.

Yes, this time, it’s different. Eleven years ago, I was angry, confused and heartbroken. Trey hurt me and that was all on him. Now, I understand the tortured emotions he’s dealing with. I can’t blame him for the way he feels, and I can’t shake the hope that maybe, just maybe, he’ll come around.

Needing to talk to someone, I call Kat. It’s just past noon in Kentucky and I’m hoping to catch her on a lunch break.

The phone rings a few times before she picks up. “Hey, Holland,” she says, her voice cheerful, which makes me smile. I last saw her at Wade’s funeral, crying her eyes out. “How are you?”

“I’m all right,” I reply, trying to sound casual. “Just wanted to check in. How’s everyone doing?”

“Getting by,” she says with a sigh. “We’re hanging in there. Ethan’s keeping us all busy with the farm work, but what else is new, right?”

I hear the sounds of the barn in the background—horses nickering, the clatter of tools. “How’s Fi?”

“She’s strong, you know that. But it’s been tough. We all miss Wade so much.”

I hesitate, then ask, “And Trey?”

Kat makes a disgruntled sound. “Well, I wouldn’t exactly know since he’s so closed off. He won’t talk to anyone.”

“He’s been through a lot,” I murmur.

Kat’s laugh is mirthless. “We’ve all been through a lot, Holland. You included. But we’re all banding together and he’s off by himself, being all tortured and angry. And now I’m so angry at him. I know Gabe’s tired of me bitching about it but I’m so ready for him to get over himself.”

“Kat,” I chastise.

“No!” she exclaims. “You know what… yes, we’re all hurting. But do you know who’s in the most pain? Our parents. They lost a son and they’re pulling on a strength that’s unbelievable.They raised Trey to be better than this… this… misplaced sense of guilt. And what he doesn’t realize is that by pulling away, they feel like they’ve lost two sons. He needs to get his head out of his ass.”

She pauses for air and lets out a maniacal laugh. “Sorry… just unloaded on you.”

“I understand,” I say. “But he’s mourning Wade on top of being overcome with that guilt, thinking his fight caused Wade’s death.”

Kat is silent before she speaks again. “I don’t think that’s it, Holland. I think he’s regretting losing you.”

I don’t want to get my hopes up, but Kat’s words make my heart ache. “I don’t know, Kat. He was pretty clear that this was an absolute choice.”

“I know my brother,” she insists. “He’s stubborn, but he’s not immune to regret. Just give him time.”

Time is all I have because my life is moving on, with or without Trey.

We chat a bit more, catching up on the latest farm news and reminiscing about better times. I could kick myself in the ass for not staying in touch with Kat and Abby when I left home eleven years ago. It’s like we never had that break in our friendship now, and I vow to never let this go again.

Eventually, the conversation turns back to my future plans. “I got an offer on the printshop,” I tell her. “Supposedly it’s a good one, but I haven’t reviewed the details yet. I’ll do that tonight.”

“Oh, wow. That was fast.”

“Yeah… but I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”

Kat’s silent for a beat before asking, “Is there a chance you’ll come back and run it?”

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