Page 57 of Never Really Over

“I know. That’s part of the reason I went out last night. How could I have been so heartless?”

“You had me rooting you on, remember? I kept telling you that you needed to just forget about them. That they didn’t understand. I’m as much to blame here as you are.”

I shake my head. “I won’t blame anyone else for my own actions. That’s not going to fix anything.”

He blows out a breath and lays his head against the back of the chair. “Yeah. You’re probably right. But I did contribute. At least admit that much.”

Shrugging, I go on, “Anyway, after they were honest with me about what happened after I left, I promised I’d just leave Colt alone. I wouldn’t stop in and check on him. Wouldn’t call him. It was best that way, you know? I wasn’t any good for him and being around him would only cause more hurt. I guess he’s mentioned a couple times that he doesn’t want any type of romantic relationship now that he’s got Poppy. He wants his focus on her and only her. They said that it took him so long to get into a good place and I would just set him back. Confuse things. I figured they were right so I made the decision to do my best to steer clear. Then the three of us started talking and it was like old times. I couldn’t help but wish I hadn’t promised them I’d stay away because I want to be in their lives again. After a while, they started to open up more and more with me. Sharing their lives and filling me in on everything I missed out on. They asked me questions about Chicago and Jenna even admitted that a small part of her was jealous for a little bit.”

“She’s happy now, though?”

“Seems to be.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah. So I was just getting ready to leave and Colt called Missy, panicking because Poppy was crying and he couldn’t figure out why. I should have just let them go but I was so scared. Missy said she’d never heard him so worried so we all rushed over there. On the way, Missy or Jenna must have called Amy and Tori, maybe you haven’t met her yet, but anyway, they met us there. Amy was definitely not as welcoming as Jenna or Missy were. Not that they just opened their arms and let me into their fold again, but they didn’t make me feel like the enemy, either. Amy, on the other hand, didn’t mince words.”

“I bet she didn’t. Not surprising. She was always a ball buster.”

“Definitely. She hasn’t changed. But she hates me now and that was a hard thing to see. I deserve it, I guess, but it’s still hard.”

Dalton leans forward and takes my hand. “No one deserves to be hated, Layla. And no one should hold hate in their heart, either. It festers and only causes problems.”

“Well, she definitely hates me.”

“Doubt it. She’s just pissed and needs time. Poppy okay?”

“Think so. Tori is a nurse and they gave Poppy meds. The ladies all agreed that she was just teething.”

“Sounds like fun,” he winces. “I have a lot to learn.”

“You’ll do great. I have no doubt.”

“At least one of us doesn’t. I’ve been reading books like it’s my new job. I’m nervous as fuck.”

I give him a soft smile.

Across the street, there are two kids riding bikes down the sidewalk. They’re laughing and carefree. Two more are on scooters and a few others playing in a sprinkler. Who I assume are all the parents, are sitting in lawn chairs in the driveway, laughing together and watching their kids. I don’t recognize most of the people, but they look to be a few years older than me.

“Know any of them?”

“Yeah. Seniors when we were freshmen. Two of them I’ve never seen,” Dalton says. “Weird, right? That we’re back here and see so many familiar faces. In Chicago, we only bumped into each other at work or Happy Hour. It was never for reasons like that.”

“Do you have regrets?”

“No, because it brought me to Bridget and I’m glad for my time there. It made me who I am. I still love Chicago and honestly, I’d still live there.”

“If it weren’t for Bridget.”

“Yes and no. Moving to Hollow Grove was her idea, but it settled in so easily with me, I think it would have happened regardless.”

“I’m happy that you’re happy.”

“Cheesy,” he says, teasing.

I touch a shoulder to my ear. “Can’t help it. I like seeing you this way.”

He grins and winks then turns back to watch the kids. “You can have it someday, too.”

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