Page 76 of Never Really Over

Small Town Boy

At five-thirty Ilook at my phone for the umpteenth time today. After we woke up on Sunday morning, we made breakfast together as a group, helped clean up the yard, which was a complete disaster, and then let the kids play a while. I reluctantly headed home around noon, not wanting to overstay my welcome. Well, Iwantedto stay, but I also didn’t want to push my luck. Saturday night had been an unexpected dream and I didn’t want to jinx it.

I hadn’t known what to expect showing up at Colt’s place Saturday night. I wasn’t invited by him, and knew I was taking a risk but decided that the risk was worth it. He needed to see that I was willing to put myself out there for him. Dalton’s words resonated with me and I realized that I couldn’t complain or wonder if he and I could be together again if I hadn’t even tried.

I hoped that he wouldn’t kick me out. I prayed that he and I would be able to at the very least be friends again. I hadn’t expected what happened later that night. I don’t regret it, though. Not one single second of it.

When I got home yesterday, Mom just gave me a knowing smile and patted me on the shoulder.

I hadn’t been home for even thirty minutes and Colt texted me.

And since then, we’ve been texting constantly.

Sending each other funny videos or memes, showing me pictures of Poppy with her new puppy and surrounded by the many gifts she received at her party. I wasn’t sure if I should bring a gift, so I left it in the car. I didn’t even know what to get her, but I found a book that looked cute, an adorable outfit — Amy gave me her size — and a little plush cow, so I’ll give it to her tonight.

Tonight.

I know this isn’t adatedate, but it feels like it’s the start of something.

My stomach has been fluttering all day, not from nerves, though. From excitement.

I got myself together enough to work today, though I’m not sure how I was able to focus. Saturday night was better than I could have ever imagined, and not just because I ended the night in Colt’s bed. Though, that was a pretty amazing addition to the night.

I felt like I was finally home, once again, home.

My phone pings with a text as I’m logging off my computer and the thrill of a text from Colt dies down when I see it’s Dalton.

Dalton:So what should I wear as a man of honor? I mean, I’d look hot showing some leg, but I’m not sure a dress is really my best look.

He adds on the thinking emoji and I roll my eyes.

Me:You’re such an idiot.

Dalton:An idiot who was right.

Me:**sends him the eye roll emoji

Dalton:Don’t you roll your eyes at me, missy. I know what you did after we left.

My eyes widen. I thought we’d been quiet, but then again, everyone knew we slept in the same bed together.

Dalton:It’s the talk of the town. Even the guys at the barber shop are talking about it. And don’t get me started on what I heard from the old men who sit and gossip over coffee at the diner.

Me:You’re lying.

Dalton:Only a little bit. I mean, the town definitely knows you two are together again.

Me:WE don’t even know if we’re together again! We haven’t talked about it yet.

Dalton:Oh, naïve little LayLay. You’re back together. You slept with him, didn’t you? Tsk tsk. Such a hussy. I thought I taught you better than that.

Me:You don’t know anything. We slept. That’s it.

Dalton:Does my bullshit detector sense a liar? It does!

Me:Bridget deserves a crown for dealing with you.

Dalton:Come on, Lay. Tell me! I’m dying to know. Does his ding-a-ling still do it for ya? Is it large and in charge?

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