Page 130 of Fauxmance

"But Maggie, we can still—"

I held up a hand. "I wasn't finished," I said.

Hayden nodded for me to go on.

"I love you, Hayden. I do. Maybe it seems fast, and yeah, maybe it would grow even deeper over time, but it's true. I've learned a lot during our time together. You made me realize what I want in a relationship."

I tilted my head.

"And I deserve more than no-strings," I said.

He just stared at me, looking as if he wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

"I hope you do let yourself find love again, Hayden. You deserve it, too. Even if I'm not the one."

I gave him a kiss on the cheek as I passed by, left Hayden there standing like a statue in the bathroom, and tried not to run to my car.

The engagement party was a bust. I'd told Hayden my feelings, and they weren't shared. It shouldn't have been as much of a shock as it was. But I'd really thought maybe… Shaking my head, I used the cloth in my hand to dab at my cheeks. As I was walking out, Constance caught my eye from across the room, and she seemed to nod in understanding. I wouldn't be doing the polite thing and say my goodbyes.

I'd let Hayden make whatever excuse he wanted to use.

It wasn't until I got to my car that I realized I'd been using Hayden's handkerchief to stem the flow of my tears.

And that set me crying all over again.

CHAPTER 24

Day three post-breakup.

Still no word from Hayden.

Still desperately missing him.

Also still carrying his handkerchief around in my pocket like a lovestruck idiot—but no one else needed to know that.

"Magnolia, would you pass me that canary yellow thread?"

I sighed, wondering what he was doing right this second. Was he practicing with his band? Was he thinking of me? Did little things suddenly crop up, reminding him of our time together and leaving a pang in his chest?

"It's the one right next to the scissors."

Did Hayden miss me as much as I missed him?

"Magnolia?" After a moment, Mom shook her head, reaching across me to her sewing kit. The move startled me out of my thoughts, and I gave her a sheepish look. "It's okay. I've got it."

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"No worries," she said.

"Really, Mom. I'm sorry. I don't know where my head is these days."

"I have a pretty good guess."

Her gaze was knowing, and I had to look away. I knew we'd talk eventually, but the feelings were still so raw. I hadn't told her what happened with Hayden. Luckily, she hadn't pressed. I was liable to start sobbing if I had to lay it all out there. Even now, my eyes grew misty as I looked at the thread in her hand.

Naturally she noticed.

"Something wrong?" she asked.

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