Page 79 of Exes Don't

“It’s the truth.”

She’s quiet for a beat before admitting, “She’s intimidating.”

“And domineering, bossy, narcissistic, and stuck in her ways.” I hold up my fingers, counting off. “To name a few of her charming qualities.”

Rose winces. “When does she get here?”

“This weekend. I’ll be at our away game when she arrives. But then we’ll do an early Christmas in the States. She has to be back in Penwick for the actual holiday celebrations at the end of December. Heaven forbid her own family would take precedence over the country.” I sigh. “I don’t mean to sound bitter. I’m mostly okay with it. But every once in a while, it gets under my skin. Especially because I’m expected to do the same. I’m mad at myself because for all of my life, Ihavedone the same. I’ve said yes to whatever was asked of me by my country, no matter the personal detriment or my true feelings about it.”

Rose looks up at me, and there’s no pity in her gaze, nor do I see any annoyance. There’s just understanding, and if I’m not mistaken, respect. “I’ll be there for you—if you want me to be. Or if not, I’ll make myself scarce.”

I bend toward her and capture her lips with mine. It’s an awkward kiss because we’re walking side by side, but the fact that she offered, that she understands how challenging it is for me to face my mother alone, means the world.

“Don’t ever make yourself scarce around me. I want all of you, all the time. The good. The bad. The snarky. I want your best days and your worst ones, and if you’ll have mine, I’ll share them all with you too.”

Rose holds out her hand. I stare down at it and then ping my gaze up questioningly.

“It’s a deal.” Rose wiggles her fingers. “I thought we should shake on it to make it official.”

“Right. Of course.” I take her proffered hand in mine and give it a firm shake.

I bend and kiss her again.

“It’s way more fun to seal something with a kiss than a handshake,” I tell her when she pulls back.

“Fair.” She turns us down a side road. “Wool Beach is right up this way.”

I hear the scrape of the water hitting the shore as we approach, and when we crest the edge of the cove, the sight before me steals my breath.

The water is coal black near the shore with some patches of solid ice. The moon shines off of it, reflecting a creamy glow across the wide expanse. The trees creak beneath the weight of the fresh snow, and it smells like earthy, cold air and pine.

“This place is incredible.”

Rose bobs her head and shivers.

“You’re cold. Come here.” I pull her in front of me and wrap my arms around her, holding her back to my chest.

She burrows in. “This is a favorite local spot. We keep it secret from the tourists so it doesn’t get overrun. We have bonfires out here and cool off in the summer months. There’s a great view of the fireworks over the lake too.”

“I can picture it.”

“We can come back this summer if you want.” Her voice holds all the hope I feel in my chest.

I bend and kiss her behind the ear. “Promise?” I whisper.

She shivers, but I don’t think it’s from the cold this time. “You have my word.”

I tip my chin up and stare out over the water. We stand in silence for a while. My head is full of all things Rose, and I can’t help but long to unload a secret I’ve been carrying around.

She’s someone I would trust this with. It’s a big thing. But if not her, then who?

“Can I tell you something? Off the record?” I ask.

She scooches more deeply into my embrace. “Go ahead.”

I exhale. “I’m thinking of abdicating.”

Rose freezes in my arms before she slowly swivels her head and stares at me. I keep my eyes straight ahead for an extra second before glancing down and meeting her gaze.

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